The Risen Jesus
Cleopas and his friend were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They had witnessed Jesus' death by crucifixion there and were deeply shaken by the terrible event. They believed in Jesus and placed their hope in him, the Messiah, who would free Israel and its people from Roman slavery. The cruel execution by the political and religious elite had dashed their hope. On their way, they talked about everything that weighed on their hearts, without understanding its meaning.
In this situation, the risen Jesus encountered them, but they didn't recognize him. He asked them what they were talking about and listened attentively as they described their disappointment.
Then he began to explain the Scriptures to them. Jesus showed them, through the words of the prophets, that the Messiah had to suffer and die to enter into his glory. Although they did not yet recognize his identity, their hearts burned along the way as Jesus revealed the truth to them and began to enlighten them spiritually.
When they arrived home, they invited Jesus to stay with them because it was already evening. During the meal, he took bread, gave thanks, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. At that moment, their spiritual vision was opened, and they recognized him. It was Jesus, the risen Lord! He immediately disappeared from their sight.
This encounter changed everything. The disciples realized that Jesus had risen and was truly alive, and that his death was not the end but the beginning. They hurried back to Jerusalem to bring the joyful news to the other disciples: "The Lord has truly risen" (Luke 24,34).
This story takes us into the heart of the action and leads us along the path on which Jesus reveals himself to us today. Through the writings of the Old and New Testaments, he opens our hearts to the truth. In the breaking of bread, he gives himself to us. The bread is more than just food; it represents Jesus' glorified body, "the bread of life," which unites us with God and gives us eternal life.
We bow before Jesus and thank him for his sacrifice. With all the disciples, we accept the words of Paul: "God wanted to make known to them what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, namely, Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:14). 1,27).
Do you doubt the resurrection of Jesus? Then you are like the disciples at the beginning. But I assure you: The Lord has truly risen! We, too, can experience that Jesus lives – in us, especially in times of pain and sorrow, but also in moments of joy and enthusiasm. We are invited to listen to Jesus' words, to trust him, and to recognize him in the breaking of bread.
by Toni Püntener
More articles about the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
