17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Incognito Christ

Jesus enters the conversation. Jesus asks them what are you talking about? Now, If anyone knew what they were talking about, if anyone understood all the details of the events of the last few days, it was Jesus. But instead, He acts as if He is totally unaware.

You can see how amazed Cleopas is by the first question he asks in response, Luke 24:18 Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? In other words, Have you been in total isolation, all alone, while you were in Jerusalem?

Jesus’ response shows a bit of humor He says, “What things?” He had to be smiling when He said that.

So, they begin to tell their new traveling companion about “Jesus of Nazareth” about himself. He was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. They tell of the conspiracy to murder Him. They tell of their faith that he was the Messiah, the redeemer of Israel. They tell how long it’s been since he had died, they are now on the third day passed.

To add to their confusion, they heard a report that morning as they prepared to travel home. Luke 24:22-24 certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Their explanation tells us a lot about why Jesus hid his identity from them and why they were so confused.

They called Jesus a great prophet, a miracle worker and hoped that He was the Messiah who wouldfree Israel. But they did not call Him the son of God. They did not call Him the Savior of Mankind. They did not fully understand who Jesus fully was.

Because they didn’t realize that Jesus was not just a man, or prophet and a miracle worker, they could not comprehend how He could overcome His own death. They sure didn’t understand the necessity of His death and they weren’t even sure is they could accept the testimony of the women who reported the tomb was empty and angels saying, “He is not here.”

They had only confusion instead of confidence, only fear instead of faith. They were hopeless instead of hopeful because they did not realize Jesus was alive and with them.

Seeking Answers With the Savior

Isn’t this similar to the way of Jesus in our lives?  He doesn’t barge in, he doesn’t demand, or start taking control of our life when you first meet Him. He begins quietly, slowly, almost imperceptibly and suddenly you realize, Whoa, I’m walking with the risen Savior.

That encounter with Jesus may begin with a family member, a friend, a co-worker or a shared scripture. It almost always involves questions, life questions, spiritual questions, practical question or eternal questions.

Let’s be honest, most of life doesn’t make sense most of the time. We have questions; why is sin is so strong, why does evil seems to win so often, why terrible, painful, hurtful things happen to so many good people?

These disciples had known Jesus personally, had heard him preach, watched him heal but when life took a turn they didn’t see coming, they didn’t know what to think. They had no good answers. They were left with only their confusion and their questions. And yes, that’s just like us, sometimes when our life takes those unexpected turns or worse those expected crashes.

And this is not new. We find many in the Bible, people like the psalmist Asaph, who struggled with his questions.

Psalms 73:1-14 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

And when those times come in our lives, and they will always come, always, when they come we need to look around us, for whether we realize it or not, Jesus is right there walking with us and He is the only One who has the answers we so desperately need.