We can hardly imagine what it must have been like to be a follower of Jesus for several years only to see him put to death on the cross by his own people. Cleopas and Mary had thought he was the long expected Messiah who would drive out the Romans and restore glory to Israel. Jesus had better and greater expectations. Paradoxically, his death would bring them forgiveness of sin and guilt. He would undo the power of death and by his resurrection guarantee them life eternal. The walk to Emmaus is one of the best parts of St. Luke' gospel. There is mystery, devotion, loyalty, grievous disappointment and miraculous surprise. It reminds us that the gospel is all God's doing. The only contribution we make is our sin. The story also tells us that Jesus is the theme of the Old Testament, not just the New. Multiple clues point to the kind of Messiah he will be. The challenge of this book is to see how important it is to make sure that the Christ we are following is the genuine redeemer whom God sent to be our Savior and Lord.
