12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.” (Mark 16:12–13 (ESV)
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:13–16 (ESV)
All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Mark and Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.
Today’s study begins with Mark’s brief account of Jesus’ encounter with two of His disciples. Mark does not provide their names; although Luke would say it was Cleopas and his companion (Luke 24:18). The Lord’s appearance to these two men followed His earlier encounter with the women, including Mary Magdalene.
Mark recorded Jesus appeared in “another from” to these disciples. These two were walking from Jerusalem into the larger country of Israel to the city of Emmaus, located seven miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13).
“Emmaus was an ancient, and by no means inconsiderable, town, which the Romans afterwards called Nilopolis and was not a great distance from Jerusalem. But the place is named by Luke, not so much on account of celebrity, as to add certainty to the narrative,” states theologian John Calvin.
What does the phrase “another form” mean? The phrase “another form” (ἕτερος μορφή; eteros morphe) refers to a different visual form or appearance. “According to Jewish tradition, supernatural beings like angels and Elijah were capable of disguising themselves in different forms. The resurrected Jesus apparently shares this trait, which helps convince some male disciples,” explains commentator Craig Keener.
The men were walking and talking to each other about the events that occurred the previous week regarding Jesus. As they did so, Luke recorded Jesus drew near and walked with them. To “draw near” (ἐγγίζω; engizo) to approach or to come close.
“As they were walking, they were talking to each other about all the things that had taken place; that is, about Jesus’ crucifixion and the report of some women that had been to the tomb, had found it empty, and had received a message from “angels, who affirmed that he was alive” (verse 23),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
However, Luke stated the two disciples did not recognize the Lord. The text says, “Their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”
“Suddenly footsteps were heard behind them, those of Jesus. He was catching up with them and presently was walking alongside of them. In a manner not here explained—Jesus appearing in another form? (Mark 16:12); divine restraining action?—the two men were being kept from recognizing the “stranger.” (Cf. Matt. 28:17; John 20:14; 21:4).”
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
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