By: Obed Pineda
When studying Scripture it is vital to keep in mind the purpose for which one studies it. The apostle to the Gentiles bowed before the Almighty requesting on behalf of the Colossians “that you may be filled with the knowledge of His willin all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him,being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened will all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Colossians 1:9-11). Paul’s prayer reveals that his desire for the brethren at Colosse was for them to increase their knowledge of God’s will, so that they may understand how to apply said knowledge in their daily walk with Christ. It is essential to comprehend that knowledge stored, and never used, is denigrated because its real purpose is never activated (cf. Acts 17:21, 32). Therefore, it is judicious for every student of the Bible committed to studying it, be ready to “receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be doersof the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22). In other words, our mindset when investigating Holy Writ should be to gain knowledge from it with the purpose of learning how to make the proper application of that heavenly wisdom in our own lives (cf. 2ndTimothy 2:14-16, 3:16-17). For example, the studious Christian knows about Luke’s account of Jesus appearing to Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). There is no doubt that one of the principal objectives for this inspired revelation is to provide proof of men who saw Jesus of Nazareth risen from the grave (cf. 1stCorinthians 15:1-8). Let us recall that giving names of eyewitnesses was vital in great part because the Jewish rulers “gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, ‘Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him awaywhile we slept’” (Matthew 28:12-13), Luke had undoubtedly heard this report that had been spread by the Roman soldiers, thus prompting him to investigate and “to write…an orderly account” about the story of Jesus the Christ (Luke 1:1-3). Nevertheless, Luke’s inclusion of the Lord’s appearance to Cleopas and his companion provides other magnificent teachings that enrich and strengthen our inward man just the same. A priceless doctrine found within the pericope is the importance of spiritual conversations between brethren. Luke reveals to us that these two men “conversed and reasoned” about “all these things which had happened” (Luke 24:13-14). The “things” that Luke alludes to was the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth but, too, that His body was not found inside the tomb (cf. Luke 24:17-24). From the Biblical text, it can be surmised that what these two men engaged in conversation was trying to make sense of what the empty tomb meant. Observe that these men were reasoning together because they still could not fully grasp that Jesus had risen from the grave. It was during this conversation that “Jesus Himself drew nearand went with them” (Luke 24:15). Observe that these two traveling companions were not having a heated argument nor disagreement about whether the report of the women was true or not. On the contrary, it is evident that both of them were in agreement that “the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him” (Luke 24:20). Their bold accusation against the Jewish rulers and the hope they had in Him makes manifest that these two men were disciples of Jesus (cf. Luke 24:21a). There is little doubt that when Jesus was crucified, their hope of Israel’s redemption from Roman bondage dissipated until they heard the women’s report saying, “that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive” (Luke 24:23b). The emptiness of the tomb was confirmed by certain members of their company, but “Him they did not see” (Luke 24:24). Ergo, they were attempting to understand what the meaning of Jesus’ missing body was. Their cooperation in unraveling this spiritual mystery is one of the great applications from the pericope we can make as the children of God. Neither man had a clear understanding of all the things that had transpired within those three days. They had confirmed that Jesus’ tomb was empty, but then again they had not personally seen Him resurrected yet, and this was the root of their confusion. Cleopas and the other traveler were assisting one another to understand what it all meant. They were building each other up with this fruitful conversation. The apostle Paul exhorts, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one anotherin psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). Once more, these traveling companions did not hurl insults to one another because there understanding was limited, but instead came together to work as one in trying to unveil the mystery of the empty tomb. Another valuable principal that is applicable is how they used their time on the road together. Holy Writ exhorts, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). These men made wise and proper use of their seven mile trek by studying this situation with one another. They did not spend their time on the road gossiping, murmuring against Jesus for not redeeming Israel, mocking the women who claimed to have seen the angels, nor speak evil against their rulers for murdering their Master. Instead, these men utilized their seven mile trip to Emmaus to discern and discover the true meaning of it all. It is precious also to learn that it was this spiritual conversation that prompted edification, and not destruction, that drew the risen Lord near to them. It is curious that Cleopas was able to emulate the patriarch Enoch by walking with God (cf. Hebrews 11:5). This reveals to us that God separates Himself from ungodly and immoral conversations, but He is ready and joyful to join in constructive and pure conversations. The inspired Luke tells us that Jesus “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Remember that the Savior wants mankind to know Him and His redemptive work on our behalf. Jesus drew near to them to listen, inquire, and then fill in the blanks they were missing so that they would know Him. Indeed, there are a myriad of other spiritual applications that can be made from this spectacular Biblical example. Thus this begs the following question: What more will you learn to apply in your daily walk with Christ from this seven mile trek?