Luke 24:15
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The risen Christ's appearance to these disciples was one of several resurrection appearances that first Easter Sunday: to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-18), to the women (Matthew 28:9-10), to Peter (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), to the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:13-35), and to the eleven (Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23). Paul later listed resurrection appearances spanning forty days (Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
Jesus' unrecognized presence (verse 16) demonstrates His resurrection body's unique properties—physically real yet somehow different, able to be concealed and revealed at will. This same pattern appears in John 20:14 (Mary doesn't initially recognize Jesus) and John 21:4 (disciples don't recognize Him by the sea).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' initiative in drawing near to confused disciples demonstrate God's grace in seeking the lost and bewildered?
- What does this teach about Christ's presence with believers even when they don't recognize Him?
- How should knowing Christ walks alongside us in confusion and disappointment affect our response to difficult circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. The phrase "it came to pass" (egeneto, ἐγένετο) signals divine intervention. As the disciples communed together and reasoned (homilousan kai syzētein, ὡμιλοῦσαν καὶ συζητεῖν), Jesus sovereignly joined them. The verb "communed" (homileō, ὡμιλέω) means intimate conversation, while "reasoned" (syzēteō, συζητέω) suggests questioning, disputing, seeking to understand. Their earnest pursuit of truth created the context for Christ's self-revelation.
The statement Jesus himself drew near (autos Iēsous eggisas, αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας) emphasizes Christ's personal initiative—the emphatic pronoun "himself" (autos, αὐτὸς) stresses it was truly Jesus, the risen Lord. The verb "drew near" (eggizō, ἐγγίζω) indicates He approached and joined them, unrecognized. He then went with them (syneporeueto autois, συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς), the compound verb suggesting He walked alongside, companioning them on their journey.
This models how Christ meets seekers. He joins our conversations, enters our confusion, walks alongside in our journey. Before revealing Himself, He'll open Scripture (verses 25-27), warm hearts (verse 32), then make Himself known (verse 31). The pattern shows that Christ revelation comes progressively: presence before recognition, Scripture before sight, understanding before full revelation.