Our Emmaus Road

The story of the journey to Emmaus is one of my favorite parts of the Easter story. Jesus, who only hours earlier rose from the dead, decided to surprise Cleopas and his friend as they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Just think about it: The risen Christ decided to go for a walk. 

I can only imagine the merriment in Jesus’ heart as he overheard the conversation between his two disciples. I can only imagine the look on their faces as they were completely dumbstruck that their walking buddy hadn’t heard about the recent events in Jerusalem. They must have thought that Jesus had been living under the proverbial rock. 

And then, can you imagine their surprise when their eyes were opened as Jesus broke bread with them? And poof, he vanished before their eyes, leaving them to marvel. 

How often does Jesus show up on our journey as we travel down the path of despair, hopelessness, or grief? If you are like me, the risen Christ often shows up when I least expect him. Like the two disciples on the Emmaus Road, my eyes are often closed. I’m too deep in my anxiety or despair to recognize his presence. Yet he is there. Even on the glorious paths of joy, hope, and peace, our risen Lord walks with us. 

I take comfort in the fact that no matter our current journey, we are never alone. May our eyes be opened to Christ’s presence with us — today and always. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Nicole Curtis serves as Director of Fund Development for The Upper Room. 

This article first appeared in the Easter 2025 Fellowship Focus newsletter for friends and donors of The Upper Room. Click the image below to view the complete newsletter.