Luke 24:16
But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.
But
The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast or exception. In this context, it signifies a shift from the expectation that the disciples would recognize Jesus to the reality that they did not. This word sets the stage for the unfolding mystery and divine purpose in the narrative. It suggests that what follows is not due to human failure but rather a divine orchestration.

their eyes
The phrase "their eyes" refers to the physical and spiritual perception of the disciples. In biblical literature, eyes often symbolize understanding and insight. The Greek word for eyes, "ophthalmos," can imply both literal sight and metaphorical insight. Here, it suggests that the disciples' ability to perceive Jesus was hindered, indicating a deeper spiritual lesson about recognizing Christ beyond physical appearances.

were kept
The passive construction "were kept" implies an external influence or divine intervention. The Greek verb "krateo" means to hold or restrain. This suggests that God actively prevented the disciples from recognizing Jesus, highlighting the sovereignty of God in revealing or concealing truth according to His purpose and timing.

from recognizing
The phrase "from recognizing" involves the Greek word "epiginosko," which means to know fully or to recognize. This term implies a deeper, more intimate knowledge than mere visual identification. The disciples' inability to recognize Jesus points to a spiritual blindness that required divine revelation to overcome. It underscores the theme that true recognition of Christ comes through spiritual insight granted by God.

Him
The pronoun "Him" refers to Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith. In this passage, Jesus is the resurrected Lord, whose identity is temporarily concealed from His followers. This concealment serves a greater purpose in the narrative, allowing Jesus to reveal Himself in a profound way that deepens the disciples' understanding of His mission and the fulfillment of Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The resurrected Lord who appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

2. Disciples
Two followers of Jesus, one named Cleopas, who are traveling to the village of Emmaus.

3. Emmaus
A village approximately seven miles from Jerusalem, where the encounter takes place.

4. Jerusalem
The city from which the disciples are departing, filled with recent events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

5. The Road to Emmaus
The setting of this significant post-resurrection appearance of Jesus.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Blindness
Even devoted followers can experience moments of spiritual blindness. This blindness can be due to preconceived notions or emotional turmoil.

Divine Timing
God often reveals truths in His perfect timing. The disciples' eyes were opened when Jesus broke bread with them, symbolizing the importance of fellowship and communion.

Scripture Fulfillment
Understanding the Scriptures is crucial for recognizing Jesus' work and presence. Jesus later explains the Scriptures to the disciples, showing the importance of biblical literacy.

Faith and Recognition
Faith sometimes requires believing without seeing. The disciples' eventual recognition of Jesus teaches us to trust in His presence even when we do not perceive it.

Community and Revelation
The journey to Emmaus emphasizes the role of community in spiritual revelation. Discussing and sharing experiences with fellow believers can lead to deeper understanding and recognition of God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. What might have caused the disciples' inability to recognize Jesus, and how can this apply to our own spiritual journey?

2. How does the concept of spiritual blindness appear in other parts of the Bible, and what lessons can we learn from these instances?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are open to recognizing Jesus in our daily lives?

4. How does the breaking of bread in this passage symbolize deeper spiritual truths, and how can we incorporate this understanding into our worship practices?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "road to Emmaus" moment. How did God reveal Himself to you, and what role did community play in that revelation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 21:19
Just as Hagar's eyes were opened to see the well of water, the disciples' eyes will eventually be opened to recognize Jesus.

2 Kings 6:17
Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, paralleling the spiritual blindness and subsequent revelation experienced by the disciples.

John 20:14-16
Mary Magdalene initially does not recognize the risen Jesus, similar to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Acts 9:18
Saul's physical and spiritual blindness is healed, symbolizing the opening of eyes to spiritual truths.
Further Lessons by the WayVarious Authors Luke 24:13-32
Privilege; Unconscious Companionship; IncredulityVarious Authors Luke 24:13-32
A Mistaken HereF. Fitch, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
A Suggestive QuestionCanon Liddon.Luke 24:13-35
A Wise Method of Dealing with MournersC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:13-35
Christ Constrained to AbideB. Beddome, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Christ Opening ScriptureD. Wilcox.Luke 24:13-35
Christ Opening the ScripturesCanon Fleming.Luke 24:13-35
Christ Talking -- Hearts BurningA. Raleigh, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Christ Warms the HeartJ. H. Hambleton, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Christ's First Sermon After His ResurrectionE. Hedding, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Christ's Method of Imparting InstructionH. Melvill, B. D.Luke 24:13-35
Christ's ResurrectionT. Armitage, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Communion with ChristJ. T. Woodhouse.Luke 24:13-35
Disciples At EmmausW. Jackson.Luke 24:13-35
Divine Influence Needed to Understand the ScripturesH. W. Beecher.Luke 24:13-35
Easter ConsolationsCanon Liddon.Luke 24:13-35
Easter MondayJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
EmmausJ. R. Thomson.Luke 24:13-35
Ends Proposed in the Sufferings of ChristR. Hall, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Faith and FactJesse B. Thomas, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Gain from the Sufferings of ChristA. Dickinson, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Hallowed FeelingsJohn Rawlinson.Luke 24:13-35
Him They Saw NotW. Scott.Luke 24:13-35
How to Detain Jesus in the SoulE. B. Pusey, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Jesus Drawing NearClerical LibraryLuke 24:13-35
Jesus Near, But UnrecognizedC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:13-35
Jesus RisenBishop Home.Luke 24:13-35
Our Lord's QuestionB. Beddome, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Present, But UnknownA. A. Lipscomb, LL. D.Luke 24:13-35
Sad HeartsLuke 24:13-35
Scripture OpenedJ. Jowett, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
Sunset Sorrow and Lost HopesH. Elvet Lewis.Luke 24:13-35
The Absent Lord AppearsA. A. Ramsey.Luke 24:13-35
The Bible a Rich StorehouseH. W. Beecher.Luke 24:13-35
The Bible Gives Light and WarmthLuke 24:13-35
The Blessed Guest DetainedC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:13-35
The Disclosure At EmmausC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Evening Prayer of Christ's FriendsJ. Igor, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Folly of UnbeliefC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:13-35
The Hidden ChristH. W. Beecher.Luke 24:13-35
The Journey to EmmausA. Raleigh, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Journey to EmmausW. Landels.Luke 24:13-35
The Lord is Risen IndeedW. Landels.Luke 24:13-35
The Meal At EmmausA. Maclaren, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Means, Author, and Effects of Christian InstructionH. H. Beamish, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Necessity of Christ's ResurrectionM. H. Seymour, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Opening of the ScripturesH. C. Williams.Luke 24:13-35
The Resurrection of ChristA. C. Carr, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Right Point of ViewH. W. Beecher.Luke 24:13-35
The Risen Christ the Best Escort on the Pilgrim, Age of LifeR.M. Edgar Luke 24:13-35
The Spiritual EyeJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Sufferings and Glory of ChristW. L. Alexander, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Sufferings and the Glory of the ChristJ. Waite, B. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausJ. T. Higgins.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausT. S. Doolittle, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausJ. B. Clark.Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to EmmausR. Fuller, D. D.Luke 24:13-35
Understanding the ScripturesLuke 24:13-35
While He Talked with UsLuke 24:13-35
People
Cleopas, James, Jesus, Joanna, Mary, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Emmaus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Emmaus
Topics
Held, Holden, Kept, Open, Prevented, Recognizing, Though
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 24:1-18

     1436   reality

Luke 24:1-33

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Luke 24:11-16

     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances

Luke 24:13-32

     5505   roads

Luke 24:15-32

     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances

Luke 24:16-17

     5150   face

Library
Good Friday
Eversley, 1856. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." This is a very solemn day; for on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The question for us is, how ought we to keep it? that is, what sort of thoughts ought to be in our minds upon this day? Now, many most excellent and pious persons, and most pious books, seem to think that we ought to-day to think as much as possible of the sufferings of our Blessed Lord; and because we
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 11 Morning
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.--MAL. 3:16. It came to pass that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.--Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst ot them.--My fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Let the word of Christ dwell in
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 23 Evening
They constrained him, saying, Abide with us.--LUKE 24:29. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.--Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?--I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 18 Morning
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.--PSA. 119:18. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.--We have received, not the spirit of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 7. "Abide with Us; for it is Toward Evening" (Luke xxiv. 29).
"Abide with us; for it is toward evening" (Luke xxiv. 29). In His last messages to the disciples in the 14th and 15th chapters of John, the Lord Jesus clearly teaches us that the very essence of the highest holiness is, "Abide in Me, and I in you, for without Me ye can do nothing." The very purpose of the Holy Ghost whom He promised was to reveal Him, that at "that day, ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me, and I in you," and the closing echo of His intercessory prayer was embraced
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Peter Alone with Jesus
'The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' --LUKE xxiv. 34. The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on the day of Resurrection are narrated with much particularity, and at considerable length. John gives us the lovely account of our Lord's conversation with Mary Magdalene, Luke gives us in full detail the story of the interview with the two travellers on the road to Emmaus. Here is another appearance, known to 'the eleven, and them that were with them' on the Resurrection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The First Easter Sunrise
'Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came onto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples
'And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. 16. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 17. And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Meal at Emmaus
'And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.'--LUKE xxiv. 30, 31. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Gospel accounts of our Lord's intercourse with His disciples, in the interval between the Resurrection and His Ascension, is the singular union of mystery and simplicity which they present. There is a certain air of remoteness and depth
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Triumphant End
'And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. 40. And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. 41. And while
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Witnesses
'Ye are witnesses of these things. 49. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.'--LUKE xxiv. 48, 49. Luke's account of the Resurrection and subsequent forty days is so constructed as to culminate in this appointment of the disciples to their high functions and equipment for it, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Evangelist has evidently in view his second 'treatise,' and is here preparing the link of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Living Dead
'Why seek ye the living among the dead! 6. He is not here, but is risen.'--LUKE xxiv. 5,6. We can never understand the utter desolation of the days that lay betwixt Christ's Death and His Resurrection. Our faith rests on centuries. We know that that grave was not even an interruption to the progress of His work, but was the straight road to His triumph and His glory. We know that it was the completion of the work of which the raising of the widow's son and of Lazarus were but the beginnings. But
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Ascension
'And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. 51. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.' --LUKE xxiv. 50, 51. 'And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.'--ACTS i. 9. Two of the four Evangelists, viz., Matthew and John, have no record of the Ascension. But the argument which infers ignorance from silence, which is always rash,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"I Know!"
The man of God who has fixed his feet on the rock of salvation can say with certainty, "I know." If you have not got assurance and want it, just believe God's Word. If you go down South and ask those three million colored people how they think they are free, they won't talk about their feelings; they just believe that Abraham Lincoln made them free. They believe the proclamation, and so we must believe the proclamation God has made in the Bible. "One thing thou teachest," that is salvation. [Illustration:
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Spiritual Power.
"And behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high."--ST. LUKE xxiv. 49. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."--ACTS i. 8. To-day we are celebrating the last of the series of historical festivals which mark the springtime of our Christian year. And without this one the rest would leave us with a sense of incompleteness; for we should be without its gift of the abiding and indwelling
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in the Midst of Them, and Saith unto Them, Peace be unto You," Etc.
1. The Lord appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, as ye have heard, and saluted them, saying, "Peace be unto you." [3554] This is peace indeed, and the salutation of salvation: for the very word salutation has received its name from salvation. [3555] And what can be better than that Salvation Itself should salute man? For Christ is our Salvation. He is our Salvation, who was wounded for us, and fixed by nails to the tree, and being taken down from the tree, was laid in the sepulchre.
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Beginning at Jerusalem
I. Ye that would faithfully serve Christ note carefully how he taught his disciples WHAT THEY WERE TO PREACH. We find different descriptions of the subject of our preaching, but on this occasion it is comprised in two things--repentance and remission of sins. I am glad to find in this verse that old- fashioned virtue called repentance. It used to be preached, but it has gone out of fashion now. Indeed, we are told that we always misunderstood the meaning of the word "repentance"; and that it simply
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

The Wounds of Jesus
First, what influence did the exhibition of the hands and feet have upon the disciples? Secondly, why is it that Jesus Christ, now in heaven, bears with him the scars in his flesh? And, then, thirdly, is there any lesson to us in the fact that Jesus Christ still wears his wounds? I think there is. I. First, then, OF WHAT USE WAS THE EXHIBITION OF THOSE WOUNDS TO THE DESCIPLES? I reply at once that they were infallible proofs that he was the same person. He said, "Behold my hands and feet, that it
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Twenty-Fourth Day for the Spirit on Your Own Congregation
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit on your own Congregation "Beginning at Jerusalem."--LUKE xxiv. 47. Each one of us is connected with some congregation or circle of believers, who are to us the part of Christ's body with which we come into most direct contact. They have a special claim on our intercession. Let it be a settled matter between God and you that you are to labour in prayer on its behalf. Pray for the minister and all leaders or workers in it. Pray for the believers according to their needs.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
Girolamo Savonarola was born at Ferrara in 1452, and was admitted in 1475 into the novitiate of the Dominican Order, where he soon made himself conspicuous for eloquence, and in Florence attracted many hearers by his diatribes against corruption. Florence, having lost its independence as a republic, was completely under the sway of the Medici, who became arrayed against Savonarola, who aimed at establishing an ideal Christian commonwealth. When he attacked the Pope Alexander VI. his doom was practically
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
The Voice of the Disciple O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee. When I call to mind some devout persons who draw nigh to Thy Sacrament, O Lord, with the deepest devotion and affection, then very often I am confounded in myself and blush for shame, that I approach Thine altar and table of Holy Communion so carelessly and coldly, that I remain so dry and without affection, that I am not wholly kindled with love before Thee, my God,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Shadow of Disappointment.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel. LUKE xxiv. 21. In the accounts of the disciples, contained in the New Testament, there is no attempt to glorify them, or to conceal any weakness. From the first to the last, they think and act precisely as men would think and act in their circumstances;--they are affected just as others of like culture would be affected by such events as those set forth in the record. And the genuineness of their conduct argues the genuineness
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

Links
Luke 24:16 NIV
Luke 24:16 NLT
Luke 24:16 ESV
Luke 24:16 NASB
Luke 24:16 KJV

Luke 24:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Luke 24:15
Top of Page
Top of Page