Next there is the evidence of the empty tomb, coupled with the evidence of the moved stone and the undisturbed graveclothes. How are we to account for these things? Some have imagined that either Joseph of Arimathea or the Roman or Jewish authorities moved the body. But not only was there no reason for this to have been done—it would have involved violating the officially sealed tomb—it is also inconceivable that the true circumstances would not have been revealed later after the disciples had appeared in Jerusalem to proclaim their belief in Christ’s resurrection.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ the best news the world has ever heard? First, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is good news because it is true.

Now there is a great deal more to the story of Cleopas and Mary because of their meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ. For each of these three openings had an important consequence in their lives. And these three results should also occur for us when our Bibles, eyes, and minds are opened.

When Jesus began to open the Scriptures to Cleopas and Mary, He initiated the first of three openings that are mentioned in this chapter. He opened the Scriptures; He opened their eyes; and He opened their understanding. These are so significant that they would make an outline for a study all by themselves.

What is it that accounts for a belief in the resurrection on the part of Christ’s disciples? The answer is nothing but the resurrection itself! If we cannot account for the belief of the disciples in that way, we are faced with one of the greatest enigmas in world history.

The morning after the Saturday Sabbath then came. Mary went to the tomb to anoint the body with the other women, leaving Cleopas to get their things together. She saw the angels, returned to tell Cleopas about it, and then—and now look how utterly remarkable this is—joined him to preparing to leave. So far from her thinking was any idea of the literal truth of Christ’s bodily resurrection!

I believe that the road to Emmaus is a road that must be walked, in one sense, by everyone who would become a Christian, or would become a better Christian. And it is in that light that I would like us to study it. The walk started out in disbelief and sadness. It ended in joy, excitement, love, and true devotion. The same can happen to each one of us.