Luke 24:35

And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And {G2532} they {G846} told {G1834} what things were done in {G1722} the way {G3598}, and {G2532} how {G5613} he was known {G1097} of them {G846} in {G1722} breaking {G2800} of bread {G740}.

Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah.

Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

And they rehearsed the things that happened in the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of the bread.

Commentary

Luke 24:35 describes the culmination of the famous Emmaus Road encounter, where two disciples, Cleopas and another, recounted their transformative experience with the resurrected Jesus. This verse serves as a bridge, leading into Jesus' appearance to the larger group of disciples in Jerusalem.

Context

Following the traumatic events of Jesus' crucifixion, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the recent happenings with heavy hearts. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus Himself joined them on the journey (Luke 24:15). He patiently explained the Scriptures, showing how the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and glory were fulfilled in Himself (Luke 24:27). Despite this profound teaching, their eyes were still "holden" (Luke 24:16) from recognizing Him. It was only when they invited Him to stay and He performed the familiar act of breaking bread with them that their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. Upon this recognition, Jesus vanished, and the disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem to share their astonishing news.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The disciples' recognition of Jesus wasn't through intellectual understanding alone, but through a personal, intimate act of fellowship. This highlights how Christ reveals Himself in unexpected ways and moments of shared community.
  • The Significance of "Breaking of Bread": This phrase, klasei tou artou (ฮบฮปฮฌฯƒฮตฮน ฯ„ฮฟแฟฆ แผ„ฯฯ„ฮฟฯ…) in Greek, carries deep meaning. While a common act of hospitality, in Luke's Gospel, it strongly echoes the Last Supper and foreshadows the central practice of the early church โ€“ the Eucharist or Holy Communion (Acts 2:42). It suggests that Christ's presence is uniquely experienced in communal worship and remembrance.
  • The Urgency of Witness: Immediately after recognizing Jesus, the disciples felt compelled to return to Jerusalem and share their extraordinary encounter with the other apostles. Their personal experience transformed them into eager witnesses of the resurrection.

Practical Application

Luke 24:35 encourages believers to look for Christ's presence in their daily lives, particularly in moments of spiritual fellowship and the study of Scripture. Just as the Emmaus disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, we can encounter Him in our communal worship, in the sacrament of communion, and as we prayerfully engage with God's Word. The verse also reminds us of the power of personal testimony; when we truly encounter the risen Christ, we are moved to share that good news with others, just as these disciples did.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 16:12

    After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

  • Mark 16:13

    And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

  • Luke 24:30

    And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them.

  • Luke 24:31

    And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

  • Acts 2:42

    ยถ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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