“’What things?’ he asked.” Luke 24:19.
The newly resurrected Jesus has come along side of two travelers on the road back to Emmaus. As they walk along together, the two do not recognize or realize that the one walking with them is Jesus, who was dead and buried just a day or so before. Luke, the writer of this account, leads us to believe that these two walkers did not recognize Jesus because they were depressed about the events of the previous days – Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. It was going so well just the week before, and then suddenly, it all fell apart. They may have been having trouble sorting out the meaning of it all. And then this “stranger” comes along side to journey with them.
Jesus asked them what they were discussing, and they stood looking down at their feet, feeling depressed about the events that they had been talking about. They turned to this stranger and wondered out loud if he was the only one in all of Jerusalem that had no knowledge of the events of the past few days. It was at this point that Jesus asked, “What things?”
What an ironic question for Him to ask! If anyone knew of the events, it surely was Jesus, and yet, He acts, in this almost humorous way, as if He has no knowledge of the events by asking this simple question. In asking the question, Jesus seems to be drawing the story from each of the men, as if He is helping them to process the events in their own minds. It is interesting that Jesus did not just reveal Himself clearly to these men, nor did He just start preaching or giving them answers. Instead, He listened to their comments, allowing them to express their feelings and observations before responding. Isn’t it amazing what a simple question can provide and provoke? I do not know about you, but I have struggled through the years to learn how to ask effective questions. My wife is so natural at it, and she has taught me quite a bit, but it still does not come naturally. My first, knee-jerk response is to step into a situation and try to fix it. I will listen to just enough information in order to give the necessary points that will “fix the problem”. Over the years, I have learned to slow myself down to listen more carefully, and try to ask simple, clear questions. Take time today to reflect on Jesus’ approach to these people on the road to Emmaus. What can we learn from how He handled the hearts of these travelers?