Luke 24:17
And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
Luke 24:17 (KJV)
Context
Luke 24:17 is part of the account of Jesus’ resurrection appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This incident takes place after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, but before his ascension. The disciples are walking and discussing the recent events, feeling sad and disheartened.
The Greek word translated “communications” (logoi) means “words” or “conversations,” so Jesus is asking about the content of their discussion. His question is not for information but to draw out their confusion and to teach them from the Scriptures.
Meaning
Jesus’ question, “What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” implies that he is aware of their conversation and their emotions. His inquiry shows his compassion and desire to understand their thoughts and concerns.
The disciples’ sadness reflects their disappointment and confusion over Jesus’ death. They had expected him to be the Messiah who would deliver Israel, but his crucifixion had shattered their expectations. Their sorrow reveals a misunderstanding of the cross and a failure to grasp the necessity of the Messiah’s suffering.
Biblical connections
The disciples’ sadness also highlights their lack of understanding and faith in Jesus’ resurrection, even though he had previously predicted it. Their words, “we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel” (Luke 24:21), show that their hopes were tied to earthly deliverance rather than the spiritual redemption accomplished through the cross and resurrection.
Application
Jesus cares about our emotions and concerns. Just as he noticed and inquired about the disciples’ sadness, he is aware of our struggles and desires to engage with us.
We should be open and honest with Jesus about our feelings. He invites us to bring our burdens, disappointments, and questions to him.
Jesus is patient and compassionate. He walks alongside us even when we may not fully understand or perceive his presence.
When we encounter difficulties or disappointments, we should remember that Jesus has the power to bring hope and transformation. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may not always recognise God’s work in our lives at first, but he is faithful to fulfil his promises.
Reflection
Christ enters into the midst of His people’s grief and gently confronts their unbelief. The appropriate response to such divine inquiry is to open one’s heart honestly, as the disciples did, and to listen to Christ’s exposition of the Word. The passage ultimately points to the resurrection as the remedy for sorrow, and to the necessity of faith in all that the prophets have spoken.
