Luke 24:15-16 -- On Knowing and Seeing

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him."
Luke 24:15-16


I love the story of the road to Emmaus. What struck me about it today is the idea that their eyes were "holden" so that they couldn't recognize the Savior. One of the footnotes points to this verse: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).

I like the idea on one level that we don't really know who we are talking to, and that the people around us could be angels, or even Christ, checking in on us. And therefore, of course, that we should be kind and open with all people. On a different level, it is probably sad that we don't see the spark of angelic nature in everyone, and in ourselves, and treat ourselves and everyone else with more gentleness and reverence anyway, which is also one of the great commandments.

I think for the disciples there is also another aspect, and that is the joy and wonder of getting to know Christ a second time. :) And I wonder if our whole lives are like that. We knew him in the premortal existence, and I am certain that we loved him there. What a great opportunity this life is, for many reasons, but that is one I hadn't thought of. We have the chance to get to know one of our favorite people all over again. :)

Today, let treat everyone as though they were angels, and take the opportunity to get to know God more and more, having faith in our former relationship with God as well as our more recent experiences.