Echoes of Scripture in the Emmaus Road Encounter of Luke 24:13-35
Abstract
The encounter between the risen Jesus and two disciples on the Emmaus Road in Luke 24: 13-35 offers rich textual interpretive possibilities when compared ·with the Bible overall. What model(s) or method(s) might the writer of the third gospel have employed to proclaim the presence of the risen Jesus? The method of textual and intertextual dialogue used to examine the Luke 24: 13-35 pericope is that of identifying echoes of Scripture. This thesis examines God's Word to point out a few of the many echoes of Scripture that contribute to the exegetical and hermeneutical process. Echoes of Scripture are reflections or mirrored words, phrases, or related Scriptural ideas located in a particular biblical passage. The word(s) or idea from an earlier passage or text is used in a later passage for various reasons. One reason a writer may use an echo is to strengthen a theological premise, or to illustrate how God is at work in a way similar as in an earlier time in history. and even to show how God is the same even though God may be doing or revealing something new. Three specific areas (echoes) in particular are chosen for this study from Luke 24:13-35. The first echo is the revealed divine presence of God with theophany and the incarnation as compared to the burning bush of Exodus 3. Then the second echo raises the theme of Scripture, the prophetic word from God pointing to the Messiah with images of suffering and deliverance, such as Isaiah 53. The third echo is one of bread blessing and breaking with table/meal fellowship with hospitality and remembrance of Jesus the delivering host in Luke· s gospel and Exodus 12 with the Passover meal.