This verse from Luke 24:28 is part of the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Let's break down what it means:
"They came near to the village, where they were going...": The two disciples are approaching Emmaus, their destination for the day. They are still walking with a man they don't yet recognize as the resurrected Jesus.
"...and he acted like he would go further.": This is the crucial part. Jesus appears as if he intends to continue walking beyond Emmaus. This is often interpreted in a few ways:
Testing their hospitality: Jesus may be testing the disciples' willingness to offer him hospitality. In those days, offering shelter to travelers was a significant cultural expectation. By pretending to continue onward, he gives them the opportunity to invite him in.
Respecting their choice: Jesus doesn't force himself upon them. He gives them the freedom to choose whether or not they want his company. This aligns with his overall approach to discipleship, which emphasizes invitation and free will.
Creating anticipation: By acting like he's leaving, Jesus heightens the disciples' desire for him to stay. This makes their subsequent invitation and his eventual revelation even more meaningful.
Literary device: It could simply be a literary technique to build suspense and emphasize the disciples' plea to stay.
In essence, Jesus's action is a deliberate act of feigned departure, prompting the disciples to exercise their own agency and invite him to stay. This invitation is a pivotal moment in the story, leading to the disciples recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
This verse from Luke 24:28 is part of the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Let's break down what it means:
"They came near to the village, where they were going...": The two disciples are approaching Emmaus, their destination for the day. They are still walking with a man they don't yet recognize as the resurrected Jesus.
"...and he acted like he would go further.": This is the crucial part. Jesus appears as if he intends to continue walking beyond Emmaus. This is often interpreted in a few ways:
Testing their hospitality: Jesus may be testing the disciples' willingness to offer him hospitality. In those days, offering shelter to travelers was a significant cultural expectation. By pretending to continue onward, he gives them the opportunity to invite him in.
Respecting their choice: Jesus doesn't force himself upon them. He gives them the freedom to choose whether or not they want his company. This aligns with his overall approach to discipleship, which emphasizes invitation and free will.
Creating anticipation: By acting like he's leaving, Jesus heightens the disciples' desire for him to stay. This makes their subsequent invitation and his eventual revelation even more meaningful.
Literary device: It could simply be a literary technique to build suspense and emphasize the disciples' plea to stay.
In essence, Jesus's action is a deliberate act of feigned departure, prompting the disciples to exercise their own agency and invite him to stay. This invitation is a pivotal moment in the story, leading to the disciples recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread.