Sundown, in only a few hours, would mark the end of Sabbath and the end of Passover with all its frolic and celebration.

This Passover, however, had been mixed with other excitement, other events. This would be a Passover to remember.

About seven miles from Jerusalem, two of my closest friends, Jonas ben Abram and Cleopas ben Elkanah, were on their way to the village of Emmaus. As they later related the story, they had been discussing everything that had happened. Since they were unhurried, they often stopped beneath the shade of a roadside tree. It was here that they noticed another traveler sitting on a wayside bench, his hands on his knees. They did not recognize the man but exchanged pleasantries just as travelers often do.

Then the stranger remarked, "I could not help but notice that you men are quite preoccupied with something. Judging from the intensity of your conversation, I assume you were speaking of some newsworthy event. May I ask what it is?"

"Are you a visitor to Jerusalem?" asked Cleopas. "Are you not aware of the things that have happened here these past few days?"

"What things?"

"The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth." Suddenly, both men were full of words, each interrupting the other to tell the story.

It was Jonas' turn, "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed."

"A prophet before God . . ." Cleopas.

"Everyone loved him . . ." Jonas.

"The priests and our rulers killed him . . ." Cleopas.

"Crucified him . . ." Almost in unison.

"We were all hoping that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. We were hoping that he was the Messiah." This was said with anguish and disappointment. Both men became pensive and their animation diminished.

"It all happened this last week'just as Passover was beginning. Some of our women told us an incredible story. They went to the tomb early this morning, but his body was gone. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels."

". . . who said he was alive."

"Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said."

"He was not there."

"Gentlemen, gentlemen . . . please, wait a moment. You go so fast my head reels. Think for a moment of what you are saying. Don't you think it a bit foolish not to believe the prophets? Do they not tell us plainly that the Christ must suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, the stranger explained to them what was said in the Scriptures concerning Jesus of Nazareth. They were amazed. A perfect stranger . . . a rabbi? How came he to know these things? He does not speak as the rabbis speak. A prophet?

As they approached the village to which they were going, the traveler said, "Well, I guess this is where we part. Good day, gentlemen; it has been pleasant speaking with you."

"Wait, esteemed Sir," urged Jonas, "Stay with us. It is nearly evening; the day is almost over. We very much would like to hear more." They spoke with such sincere intensity that he went in to stay with them. As they sat down to dinner, the stranger took bread, gave thanks, tore pieces of it from the loaf and gave it to them.

At that moment they recognized him, and at the moment they recognized him, he disappeared from their sight. Vanished before their very eyes! When they caught their breath and recovered, Cleopas whispered to Jonas, "Didn't your heart burn within you while he spoke to us on the road? When he spoke of the Scriptures, did it not seem that the words themselves had come alive?"

They quickly paid for their supper and without finishing their food or making arrangements for lodging, they returned to Jerusalem where they found ten of those whom Jesus had named apostles (Thomas was not there) and the rest of us assembled in a large room. We could see that these men had urgent news. We locked the door. Then they told us of what happened. When they had finished, James said, "It is true, then! The Lord has risen!" he looked at Simon Peter, "and Simon says that he has seen him already. He speaks the truth." Peter said nothing. Of course, I spoke the truth!

Exactly how it came to be that Jesus appeared to these men, chatted, interacted and dined with them without their recognizing who he was is a deep mystery to me. Is he now able to appear to us in unrecognizable form? Both of these men had been with Jesus, had been able to easily recognize him prior to his arrest and crucifixion. Did he somehow confuse their perception so that they could not know who he was? It is possible that any of us may meet Jesus anywhere, anytime, and not know that we have done so? It is a mystery I cannot fathom.