August 10, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Why Didn’t Two of Jesus’ Disciples Recognize Him on the Road to Emmaus?
News
April 14, 2023
Why Didn’t Two of Jesus’ Disciples Recognize Him on the Road to Emmaus?

“They didn’t recognize him because he was probably wearing raggedy clothes, and it didn’t look like Jesus,” says Cory, 9.

“They didn’t recognize him because he was probably wearing raggedy clothes, and it didn’t look like Jesus,” says Cory, 9.

Maybe his clothes were different. We simply don’t know. It’s possible, but I think there’s a more probable explanation.

Of all Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, the conversation with two disciples on the road to Emmaus has to be the most mysterious. On Easter morning, Jesus feigned total ignorance concerning the conversation of these two disciples about his crucifixion and the report of the empty tomb.

Bewildered, the disciples asked the traveler if he were the only one that didn’t know about the things that happened in Jerusalem. “What things?” Jesus replied. I would give anything to see the expression on Jesus’ face when he asked, “What things?” After expounding the Scriptures written by Moses and the Prophets concerning himself, they still didn’t recognize him. Why?

“At death, you get a spiritual body, and they saw His spiritual body, so they didn’t recognize him,” says Kyle.

It’s true that there are earthly bodies and spiritual bodies, but is the appearance of the spiritual body that much different? When Jesus suddenly appeared in the midst of all his disciples, they didn’t have any problem recognizing him. In fact, they were scared out of their wits. At first, they thought they were seeing a spirit instead of Jesus in a resurrected body.

“Peace be unto you,” were the first words Jesus spoke.

“They thought he was dead,” says Kendall, 7. “They didn’t know he was alive,” adds Adam, 10.

The Bible tells us the disciples had hoped Jesus was going to redeem Israel. They were looking for a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman oppressors. They didn’t understand that the Messiah would conquer a much bigger enemy, death itself.

“Their eyes were restrained, and they did not recognize Him,” says Courtney, 9. That’s exactly what Luke says in his Gospel (Luke 24:16). But the question still remains, “Why?” “They did not know him because their brains were thinking of that awful thing that happened in Jerusalem,” says Trip, 8.

My friends tell me that I have tunnel vision. Once my mental radar locks on an objective, I become oblivious to everything else. We all have this capacity to get into a mindset that blocks out what we don’t want to see.

In this case, the disciples locked onto the hope of seeing the Messiah set up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. A spiritual fog descended upon them when the Roman soldiers arrested and crucified Jesus at the urging of the religious leaders. “The followers of Jesus weren’t looking,” says Michael, 7. “I guess they thought that Jesus was dead, and they couldn’t believe that He would come back,” says Jennifer, 9.

The two Emmaus- bound disciples told their new traveling companion of women who had seen angels at Jesus’ empty tomb that morning. In spite of the angelic report that Jesus was alive, the disciples persisted in their sadness and unbelief.

After hearing their explanation, Jesus began with a rebuke: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”

“They didn’t recognize him at first because their eyes weren’t opened. When Jesus broke the bread, then their eyes were opened,” says Mandy, 11.

Spiritual blindness is our natural state. We can walk through life and block out all of God’s signs and signals. Unbelief keeps the veil drawn over our eyes.

Jesus is alive, and he’s in our midst. But his appearance may not come in a form that you expect. Faith is the supreme act that can open your eyes to a realm beyond your five senses.

Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAbout-God.org/email.

Copyright 2023 Carey Kinsolving

Stand for the Silent
A: Main
Stand for the Silent
August 8, 2025
Outside the Walmart on Wood Drive, two determined young women stood in the Oklahoma summer heat - not for recognition, but for a mission. Jamyah McClellan and Tylor Jackson were representing Stand for...
this is a test
A: Main
Over $1.25M in unpaid wages recovered
August 8, 2025
The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) has announced a significant victory for Oklahoma workers, recovering more than $1.25 million in unpaid wages and liquidated damages during the 2024 fiscal year....
this is a test
The thunder of hooves
A: Main
The thunder of hooves
August 8, 2025
The thunder of hooves, the pride of heritage and the joy of a united community will soon come together in spectacular fashion as Okmulgee prepares to host the 70th Annual Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitati...
this is a test
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With school starting, the museum will be ending its summer hours very soon, but will be open on Labor Day following the big...
this is a test
HEF representative is guest of Lions
A: Main, Lifestyle...
HEF representative is guest of Lions
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held its most recent meeting at The Shack 2.0 with an active agenda, plenty of laughter and a renewed focus on community service as members prepare for a busy fall season of a...
this is a test
A: Main
Back to school season begins
August 8, 2025
As the summer winds down and school bells prepare to ring, Okmulgee County schools are welcoming students and families back with a series of fun and meaningful events. From early-morning sunrises to e...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
News
YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
August 8, 2025
The Okmulgee Family YMCA showed its commitment to the community by hosting a Free School Supplies Giveaway last Saturday as a drive-thru event. This event makes sure every child in Okmulgee starts the...
this is a test
County employment rate rises
News
County employment rate rises
August 8, 2025
Most Oklahoma counties reported jobless rates decreased during June, according to the latest news from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.During the month, the county’s unemployment rate was ...
this is a test
Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
News
Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
August 8, 2025
Have you determined how your family will be vacationing, relaxing, or having fun this summer?Time is growing short to schedule your family’s summer vacation. Have you and your group made your plans ye...
this is a test
Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
News
Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
August 8, 2025
The boulders appeared on Fourth Street as if by magic. But their placement near Tulsa’s Metrolink station is no accident; the rocks are intentionally unwelcoming, placed to deter those without homes f...
this is a test
100 Years Ago (1925)
Public Notices
100 Years Ago (1925)
August 8, 2025
The general merchandise store of Seth Hufstedler was burglarized Friday night. Entrance was gained by prying off a screen on a rear window and then forcing the top window sash down. The loss was expec...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy