After recording Jesus’ suffering and death (22:1-23:56), Luke writes about the story of two disheartened disciples to whom Jesus appeared while they were walking on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24; cf. Mark 16:12-13), and revealed Himself to them by opening the Scriptures and through the breaking of bread (24:26,27,35). The beauty of the story is described in v. 32 the impact that Christ’s word has in the life of every believer: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"

This passage is one of two accounts that talk about Jesus’ post-resurrection ministerial work in interpreting the Scriptures to overcome his disciples' lack of understanding and recognition.