The Jews refer to their [Hebrew/Old testament] scriptures as the “TaNaK” which stands for the Torah [Law], the Nevi’im [Prophets] and Kethubim [Writings]. The whole Scriptures is often called simply as “the >LAW AND THE PROPHETS” (Mat. 7:12) Luke is more explicit when he adds the Psalms, which stands for the other books in the Kethubim as well.

On the Road to Emmaus and later in the Cenacle in Jerusalem, Jesus explains that what happend in the last three days – His Passion, death and Resurrection – had been written in Scriptures.

For Luke, the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms are enlighthened by what God has done to Jesus. JESUS IS THE FULFILMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES. This is the conviction of the Evangelists. Luke presents the Scriptures as POINTING TO JESUS – but the believer must open his mind and heart to this understanding.

The HOLY SPIRIT makes this possible and creates this reality as the believers are enlighthened.

Whatever might have been the Historical EMMAUS, Luke’s message is clear. Three Themes easily emerge:

• First: JESUS INTERPRETS THE SCRIPTURES- THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK ABOUT HIM AND FIND FULFILMENT IN HIM.
• Second: THE MEAL HAS THE OVERTONES OF THE EUCHARIST- WE RECOGNIZE THE RISEN JESUS IN THE “BREAKING OF THE BREAD”
• Third: AFTER ENCOUNTERING AND RECOGNIZING JESUS IN SCRIPTURES AND IN THE EUCHARIST, THE DISCIPLES WENT BACK AND SHARE THEIR FAITH EXPERIENCE WITH THE COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES.

This in a Nutshell is Bible study, reflection and mission