Supper at Emmaus

Supper at Emmaus is the title of a famous painting by the Italian artist, Caravaggio (1571-1610), a leading painter in the Baroque period.

In fact there are two depictions by Caravaggio of the Supper at Emmaus – one painted in 1601, which is in the National Gallery in London, and the other in 1606, which is in a gallery in Milan.

Supper at Emmaus is one of many biblical themes portrayed by Caravaggio, and it is a very appropriate one for us to consider at Easter, because the incident at Emmaus is the climax of one of the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection.

Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, when Jesus suddenly joined them on their journey; but the two men did not recognise him.  

While they were walking, the three men engaged in conversation about the recent events in Jerusalem – the death of Jesus by crucifixion and the claims that he had afterwards been seen alive by a number of people. Jesus explained to the two disciples, from the prophecies in the Old Testament, that these events had to happen, because of the purposes of God in bringing salvation to lost sinners. But they still did not recognise him.

When they reached Emmaus, the two men invited Jesus into their home to eat and stay with them.  In his painting, Caravaggio remarkably manages to portray the very moment when recognition dawned on the two men.  We read of this in Luke 24:30-31: Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.  You can read the whole story in Luke 24:13-35.

Have your eyes been opened to recognise Jesus as the Saviour who died on the cross and was raised from the dead. And have you repented of your sin, for which Jesus died, and received the eternal life which all receive who believe and trust in Him?