The Jerusalem Road

Mark Fowler

Magill, South Australia

Australia

Two friends walk along the Jerusalem road,
they talk of the things they’ve heard.
A stranger suddenly appears at their side
their interest quickly stirred,
he inquires what they are talking about, surely he would know
about the death of Jesus Christ, and of his disciples’ woe.

They tell him openly of the rabbi man
and the wonders he has done,
about the teachings that made the priests so mad,
of the claim he was God’s son.
He was a prophet, powerful in word, but he was crucified,
now authorities spread stories about saying he had lied.

The stranger tells them of the scripture and how
the Christ must suffer and die.
They listen impressed by what the stranger says,
soon it’s time to say goodbyes.
They love the instruction they receive and wish to hear much more,
they invite him to come and eat, he declines but they implore.

The stranger agrees and shares the meal with them,
he blesses and breaks the bread,
their senses heightened as he speaks the words,
they know Christ’s alive, not dead.
A moment so thrilling Cleopas says, ‘was not your heart aflame?’
Inspired, they share the good news, of the reluctant guest who came.

Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?

Bio: This is a retelling of the road to Emmaus story. In this story Jesus appears to disciples heading for the village of Emmaus shortly after his Resurrection.