24:32Luke 24:32

On the day he rose, Jesus joined two disheartened disciples walking to Emmaus, and while still unrecognized as a stranger he explained from Moses and all the prophets how the Scriptures foretold his suffering, death and resurrection, until the breaking of bread opened their eyes to know him.DA 795.1+4 He kept his identity hidden until he had interpreted the Scriptures so their faith would rest firmly on the prophetic word rather than merely on the joy of seeing him alive.ST Sep 19, 1878+4 The burning of the heart is the Spirit's power in the opened word touching the mind, awakening understanding, conviction, faith and love, warming the soul with light on Christ and the plan of salvation beyond mere reasoning.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10+4 As the Scriptures were opened, the very events that had crushed their hope were seen to fulfill prophecy, turning despair into wonder, comfort, sacred hope and full assurance in the risen Saviour.Lt 27, 1894, par. 10–12+4 That burning cannot be kept silent but sends believers back to tell others what Christ has taught them, and the same risen Christ still opens the understanding of all who humbly search his word.CE 87.1+4

The saying belongs to the day Jesus rose, when two earnest but disheartened disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus discussing the trial and crucifixion and the reports that his body was gone, unable to understand his lessons, and Jesus joined them to comfort them with lessons they would never forget.DA 795.1+1 He came to them unrecognized as a stranger, and beginning at Moses and all the prophets expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.CE 87.1 When constrained at evening he went in to tarry with them, took bread, blessed and broke and gave it to them, their eyes were opened, they knew him, and he vanished from sight.CE 87.1

They were walking sadly the eight miles home to Emmaus to meditate and pray, disappointed because they had expected him to reign on David's throne in Jerusalem and redeem Israel.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10+1 With eyes holden they did not know him while he traced his own history and sufferings from Moses and the prophets and opened the Scriptures to their understanding.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10+1 They knew him only when familiar motions in taking bread and asking blessing and the nail marks in his uplifted hands revealed him, and only afterward did they recognize that their hearts had burned within them by the way.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10+1 One telling holds that they did not recognize him by any special physical mark, but recognized who he was when he told them.SG4 119.1

His humble companionship in listening to their distress and speaking graciously shows that the risen Jesus identifies with his suffering and perplexed people and is with them on their hardest paths to comfort and help them.ST Sep 19, 1878+2 He still shares the sympathy and love he showed before his death, and he is just as truly beside people in sorrow now, offering peace and life if they accept him.3SP 212.1–2+2 He walks beside those in grief to bring consolation and peace.Ms 80, 1886, par. 27

The travelers hurried back with joyful tidings to the disciples assembled in the upper chamber in Jerusalem, where excitement reigned and hope and faith were struggling for ascendency.3SP 216.2 All had heard Mary Magdalene and the other women, but some were too hopeless to believe their testimony.3SP 216.2 Peter's ardent and assured testimony of his interview with the risen Lord had carried more weight with the brethren, and their faith had begun to revive.3SP 216.2 When the Emmaus disciples entered they were met by many voices declaring that the Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon.3SP 216.2 Their walk with him, his meeting them, his exposition from Moses, and his making himself known before leaving them, with the whole passage from Luke 24:13-35, forms abundant evidence that he was living and not dead and proves a risen Saviour.Ms 94, 1897, par. 28–30+2

Beginning at Genesis, with Moses and all the prophets, he traced a connected chain of prophecy stretching from the patriarchs to that very time, foreshadowing what had happened to the Saviour.ST Sep 26, 1878+2 He continued to explain the Scriptures even after reaching their home, giving evidence of his divinity and unfolding the plan of salvation.ST Oct 6, 1909 When they returned from Emmaus they told the others how he had revealed these Scriptures to them.ST Oct 28, 1886

He showed from Scripture the prophecies about his life, character, mission and work, suffering, death, resurrection, and glory, and that they had been fulfilled exactly as foretold.RH Mar 31, 1903+3 Their earlier ignorance of those Scriptures had left faith weakened and hopes shaken, but as the Scriptures were brought to mind faith revived, hope was strengthened, disappointment gave way to comfort, and their hearts burned with love for the Saviour.RH Mar 31, 1903+3 His exposition enabled them to see the glory of the earlier dispensation and its symbols of Christ as never seen before, showing that the Jewish rites and Scriptures revealed Christ and that Christ himself made their meaning clear.Ms 51, 1890, par. 33–37 This gives the lesson to be repeated in all coming time, that the Old Testament is the only key that unlocks the New Testament Scriptures and shows that Jesus Christ revealed in the gospel is the Son of God, the long-expected Messiah.ST Oct 21, 1886

Before expounding he reproved their unbelief and slowness of heart in not accepting the word of God just as it reads.ST Dec 10, 1912+1 His opening puts Christ at the center and gives light and significance, for when Scripture is searched with Christ at its center its meaning is found.Lt 41, 1893, par. 28–32 When his meaning in the Old Testament is clearly and spiritually understood, hearts are deeply stirred by the power of his interpretation.Lt 41, 1893, par. 28–32+1

He opens the Scriptures and reveals things that had been hidden since the foundation of the world.Ms 111, 1905, par. 5 He sweeps away the mists of error and superstition that obscured precious rays of light and reveals the brightness of the Father's glory, and the heart burns in response.Lt 31, 1891, par. 18–20

He kept himself hidden and disguised as he talked with them by the way, drawing out their grief while he interpreted the Scriptures until he had led them to an intelligent faith in his life, his character, his mission to earth, and his death and resurrection.ST Sep 19, 1878+3

He did this because he wanted truth to take firm root in their minds on unquestionable evidence, not on his personal testimony and the joy of seeing him risen from the dead, but on the agreement of the typical law and the prophets of the Old Testament with the facts of his life and death, so that their faith would rest on Scripture and they would be ready to accept him when he made himself known.ST Sep 19, 1878+2 He delayed revealing himself in his true character as risen from the dead because the joy of seeing him alive would have satisfied their souls and taken away their hunger for the sacred truths he wished to impress indelibly on their minds.ST Sep 19, 1878+1 That light given that day was to be imparted by them to others, who would spread the precious knowledge further until thousands received it.ST Sep 19, 1878+1

Even before they recognized him as their risen Lord, his words had sunk deeply into their discouraged hearts, comforting them and stirring them with deep feeling as he walked with them and opened the Scriptures.Ms 113, 1897, par. 13–14+4 Their hearts burned as they heard, and their faith was kindled by his explanation before recognition gave them assurance and hope.Ms 113a, 1897, par. 12+2 Only after he was known did they understand that their hearts had been moved while he spoke with them by the way and opened the Scriptures to them.Ms 113, 1897, par. 13–14+3

The burning of the heart is the illuminating power in the Scriptures quickening faith.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10 It is a divine manifestation that touches the mind and creates a glow in the soul.6T 53.2+1 The Spirit awakens the heart to eternal truths, impresses their deeper spiritual meaning, and brings conviction that is more than logical reasoning.HSP 18.3–4 He reveals righteousness, convinces of sin, inspires faith in Christ, and turns the affections from temporary things toward the eternal inheritance.HSP 18.3–4 He brings light to darkened minds and makes the truths of Scripture clear.GW 286.3

The same burning comes when the Scriptures are searched with a humble heart and truth is taken hold of in its simplicity as verity lying open in the Bible.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10 It warms and kindles the heart with the love of God, bringing tears and gladness from the precious jewels of truth unfolded.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10 It is not mere enthusiasm.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10 The constant work of the promised Holy Spirit sent after Christ ascended draws attention to the sacrifice upon the cross, unfolds the love of God to the world, opens the precious things of Scripture to the convicted soul, and opens darkened minds to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, so that truths of eternity precious as gold cause hearts to burn within with awakened intelligence.Ms 1, 1892, par. 4–7

That burning is joy, understanding, spiritual enlightenment, love, and gratitude.Ms 35, 1891, par. 8–10+2 The risen Jesus opened the Scriptures to the travelers, and his words stirred their hearts with joy and understanding because the Scriptures had given them a newly grounded faith in the living Saviour.ST Oct 6, 1909 His resurrection became the central truth of faith and hope.ST Oct 6, 1909 When Scriptures are opened with divine power they awaken conscience and bring life to the soul, while human theories and literary essays cannot satisfy the heart in the same way.COL 40.1–3 They give the hungry soul satisfaction and the divine presence it longs for.6T 53.2 Preaching should let the Bible speak so that hearers feel this stirring response and are renewed by God's Word.RH Feb 27, 1908 Discourses that lack this leave hearers unable to speak these words, because powerless teaching fails to awaken the transgressor and convict souls of sin, and hearers desire preaching that opens the Bible and awakens conscience and soul.6T 53.2+1

The heart burns within when contemplating the infinite sacrifice God made in giving His only begotten Son to die and giving all heaven with Him.Ms 4, 1901, par. 23 Contemplating God's gift of His Son and the infinite sacrifice made for humanity stirs the heart with gratitude and fervor.Ms 182, 1901, par. 5 Thinking of God's great love and mercy toward the redeemed fills the heart with sincere gratitude and joyous thanksgiving and makes prayer earnest, urgent, broken and subdued, asking for wisdom and grace to be His instrument in saving souls and to know how to approach fellow men, pleading for salvation of self and of those around, instead of offering a prosy, uninteresting petition.Ms 4, 1901, par. 23 The same burning of heart with rejoicing happens when the cross of Christ is set forth in vivid representation and people look to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of faith instead of relying on men.Ms 156, 1901, par. 64–65

The heart burns as people speak of Christ and what He means to them, and as they speak about Christ's character.COL 133.4–134.1+1 Beholding Him changes people into His image, and continued study of His life, mission, sacrifice, and work reveals ever more of the truths of salvation, and these truths are inexhaustible.COL 133.4–134.1+1 When Jesus is in the midst of believers their hearts burn with His love, felt in gathered worship with freedom in bearing testimony, strength, and heartfelt shouts of glory and victory.SG2 39.1–2 The glow of Christian hope and the brightness of the celestial world make the heart glow within.Lt 47, 1903, par. 7–8+1 The Lord Jesus Himself communicates spiritual truths to the heart that no human words can adequately express, and those who receive the brightness and splendor and joy of that heavenly world can only feebly portray it to others.Lt 47, 1903, par. 7–8+1

Their faith had weakened and their hopes had failed because they did not understand what the prophets had said about Christ's life, suffering, death and resurrection.ST Nov 14, 1878+1 They had expected a temporal kingdom at His first coming, so the crucifixion seemed to end all hope.ST Sep 19, 1878 As the Scriptures were brought to mind, faith revived and hope was strengthened.ST Nov 14, 1878+1

The Old Testament was clothed with new life and power as He explained it, and they saw that the very events that had caused despair fulfilled prophecy and proved their belief.6RED 28.2–3+2 This made clear many things Jesus had said before His trial.ST Sep 19, 1878 Their faith returned and grew stronger, and their hearts burned with love for their Saviour.6RED 28.2–3+2

Their hearts burned within them as He talked with them by the way and opened the Scriptures concerning His mission and work.Lt 27, 1894, par. 10–12+1 Hopelessness gave way to wonder and hope, and His teaching brought comfort after disappointment and filled them with sacred hope and holy, new joy.Lt 27, 1894, par. 10–12+3 Their hearts burned as they heard and their faith was kindled before they recognized Him, and seeing Him again brought full assurance and unclouded faith that prepared them for their work.GC 349.2–350.1+1

The truth they heard was richly precious, but their understanding was not yet clear enough to grasp it fully and absorb it for their spiritual needs until He was revealed.Ms 8, 1898, par. 5+1 Their despair turned to joy greater than the despair.3SP 215.1–3

The same burning of heart belongs to believers now when the Holy Spirit shines upon the sacred page and opens the understanding to know what is truth.Lt 141, 1897, par. 39 This is especially so in studying Daniel and Revelation and the other prophecies of the Old and New Testaments.Lt 141, 1897, par. 39 Earnest searching of Scripture kindles the heart with its truths, brings its promises into view, and brightens hope.ST Oct 30, 1884+1 Studying the faithful lives of the patriarchs and prophets also fills the soul with the spirit that animated them and awakens love and desire to follow godly character.ST Oct 30, 1884+1

The burning gave great news that could not be kept, taking away weariness and hunger and sending the two hurrying back over the rough road to Jerusalem to tell the assembled disciples that they had found Jesus, that Christ had walked with them and was risen.Ms 110, 1901, par. 4–12+4 They left the prepared meal behind, forgetting hunger and fatigue, because with burning hearts they could not stay home and keep the new knowledge from the others but longed to impart their joy that all might rejoice together in a living Saviour risen from the dead.Ms 110, 1901, par. 4–12+1 What He revealed as He talked with them and opened the Scriptures gave them new understanding that He had risen, turning despair into joy and gratitude and making them eager to share it.ST Sep 26, 1878+2

Though it was late they hurried back with feelings opposite to those on the way to Emmaus, too happy to notice the rough uncertain road in moonless darkness and light in heart with new revelation.3SP 215.1–3 They picked their way over rough stones and dangerous ledges, stumbling and falling in haste, losing the path and retracing steps, yet pressing on to deliver the precious message.3SP 215.1–3 Jesus was by their side though they did not know it, hearing with gladness their joyful grateful talk together by the way.3SP 215.1–3 Their burning hearts prove the resurrection to be tidings never before given to human lips, the great truth around which all the faith and hope of the church would center.3SP 215.1–3

Their response followed His teaching about His life, character, mission, death and resurrection, supported by the Old Testament typical law and prophets, and their joy came after Scripture had led them to an intelligent faith.ST Oct 6, 1909 When earnest teachers who learn from Christ open the Scriptures to attentive hearers who take heed how they hear, indifference is gone, hearts burn within while the Scriptures are opened, and hearers go from the service prepared to testify to others of the love that has done so much for them.ST Sep 13, 1899 The true teacher seeks daily for hidden treasure and keeps a filled treasure-house, so his words are the living echo of Scripture with things new and old, not dull repetition.ST Sep 13, 1899 Truth burning in the heart as it is opened and understood should be shared with others, and those who receive its light should share it, for when it is not passed on it loses its freshness, power and glory.6MR 199.5–200.1+1

True light leads back to unity instead of taking a different line that breaks it up, for when the two received light as He talked with them and opened the Scriptures they returned and found those whom God had led and was still leading, and told them how they had seen Jesus and talked with Him.RCNBP 6.3–7.1 Those receiving light should go to those chosen of God to bear a living testimony, seek counsel of those bearing the truth and giving the last message of warning and counsel with those of deep experience in the things of God, showing how the light better qualifies to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God.RCNBP 6.3–7.1 Men who claim great light but speak perverse things to draw disciples after themselves and lead away those not learning meekness and lowliness of heart from Christ fail this test.RCNBP 6.3–7.1

Christ opening the Scriptures is the example believers follow when they open the Scriptures to others.Lt 102, 1910, par. 11 Humble believers who sanctify themselves in faith and humility speak words that enlighten those not of their faith, working patiently and disinterestedly as servants of the Lord, and done in companionship with heavenly angels this work brings marked success and deepens and spreads the truth among people of all nationalities and all classes.Lt 102, 1910, par. 11 Christ is still sending chosen servants as His representatives to explain and enforce the truths of His sacred word as one important channel by which He communicates His will, so that hearing them is being taught by Christ Himself and those who reject these opportunities lose the message Christ has sent them by His servant, and the same burning of heart felt on the way to Emmaus comes to believers today when they listen to the reasons of faith.ST Mar 16, 1882 In the lonely retreats of the Waldenses Jesus likewise met with them, opened the truths of His word, and strengthened them to reject false guides and obey and worship God alone.HSFM 242.4–243.2

Understanding what God has spoken in His word is the privilege of believers, for what the Lord has revealed is for us and our children forever, and failure to claim this privilege leaves professed Christians without a clear, well-defined experience.CE 87.1+1 Christ Himself opens the understanding that they might understand the Scriptures, and this opening of the Scriptures and of the understanding is a work believers may still look to Christ to do for them.CE 87.1+1

As on the journey to Emmaus, after reproof for unbelief and slowness of heart, Christ expounded in all the Scriptures from Moses and all the prophets the things concerning Himself and opened the mind to comprehend the meaning of the sacred Word.ST Dec 10, 1912+2 The Holy Spirit conveys its true significance to the soul as never seen or appreciated before, bringing light to darkened minds and making truths clear, especially what Scripture teaches about Himself, to seekers with hearts turned heavenward.ST Dec 10, 1912+2 When the eyes of the disciples were opened to realize it was Christ Himself talking with them by the way, their hearts burned within them, and the same burning heart is felt by every searcher for truth when Christ opens the Scriptures.ST Dec 10, 1912+2

That experience is not given by casual reading but by loving the Scriptures, searching them at every opportunity to comprehend the lesson of Christ and comply with His requirements, and by sinking the shaft deep into the mine of truth to discover its rich treasures given for instruction in righteousness.Lt 31, 1891, par. 18–20 The true teacher seeks daily for hidden treasure and keeps a filled treasure-house, so his words are the living echo of Scripture with things new and old and not dull repetition, and when earnest teachers who learn from Christ thus open the Scriptures to attentive hearers who take heed how they hear, indifference is gone, hearts burn within them while the Scriptures are opened, and they go from the service prepared to testify to others of the love that has done so much for them.ST Sep 13, 1899 When people seek God humbly and earnestly and obey His word, consecrating themselves in faith, the Holy Spirit gives them glimpses of heavenly things, and their words of truth burn in their hearts instead of being spoken coldly.STMW7 33.2 Christ through His Holy Spirit still communicates with His servants and gives strength, refreshment, and comfort through His promises, and draws near in personal communion to open the Scriptures and personally guide into God's will those who seek His wisdom, with the heart burning within as the inward response.Lt 204, 1907, par. 14+2

Hearing the Scriptures thus opened confronts hearers with the binding claims of God, including the binding authority of His law and the call to obey His commandments.STB 401.2+2 Christ still opens Scripture and reveals what had been hidden since the foundation of the world, and hearing those claims can stir the heart and awaken conviction by showing the contrast between a person's character and God's requirements and exposing how character falls short.STB 401.2+2

Hearts burn when Christ is kept uplifted and plain, straightforward truth is presented as pure wheat on a few vital points with concentrated mind to hungry, starving souls crying for the living God.6T 53.2+2 That burning is a divine manifestation that touches the mind and creates a glow in the soul, giving the hungry soul satisfaction and the divine presence it longs for.6T 53.2+2 This glow awakens the transgressor and convicts souls of sin.6T 53.2+2

It does not come from chaffy, dissatisfying discourses full of unimportant ideas and foreign matters that wander from straight lines and the text.Lt 94, 1896, par. 2–4+1 Such preaching weakens what is profitable for doctrine and fails to awaken the transgressor or convict of sin, leaving hearers unable to say that the heart burned within.6T 53.2+2

Preaching should let the Bible speak so that hearers feel this stirring response and are renewed by God's Word, brought to spiritual life.PK 626.1+1 Hearers desire preaching that opens the Bible and awakens the conscience and soul, and sermons lacking this divine power leave them without that response.PK 626.1+1

The warming of God's word in the heart should lead to self-denial and sacrifice in offerings to God.1T 238.2 When sacrifices and offerings dry up, it reveals a lack of the Spirit of God that calls both preachers and people to close examination and faithful searching of heart to find the cause.1T 238.2

The heart burns with joy when Jesus draws near to walk and talk and commune with a person, as He did with the two on the way to Emmaus when He opened the Scriptures and stirred their hearts.Lt 11, 1875, par. 1–4+3 That communion belongs to a fresh religious life marked by thanksgiving and praise and conversation with God, seen in simplicity and humility and meekness and lowliness of heart.ST Jun 18, 1902 Christ still teaches personally those who come to Him in faith, and through communion with God they gain a personal knowledge of the duty to pursue and strength to obey.RH Jul 14, 1910+1 Understanding Scripture in His company has this spiritual effect, and awakens longing for Him to be present and abide with His followers.Lt 11, 1875, par. 1–4

The verse describes holy joy from knowing the unseen Saviour is near and feeding on the bread of life, for awareness of His presence and attention to His instruction makes the heart glad.RP 15.3+2 Dwelling on God's word and learning Christ's lessons brings that same burning joy, as nourishment received from His Word.STB 846.3+1 Talking about His lessons and feeding on that bread are fitting responses to His presence.CT 342.1–2

Contemplating the Word, especially its testimony about Christ and the great salvation He brings, fills the soul with holy and elevating themes.STB 846.2+2 That meditation on the Bible and its teaching about Christ fills the heart with holy warmth and spiritual warmth and joy.CT 341.2+2 Jesus may walk unseen beside His followers, yet His presence and instruction nourish them and make them relish holy things.SPBC 149.4 He may walk beside people unseen, calling them to return to Him and feeding them with the Bread of life, while the mind dwells on the Word and its truths about Him.Lt 57, 1895, par. 34 Conversation centered on Christ and the plan of redemption likewise animates the soul and brings joy to the pure in heart.5T 600.2

A burning heart is also an inward stirring set off by thinking about the work of God to be done for this time.Lt 184, 1901, par. 12 It is a longing to see the work advance on right lines that compels lifting the voice like a trumpet and appealing to the people.Lt 184, 1901, par. 12