Luke 24:18
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Luke 24:18
Luke 24:18 features Cleopas asking Jesus, “Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?” The disciples assume Jesus is a stranger to the current events, not recognizing that the person they speak with is the central figure of those events. This question underscores the mixture of astonishment and incongruity that marks early post-resurrection experience: God’s plan seems near, yet human comprehension lags behind. The verse sets up the dramatic reveal in verses 19-24, where Jesus prods them to recount what they have heard and believed, guiding them toward a fuller understanding.
This moment reinforces the universal call to bear witness and to understand the narrative of salvation. It shows how easily people can be "ignorant" of God’s activity right before their eyes, prompting us to be attentive to God’s movements in ordinary life. It also highlights the humility required to learn from Scripture and from Jesus, even when we think we know better.
We often assume others know what we know about faith. This verse invites humility: be willing to re-tell the story of Jesus to someone who seems unfamiliar. Practical steps: practice a simple retelling of the gospel to a friend; listen for their questions; invite them to explore with you. It’s a reminder not to be smug about our own understanding, but to patiently share and listen, allowing God to lead them to recognition.
Cross-References: Luke 24:19-24; Acts 8:30-31; John 4:42; Romans 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 2:25