That same afternoon, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem toward a village called Emmaus, about seven miles to the northwest of the city.
One was named Cleopas. The other is never named in the text; some commentators suggest it was his wife, others that it was Luke himself in a modest allusion.
They were talking about what had happened in the last few days. And a traveler joined them.
But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.
Luke 24:16
The Greek verb ekratounto implies a limitation laid upon them from outside, as though some hand were holding back their very capacity to recognize Him.
They walked together seven miles. The stranger asked them what they were discussing. They explained what had happened with Jesus of Nazareth, and how some women had reported an empty tomb that morning.
And the stranger, who was Jesus, began to explain the Scriptures to them from Moses and all the prophets, showing that the Messiah had to suffer everything He had suffered.
When they reached Emmaus, they urged Him to stay. They sat down to eat.
While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus — and He disappeared from their sight.
Luke 24:30–31
The gesture revealed the Teacher. His hands identified Him before His face did.