Peter has gone down the road from the garden toward the city after having satisfied Himself that Jesus was not in the tomb.  He was wondering what all this meant.  John, lighter of foot, had hurried ahead to his home in the city, very likely to tell the news to Jesus’ mother, his own new mother.  Peter plods slowly along.  There is no need of haste now.  He is thinking, wondering, thinking.  It was still early morning, with the sweet dew on the ground, and the air so still.  Down past some big trees maybe he was walking, deeply absorbed, when—­Somebody is by his side.  It is the Master!  But we must leave them alone together.  That was a sacred interview, meant only for Peter.

Made Known in the Breaking of Bread.

The news now quickly spread; the two stories, that of the soldiers, that of the disciples.  Folks listened to the one they preferred.  Everybody was discussing this new startling appendix to the crucifixion.  A bit later in the day two others were walking along one of the country roads leading out of the city, toward a village a few miles away.  They jog along slowly as men who are heavy footed with disappointment.  They are intently absorbed in conversation, eagerly discussing and questioning about something that clearly puzzled them.

A Stranger, unrecognized, overtakes them and joins in their conversation.  He asks, “What is this that you are so concerned about?” So absorbed are they with their thoughts, that at His question they stand still, looking sad and unable for a moment to answer.  Where would they begin where there was so much?  Then one of them says, “Do you lodge by yourself in the city, and even then do not know the things that have been going on there?” The Stranger draws them out.  “What things?” He says.  Thus encouraged, they find relief in unburdening their hearts.  It was all about Jesus, a man of great power in word and deed, before God and all the people; the great cruelty with which the rulers had secured a sentence of death for Him—­and—­crucified—­Him.

“We were, however, hoping,” they said, “that He was the One who was about to redeem the nation.  And now it is the third day since these things occurred.  And most surprising word was brought by certain women that has greatly stirred us.  They went early to the tomb, and did not find His body, but saw a vision of angels who positively said that He was alive.  And some of our party went there and found it true as the women said.  But—­they did not see Him.”

Then the Stranger began speaking in a quiet, earnest way that caught them at once.  “O foolish men, so slow you are in heart to believe the messages of the old prophets!  Was it not needful that the Christ should suffer these very things and to enter into His glory?” Then He began freely to quote passages from all through their sacred writings.  As they walk along listening to this wonderful explanation, which now sounds so simple from this Man’s lips, they come up to their home in the village.  The Stranger seemed inclined to go on.  But they earnestly urge Him to come in and get some refreshment and stay over night.  He may talk more.  They have heard no such winsome talk since Jesus was with them.