The followers of Jesus were discouraged when Jesus was crucified and buried. Many of them had hoped that Jesus would deliver them from the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom, since they did not yet understand the scriptures. Now they were told that Jesus was risen but could not believe this.

Two of them had left the company of disciples that were gathered in Jerusalem and were on their way to their home in Emmaus when Jesus joined them. They did not recognize Jesus, but He began to explain the scriptures to them showing that all these things had been foretold. When Jesus revealed Himself to them they returned to Jerusalem to tell the others. It was on the evening of the day of Jesus resurrection that he also appeared to His disciples while they were gathered in a room in Jerusalem. When they knew that it was the Lord their hearts were filled with joy.