The Double Transformation of Space and Heart in the Emmaus Story

The present study explores the spatial potential and the practical dimension of the Emmaus story in Luke's Gospel by considering the spatial interpretations of the story. It uses the concept of the Lucan thirdspace - a concept modified from Edward Soja's thirdspace in his critical spatiality - as well as concepts taken from narrative criticism. The study shows how the thirdspatial transformative potential of the Emmaus story is activated through the divine encounter and one's personal relationship with Jesus.