Seeing Jesus as the Fulfillment

The story of the disciples encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus begins with a powerful exploration by Jesus of the ways He fulfills all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:13-35)

Sermon Outline

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:26)

Seeing But Not Seeing: a report about these days (Luke 24:13-18)

  • The two disciples on the road to Emmaus
  • Their perception of “these days”
  • Their inability to see Jesus

Seeing But Not Seeing: a report about what happened (Luke 24:19-24)

  • The two disciples share their report about Jesus
  • Their perception of who Jesus was
  • Their inability to see who Jesus is

Not Seeing But Beginning to See: Jesus teaches them about Himself (Luke 24:25-27)

  • Jesus offers a rebuke
  • Jesus reframes their perspective
  • Jesus explains all the Scripture

With Burning Hearts: Learning to See Jesus

  • The disciples’ later reflection: “were not our hearts burning within us?” (24:32)
  • What do our hearts burn for?
  • Searching Scripture for Jesus
  • Letting our hearts burn within us

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. When have you felt such anticipation for something that it felt like your insides were about to burst?
  2. This week we continues our sermon series, “Seeing Jesus for the First Time,” by the first of two weeks exploring Luke 24:13-35. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
  3. Background: This story picks up after the report of the women about the empty tomb. Two disciples (only one is named, ‘Cleopas’) walk a road to a village named Emmaus. Biblical scholars have not decisively identified where this village is, but it was likely a 7-mile distance from Jerusalem.
  4. As these two disciples walk the road, they are vigorously debating what happened in Jerusalem and the women’s report. What happens in verse 15-16?
  5. Why do you think they were kept from recognizing Jesus?
  6. Jesus begins by asking them questions to draw them out. What are the questions in verses 17 and 19? Why might Jesus question them about things He already knew?
  7. What stands out to you in verses 19-24 about how these two disciples describe who Jesus is, what He has done, their hopes about Jesus, and the report from the women?
  8. How does Jesus respond to them in verses 24-27?
  9. What might you have thought or how might you have felt if you were one of those disciples hearing Jesus speak? What would it do to you?
  10. What is one thing God speaking to you personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.

DIG DEEPER

  • Memorize Luke 24:25-27.
  • This week, meditate slowly on the events of Luke 24:13-35 as follows. Read that text once aloud and notice what stands out to you. Take 2-10 minutes of silence. Read it aloud a second time, and while you take a similar time of silence, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you personally. What do you hear? Read it aloud a third time, and as you take a time of silence, ask God to speak to you about what this means for others through you. Afterwards, write down a few things or share them with a friend. You could also do this experience in a group and share together afterwards. Pray about what you hear.
  • Explore some or all of these resources:
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Seeing Jesus Resurrected
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Seeing Jesus Here