The story of the disciples encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus and sharing a meal with them is one of the most insightful glimpses into the presence of Jesus with His people, while also emphasizing the power of the eucharistic meal. (Luke 24:13-35)
Sermon Outline
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:30-31)
Welcomed: Jesus at the Table (Luke 24:30)
- The story turns toward the table
- An ordinary table becomes the table of the Lord
- The hospitality of God, our hospitality with others
- The Lord’s Supper: the open, welcoming, hospitable life
Held and Blessed: Jesus Who Gives (Luke 24:30)
- Jesus: Taken, Blessed, Broken, Shared
- Jesus’ followers: sharing His life, reflecting His life
- The Eucharist: the Jesus-shaped, gospel-saturated, blessed life
Made Alive Together: Jesus Who is Relational (Luke 24:25-27)
- The meal that reframes life as relational communion with God
- Remembering, Encountering, Anticipating
- Communion: the beautiful, relational life
Living with Eyes Open and Hearts on Fire
- The Lord’s Supper: living the open, welcoming, hospitable life with God and others
- The Eucharist: living a Jesus-shaped, gospel-saturated, blessed life with God and others
- Communion: living the beautiful, relational life with God and others
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you felt such anticipation for something that it felt like your insides were about to burst?
- This week we continue our sermon series, “Seeing Jesus for the First Time,” with our second of two weeks exploring the story of the road to Emmaus in 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.
- Why do you think these two disciples longed for Jesus to join them as they turn in for shelter at the end of their journey in verses 28-29?
- What does Jesus’ desire to join them communicate to you about who Jesus is?
- In other gospel accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, it is often when Jesus does something that reminds His followers of who He is that they recognize Him (see John 20:11-18; 21:4-14). What is it that Jesus does in verse 30 that helps them recognize Him?
- Once they recognize Jesus, “He disappeared from their sight” (verse 31). Why do you think this was? What does this tell them and us about Jesus after His resurrection? When they rush back to the other disciples to tell their story, what do they discover (verses 33-35)?
- 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 24:30-31
- This week, go on an Emmaus walk with the Lord. Pick some portion of Scripture to reflect on as you walk. Begin your walk by asking God to speak to you. Take the first half of your walk to just read and reflect on that Scripture passage. What is God drawing out to your attention from the passage? At the midway point, pause and ask God to bring the truth into deep connection with your life. As you enter the second part of your walk, reflect on what God is speaking specifically to you from the passage of Scripture on which you are reflecting. Afterwards, write down a few things or share them with a friend. You could also do this experience in a group, perhaps walking in pairs, and share together afterwards.
- Explore some or all of these resources:
- ◦ Bible Project video: “The Resurrection of Jesus: Luke 24”
- ◦ Henri Nouwen, With Burning Hearts
- ◦ John H. Armstrong (editor), Understanding Four Views on the Lord’s Supper