The Road to Emmaus

Pastor David Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 27th April 2025

Citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HvUHL1FVxc

Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun Jesus People!

Theme: Jesus walks with us, even when we don’t recognize Him. When we invite Him in, everything changes.

Icebreaker: What’s one moment in your life where you didn’t understand what God was doing—but looking back now, you see Him clearly in it?

Scripture

Take turns reading the passage aloud.

Luke 24:13–35 - "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread."

Discussion:

The Journey in the Dark

• These two disciples weren’t part of the eleven from the upper room last supper. What does that tell us about who Jesus chooses to reveal Himself to?

• Have you ever felt like you were “walking into the sunset or towards the dark”—tired, confused, or losing hope? These men had no explanation, no answers, all their hopes and dreams had been shattered as they hoped Jesus would rescue Israel from Rome’s control.  

“When two saints are talking together, Jesus is very likely to come and make the third one in the company. Talk of him, and you will soon talk with him.” (Spurgeon)

Scripture

Matthew 18:20 - "or where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

Discussion

The Power of Invitation (Luke 24:29)

• Jesus acted like He was going to keep walking. Why do you think He waited for an invitation?

• What area of your life might Jesus be waiting for an invitation to enter (home, work, future, relationships)?

Jesus acted as if He might continue farther, but did not want to force His company on these disciples. But they urged Him strongly shows that even though they didn’t know this was Jesus in their midst, they knew they wanted to spend as much time as they could with this man.

Jesus in the Ordinary (Luke 24:30–31)

• Why do you think they recognised Jesus in the breaking of the bread?

• Have you ever encountered God in a very ordinary moment? Share if you're comfortable.

The typical Jewish custom when they met together was to pray, blessed the food and each other. Breaking bread was a normal part of family life. Jesus desires to be in in your life and in your home. Though it was not what might be called a sacramental meal, there was something in it that showed them who the mysterious and wise guest was. Before their eyes were restrained now their eyes were opened.

Sharing the Good News

• The disciples ran 11.2 km back to Jerusalem that night. What motivated them to go back so quickly?

• Is there someone in your life you feel prompted to share your faith with—your “one person”?

  
  

Reflection & Prayer

Jesus is often right beside us—especially in the dark seasons. But we must invite Him in. And once we see Him, we cannot keep it to ourselves.

Reflection Prompt: Take a quiet moment to ask God:

"Is there any area of my life I haven’t invited You into?"

"Who is the one person You’re calling me to bring to You?"

Weekly Challenge

Contact one person this week and share something God has shown you recently—or simply invite them to coffee and talk about faith.