“On the Road to Emmaus”
Other Christians help us in our walk with Jesus.
Key Verse: Luke 24:15 (NIV)
As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with then…
Bible Passage: Luke 24:13-35
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied …. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 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. 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, and he disappeared from their sight. 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?" They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen….”
Lesson Thought
One of the most satisfying activities in the Christian life is learning about God together in small group Bible studies. The members of these small groups study the Bible together, get to know Jesus better, and encourage one another in their daily walk with Jesus. Some people deeply value the accountability to others which exists in these settings. Others tell friends about these Bible studies and invite them to join the group. In today’s Scripture, two friends walked and talked together, discussing the events surrounding Jesus crucifixion that had crushed their hopes of rescue from the Romans. They also talked about the events of the first Easter Sunday which left them wondering about the rumors of an empty tomb. Joined by another Traveler they did not recognize, the conversation expanded to answer His questions. The Questioner became their Teacher as He explained from Scripture what they already knew. After recognizing Him as the risen Christ, these happy men returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what they had seen and now knew to be true. Jesus is alive!
Application: What does this lesson say to us today?
1) Do you meet with other Christians in a small group Bible study? If not, consider joining a small group of Christians for Bible study and fellowship. Pray: “Lord, help me want to meet with others regularly to learn about You.”
2) Are your children involved in small groups designed especially for them, such as Sunday School, Pioneer Girls, Boys’ Brigade, and Youth groups? If so, ask them what they are learning in these groups. If not, consider enrolling them in one. Children can benefit from small group Bible studies too!
3) Did you know that your family can be a small group Bible study? Is your family reading and studying the Bible together on a regular basis? Are you encouraging one another in your Christian walk? Use this devotional to start a family tradition of small group Bible study and Christian fellowship
Family Activities: putting the lesson into action
Take a common article in your living room – a picture on the wall, a set of books, a chair, a throw pillow - and cover it with a blanket. Tell the family what it is. Ask: “How well do you know what this thing really looks like?” Have them describe it in as many ways as they can - color, ornamentation, measurements, which way the trees are facing, etc. Have someone write down all the descriptions given. Take the blanket off to see how well they “know” the article. Then ask “How well do we know Jesus? How can we get to know Him better?” Relate this discussion to getting together with other Christians in order to get to know Jesus better.
Suggestions for further study
Acts 4:1-20
Bonnie Russell
