April 19 – Luke 24:13-34
Main Focus: Road to Emmaus
The Road to Emmaus is a post-resurrection narrative where two disciples, walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, encounter Jesus but do not recognize him (v.16). He explains Old Testament prophecies about himself and how the Messiah was prophesied to suffer and enter glory, teaching them through Moses and the prophets.
The disciples, in response, were disappointed and confused in saying “we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
When they arrive at Emmaus, they invite him to stay. During a meal, when Jesus blesses and breaks the bread, their eyes are opened and they recognize him. For other resurrection appearances associated with eating, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. There is striking similarity between this, the Last Supper , and the feeding of the 5,000. The result is that the disciples immediately return to Jerusalem to tell the others, noting that their hearts had “burned within” them while he spoke. Their eyes were opened when Jesus broke the bread, suggesting that they recognized him as the crucified one who died for the redemption of Israel. Even before the two disciples recognized Jesus, the fact that he opened the Scriptures gave them hope and began convincing them of the resurrection.
What stands out to you most about this story? Why might the disciples not have recognized Jesus initially?
Discussion questions
Read Luke 24:13-34
– How would you describe the mood of the two travelers in verses 17-21? Why was their hope lost despite reports of the resurrection?
– What does it mean that Jesus “opened to us the Scriptures” (v. 32)?
– How did the disciples’ perspective change after recognizing Jesus? Have you ever struggled to see Jesus’ presence in your life during a difficult time? How does this passage challenge that experience?
– When has studying the Bible or hearing a message made your “heart burn within” (v. 32)? How can we better read the Scriptures to see Jesus?
– The disciples felt compelled to share their story (v. 33-34). With whom do you need to share the hope of the resurrection, and what holds you back?