Finding Hope: The Journey with Jesus

 

Summary

Finding hope again is a journey that many of us can relate to, especially when life’s circumstances have left us feeling disillusioned or let down. The story of the couple on the road to Emmaus, as recounted in Luke 24, offers a profound insight into how Jesus leads us back to hope. This couple, who had once placed their hope in Jesus, found themselves in despair after His crucifixion. They had hoped He would redeem Israel, but their expectations were shattered. Yet, on that very day, Jesus drew near to them, even though they did not recognize Him at first.

The journey to finding hope again begins with Jesus drawing near to us, even in our moments of doubt and confusion. He comes alongside us, listens to our stories, and understands our disappointments. The couple on the road to Emmaus had been let down by their religious leaders and confused by the reports of Jesus’ resurrection. They struggled to make sense of what had happened, much like we do when faced with life's challenges. Yet, Jesus was present with them, guiding them back to hope.

Jesus identifies the problem within us, which is often our slowness of heart to believe. He challenges us to recognize that while external circumstances may contribute to our loss of hope, there is also an internal struggle that we must confront. Accepting this diagnosis is crucial for our spiritual growth and renewal of hope.

Focusing on Jesus is essential. As He opened the scriptures to the couple, their hearts began to burn with renewed faith. The scriptures reveal the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and glory, showing that hope is not lost in suffering but is often birthed through it. By focusing on Jesus and His promises, we find the foundation for our hope.

Finally, Jesus provokes a decision. He acts as if He will go further, prompting the couple to invite Him to stay. This decision to invite Jesus into our lives is pivotal. When we ask Him to stay, He reveals Himself to us, and our eyes are opened to His presence and power. This story reminds us that Jesus is nearer than we realize, and by inviting Him into our lives, we can find hope again.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus draws near to us in our moments of despair and confusion, even when we do not recognize His presence. He listens to our stories and understands our disappointments, offering us companionship on our journey back to hope. [03:14]

- Our slowness of heart to believe is often a significant barrier to finding hope again. Jesus challenges us to confront this internal struggle, recognizing that while external circumstances contribute to our loss of hope, we must also address the issues within our hearts. [13:27]

- Focusing on Jesus and His promises is essential for renewing our hope. As Jesus opened the scriptures to the couple on the road to Emmaus, their hearts burned with renewed faith. The scriptures reveal that hope is not lost in suffering but is often birthed through it. [17:24]

- Jesus provokes a decision in us, prompting us to invite Him into our lives. This decision is pivotal for our spiritual growth and renewal of hope. When we ask Jesus to stay, He reveals Himself to us, and our eyes are opened to His presence and power. [19:33]

- The story of the couple on the road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus is nearer than we realize. By inviting Him into our lives, we can find hope again, even when we have been let down, confused, or struggled to make sense of what has happened. [21:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Story
- [00:33] - The Journey to Emmaus
- [01:22] - From Hope to Despair
- [02:38] - Speaking to the Disillusioned
- [03:14] - Jesus Draws Near
- [04:25] - Let Down by Leaders
- [06:07] - Confusion Among Believers
- [08:40] - Struggling with Circumstances
- [11:04] - Jesus Identifies the Problem
- [12:21] - Slow of Heart to Believe
- [15:45] - Focusing on Jesus
- [19:33] - Provoking a Decision
- [21:51] - Jesus Makes Himself Known
- [25:32] - Finding Hope Again

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Finding Hope Again

Bible Reading:
- Luke 24:13-35
- Isaiah 53:5
- John 20:31

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Observation Questions:

1. In the story of the road to Emmaus, why did the couple not recognize Jesus at first, and what was their emotional state during the journey? [03:14]

2. What were the reasons the couple on the road to Emmaus had lost hope, according to the sermon? [04:07]

3. How did Jesus respond to the couple's sadness and confusion, and what method did He use to help them understand the events that had occurred? [15:45]

4. What decision did the couple have to make when they reached Emmaus, and what was the outcome of their choice? [19:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus drawing near to those who have lost hope, and how does this relate to the couple's experience on the road to Emmaus? [11:49]

2. How does the sermon explain the role of scripture in renewing hope, and what impact did Jesus' explanation of the scriptures have on the couple? [17:24]

3. According to the sermon, what internal struggle does Jesus identify as a barrier to hope, and how does this relate to the couple's journey? [13:27]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of inviting Jesus into our lives, and how did this decision affect the couple's understanding and faith? [21:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt disillusioned or let down. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? [02:38]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' presence even when we don't initially see it. How can you become more aware of Jesus drawing near in your daily life? [11:49]

3. Consider the internal struggle of being "slow of heart to believe." What steps can you take to confront this struggle and strengthen your faith? [13:27]

4. The couple's hearts burned with renewed faith when Jesus opened the scriptures to them. How can you incorporate scripture into your routine to renew your hope and faith? [17:24]

5. Jesus provokes a decision in us to invite Him into our lives. What practical steps can you take this week to invite Jesus into a specific area of your life where you need hope? [19:33]

6. Think about a situation where you have been let down by leaders or confused by other believers. How can you focus on Jesus and His promises to find hope again? [05:14]

7. The couple on the road to Emmaus found hope by focusing on Jesus. Identify one promise of Jesus that you can hold onto this week to strengthen your hope. [18:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Draws Near in Our Despair
In moments of despair and confusion, Jesus draws near to us, offering companionship and understanding even when we fail to recognize His presence. The couple on the road to Emmaus experienced this firsthand as they walked in sorrow, unaware that Jesus was walking with them. He listened to their stories and understood their disappointments, just as He does with us today. This companionship is a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles, and that hope is always within reach when we open our hearts to His presence. [03:14]

Luke 24:15-16 (ESV): "While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him."

Reflection: Think of a recent moment of despair or confusion in your life. How can you invite Jesus to walk with you through it today?


Day 2: Confronting Our Slowness of Heart
Our slowness of heart to believe is often a significant barrier to finding hope again. Jesus challenges us to confront this internal struggle, recognizing that while external circumstances contribute to our loss of hope, we must also address the issues within our hearts. The couple on the road to Emmaus struggled with disbelief and confusion, yet Jesus gently guided them to see the truth. By acknowledging our own doubts and seeking Jesus' guidance, we can begin to overcome the barriers that hinder our faith. [13:27]

Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"

Reflection: Identify a doubt or disbelief you are currently facing. How can you ask Jesus to help you overcome this today?


Day 3: Renewing Hope Through Scripture
Focusing on Jesus and His promises is essential for renewing our hope. As Jesus opened the scriptures to the couple on the road to Emmaus, their hearts burned with renewed faith. The scriptures reveal that hope is not lost in suffering but is often birthed through it. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and focusing on His promises, we can find the foundation for our hope and see beyond our current circumstances. [17:24]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: Choose a specific promise from Scripture that speaks to your current situation. How can you meditate on this promise throughout your day?


Day 4: Inviting Jesus Into Our Lives
Jesus provokes a decision in us, prompting us to invite Him into our lives. This decision is pivotal for our spiritual growth and renewal of hope. When the couple on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus to stay with them, He revealed Himself to them, and their eyes were opened to His presence and power. By making the conscious decision to invite Jesus into our daily lives, we open ourselves to experiencing His transformative presence. [19:33]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can invite Jesus into your daily routine today? How might this change your perspective?


Day 5: Recognizing Jesus' Nearness
The story of the couple on the road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus is nearer than we realize. By inviting Him into our lives, we can find hope again, even when we have been let down, confused, or struggled to make sense of what has happened. Recognizing His nearness requires us to be attentive and open to His presence, trusting that He is always with us, guiding us back to hope. [21:51]

Acts 17:27 (ESV): "That they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can you become more aware of His presence in your life today?

Quotes


The journey to finding hope again begins with Jesus drawing near to us, even in our moments of doubt and confusion. He comes alongside us, listens to our stories, and understands our disappointments. The couple on the road to Emmaus had been let down by their religious leaders and confused by the reports of Jesus’ resurrection. They struggled to make sense of what had happened, much like we do when faced with life's challenges. Yet, Jesus was present with them, guiding them back to hope. [00:03:14]

Jesus identifies the problem within us, which is often our slowness of heart to believe. He challenges us to recognize that while external circumstances may contribute to our loss of hope, there is also an internal struggle that we must confront. Accepting this diagnosis is crucial for our spiritual growth and renewal of hope. [00:13:27]

Focusing on Jesus is essential. As He opened the scriptures to the couple, their hearts began to burn with renewed faith. The scriptures reveal the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and glory, showing that hope is not lost in suffering but is often birthed through it. By focusing on Jesus and His promises, we find the foundation for our hope. [00:17:24]

Finally, Jesus provokes a decision. He acts as if He will go further, prompting the couple to invite Him to stay. This decision to invite Jesus into our lives is pivotal. When we ask Him to stay, He reveals Himself to us, and our eyes are opened to His presence and power. [00:19:33]

The story of the couple on the road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus is nearer than we realize. By inviting Him into our lives, we can find hope again, even when we have been let down, confused, or struggled to make sense of what has happened. [00:21:51]

Jesus himself Drew near, so a stranger joins them on their Journey they don't realize that it is Jesus he's just a stranger to them. He asks them now what are you talking about what's this conversation that's going on between you, and when the stranger asks this of them, the couple just stop right there in the road in their tracks They Stood Still looking sad. [00:04:25]

Jesus draws near to people who have been let down by their own religious leaders. The stranger you see asks them what they are talking about and they say Well they're talking about Jesus and then they say and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. Our chief priests and rulers, our leaders, have led us down. [00:06:07]

Jesus draws near to people who struggle with what has happened. This couple knew of course that Jesus was a prophet Mighty indeed and in word. He could still a storm, he could heal the sick, he could raise the Dead, so why then would he have allowed his own crucifixion? See behind this loss of Hope there was a painful question why did Jesus allow this to happen? [00:11:04]

Jesus identifies the problem: "foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Now these words come as a real shock and a surprise in the story. I mean Jesus has been drawing out the reason for their sadness he's been listening as they tell him the whole story of why it is that they have lost hope. [00:12:21]

Jesus focuses attention on himself, beginning with Moses and all the prophets he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Now I think every preacher wishes that he could hear how Jesus opened up the scriptures concerning himself what passages did he point to what did he say about them of course we're not told but we are told the main point that Jesus proved from the Old Testament scriptures. [00:15:45]

Jesus provokes a decision: so they drew near to the Village to which they were going, he acted as if he were going further, but they urged him strongly saying stay with us, but it is toward the evening and the day is now far spent, so he went in to stay with them. So now they arrive at Emmaus which presumably was home for this couple. [00:19:33]

Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight and they said to each other did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road while he opened to us the scriptures. So now they've asked Jesus to stay they bring Jesus into their home they prepare a meal for this stranger they still don't know who he is and Jesus Takes the bread in his hands and as he breaks it their eyes were opened and they recognized him. [00:21:51]

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Transcript
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