Bible ReadingLuke 24:13–35 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 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. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 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?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
[25:57]Luke 9:10–17 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
[48:38]John 11:17–27 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
[52:18]Observation questions- What words and details in Luke 24 show that the two disciples are disappointed and confused as they leave Jerusalem?
- What information do the disciples already have about the empty tomb, the angels, and the women’s report? What do their words, “we had hoped,” show about how they are interpreting that information? [42:58]
- What does Jesus do before the disciples recognize him at the table? Notice his questions, his walk with them, and his opening of the Scriptures. [43:27]
- What changes in the disciples’ words and actions after their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus? [52:35]
Interpretation questions- Why does Jesus respond to disappointed disciples by opening the Scriptures rather than immediately changing Rome, Pilate, or the danger in Jerusalem? [49:37]
- The disciples expected the Messiah to rescue Israel in a political and worldly way. How does Jesus’ statement that the Christ “had to suffer” reshape what true victory and redemption mean? [44:30]
- In Luke 24, Jesus is present with the disciples before they recognize him. How might this help a believer understand seasons when God seems quiet or absent?
- Martha wants an explanation for Lazarus’s death, but Jesus directs her attention to himself as “the resurrection and the life.” How does knowing who Jesus is give hope when a believer does not receive all the answers desired? [51:43]
Application questions- Where have you recently found yourself saying, “I had hoped”—perhaps about a job, relationship, health concern, family situation, prayer, or plan? What expectation has been most difficult to release?
- When a door closes, what is your usual first response: disappointment, anger, anxiety, self-reliance, or prayer? How could you make room for the possibility that a closed door may be redirection rather than God’s absence? [38:25]
- What voices most strongly shape your expectations right now—social media, family pressure, the desire for comfort, money, comparison, or fear? What Scripture truth might help you view that pressure differently? [46:18]
- Jesus met the disciples through Scripture and at the table. What could it look like for you this week to meet with Jesus in a simple, realistic rhythm of reading or listening, reflecting, responding, and resting? [59:05]
- Is there a person in your life who could walk beside you when circumstances cloud your view of Jesus? What is one honest conversation you could begin with that person this week? [57:15]
- The disciples rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem to tell others, “The Lord has risen indeed.” Where might Jesus be redirecting you from discouragement or withdrawal toward a person, community, or act of faithful witness? [53:41]
- God’s grace is not earned by reading more or trying harder; it is received by needy people who come to Jesus. What would it look like for you to stop striving for a few minutes this week and simply rest in his presence? [01:00:07]
