Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:11-13 “And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?”
[01:00:21]Luke 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.”
[01:09:59]Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
[01:13:20]Observation questions
- In 1 Kings 19:11–13, what happens before Elijah hears the gentle whisper, and how does Elijah respond when he hears it? [01:01:04]
- What kinds of ordinary “popcorn kernel” moments were part of Jaffia’s story of God’s faithfulness—especially during broken family circumstances and later seasons of life? [43:39]
- In Luke 24:13–35, what are the Emmaus disciples feeling and discussing before they recognize Jesus walking with them? [01:10:22]
- According to Hebrews 13:2 and the Emmaus story, what might people fail to recognize about God’s activity in ordinary encounters? [01:13:16]
Interpretation questions
- Why might God choose to meet Elijah through a gentle whisper rather than through the wind, earthquake, or fire? What does this reveal about the kind of attention God desires from his people? [01:01:28]
- Elijah appears able to recognize God’s voice in a quiet moment. How does regular time in Scripture, prayer, and listening help a believer discern whether a prompting is truly from Jesus? [01:06:12]
- The Emmaus disciples are discouraged because they believe their hope has died, even while the risen Jesus walks beside them. How does this shape the way a believer can understand God’s presence during disappointment, grief, or confusion? [01:11:31]
- The desire for dramatic spiritual experiences can make quiet faithfulness seem unimportant. What are some ways a person might mistake “ordinary” provision, protection, or companionship for something insignificant? [56:37]
Application questions
- Looking back over your life, what is one “popcorn kernel”—a moment of protection, provision, comfort, grace, or answered prayer—that you may not have recognized as God’s faithfulness at the time? [01:17:17]
- Is there a difficult season in your past where God brought a person alongside you, much like the families and youth pastor who provided care and belonging? How did that support reveal something about God’s character? [45:34]
- Where might you be waiting for “fireworks” from God while overlooking the quiet ways he may already be at work in your life? [56:50]
- What is currently making it difficult for you to hear and respond to God—noise, distraction, fear, disappointment, or an overcrowded schedule? What kind of margin could help you slow down this week? [01:07:19]
- What simple practice would help you grow more familiar with Jesus’ voice: reading Scripture consistently, praying honestly, sitting quietly before God, or writing down moments of his faithfulness? Why is that practice especially needed right now? [01:06:12]
- If you are walking through a dark or discouraging road right now, what would it look like to trust that Jesus is present beside you before your circumstances change? [01:12:47]
