On the Road to Emmaus

Happy Sabbath, friends!

In our previous message, we reflected on the story of Jesus’ resurrection — how He defeated the consequences of sin for us by dying and rising again within three days. During that time, many had forgotten the prophecy spoken in the book of Isaiah regarding His suffering and victory over death. Instead, Jesus’ disciples were left feeling confused, afraid, and grieving.

Isaiah 53:11 (NIV)
“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.”

Walking Away in Uncertainty

There were two disciples walking away from Jerusalem after Jesus’ crucifixion — trying to process everything that had just taken place.

Luke 24:13–17 (NIV)
“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.”

Sometimes when we are faced with loss or a difficult season in our lives, our first instinct is to walk away. I know I can speak for myself — and maybe you can relate as well — that when something feels too heavy to carry, walking away can seem like the easier option.

Yet even in this moment of pain and grief, Jesus was right there beside them.

What is so remarkable is that the very One they were grieving…they did not recognize when He was near.

There may be times in our lives when we are struggling and it feels difficult to see, hear, or feel the Lord working. But this story reminds us of a powerful truth:

He is near — even when we do not recognize Him.

Speaking Into Confusion

Luke 24:25–27 (NIV)
“He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

The two disciples were struggling to understand what had happened, so Jesus began walking with them and speaking truth into their confusion.

He met them exactly where they were.

Even in moments of darkness or uncertainty, the Lord meets us there and gently leads us back to truth.

Eyes Opened in His Timing

Luke 24:30–31 (NIV)
“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.”

The disciples did not recognize Jesus while they were walking and talking with Him. It wasn’t until they sat down and broke bread together that their eyes were opened.

Things may not make sense right now…but someday they will.

And the Lord will reveal understanding in His perfect timing.

John 13:7 (NIV)
“Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.””

A Heart That Recognizes Him

Luke 24:32 (NIV)
“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?””

The more we walk with Jesus — in both our highs and our lows — the more He reveals the purpose behind the things we have experienced.

Even when we don’t fully understand in the moment, something within us begins to respond to His presence.

Looking Back and Seeing His Hand

Luke 24:33–35 (NIV)
“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 and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”

I can think of moments in my own life where I did not realize that Jesus was walking alongside me. But when I look back, I can clearly see His hand — protecting, guiding, and never leaving.

Sometimes it is only afterwards that we recognize how present God truly was.

Redirected With Purpose

What is so beautiful about the way the Lord works is that after the two disciples encountered Jesus, they stopped walking away.

They turned back.

What once felt like the end was now filled with renewed purpose.

Even in moments of loss, doubt, and grief — Jesus meets us where we are, walks with us, and gently redirects our steps toward the path He has prepared for us.

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.””

Closing Reflection

If we find ourselves on our own road to Emmaus, may we open our eyes to Jesus and allow Him to redirect our steps toward His divine purpose for our lives.

Amen.