Emmaus Encounter

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever wondered what happened in the days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost? This message explores the intentional appearances of Jesus during those forty days, revealing His patience and purpose in guiding His followers to recognize Him. Discover how Jesus shows up in our lives today, inviting us to see Him in new and profound ways.

More from this series

Jesus Disappeared

Jesus Disappeared

Living Unstuck

Living Unstuck

Honest Thomas

Honest Thomas

Jesus Appears with Scars, an Appetite and A Mandate

Jesus Appears with Scars, an Appetite and A Mandate

See All Sermons

Emmaus Encounter

Message Summary
Have you ever wondered what happened in the days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost? This message explores the intentional appearances of Jesus during those forty days, revealing His patience and purpose in guiding His followers to recognize Him. Discover how Jesus shows up in our lives today, inviting us to see Him in new and profound ways.
Key Scripture
That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
Luke 24:13-35 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Road to Emmaus

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 NLT

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

Devotional: The journey to Emmaus is a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets us in our confusion and doubt. The two disciples were disheartened, their expectations shattered by the crucifixion. Yet, Jesus walked with them, patiently revealing Himself through Scripture. Often, we too walk in confusion, not recognizing Jesus’ presence. This story encourages us to invite Jesus into our conversations and to seek Him in Scripture, trusting that He will reveal Himself in His perfect timing.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you relate to the disciples’ feelings of confusion and disappointment on the road to Emmaus?
  2. In what ways has Jesus revealed Himself to you during times of doubt?
  3. How can you invite Jesus into your daily conversations and seek His presence more intentionally?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for open eyes and hearts to recognize Jesus in your daily life.
  2. Ask for patience and understanding as you seek to know Jesus more deeply through Scripture.

Day 2

Day 2: Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Scripture: John 10:11-18 NLT

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

Devotional: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His sacrificial love and intimate knowledge of His sheep. Unlike a hired hand, Jesus is committed to protecting and guiding us. This passage reassures us of His constant presence and care, even when we feel lost or vulnerable. As His sheep, we are called to listen to His voice and trust in His guidance, knowing that He leads us with love and purpose.

Response Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Good Shepherd?
  2. How have you experienced Jesus’ guidance and protection in your life?
  3. In what areas do you need to trust Jesus more as your Shepherd?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank Jesus for His sacrificial love and constant care as the Good Shepherd.
  2. Pray for the ability to discern His voice and follow His guidance in your life.

Day 3

Day 3: Recognizing Jesus in Scripture

Scripture: John 5:39-40 NLT

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”

Devotional: Jesus challenges the religious leaders who diligently studied the Scriptures yet failed to recognize Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises. This passage reminds us that the Bible is not just a book of rules or history but a revelation of Jesus Himself. As we read Scripture, we are invited to encounter Jesus and receive the life He offers. Let us approach the Bible with a heart open to seeing Jesus on every page.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you approach reading the Bible? Is it more about gaining knowledge or encountering Jesus?
  2. What steps can you take to see Jesus more clearly in your Bible study?
  3. How has recognizing Jesus in Scripture impacted your faith journey?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a deeper revelation of Jesus as you read the Bible.
  2. Ask for a heart that seeks to know Jesus more intimately through His Word.

Day 4

Day 4: Jesus’ Patience with Our Doubts

Scripture: John 20:24-29 NLT

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Devotional: Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” struggled to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without physical proof. Yet, Jesus met him in his doubt, offering the evidence he needed. This encounter shows Jesus’ patience and willingness to meet us where we are, even in our skepticism. Jesus invites us to move from doubt to faith, trusting in His presence and promises even when we cannot see.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you relate to Thomas’ struggle with doubt?
  2. In what ways has Jesus met you in your doubts and strengthened your faith?
  3. How can you support others who are experiencing doubt in their faith journey?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for faith to trust Jesus even when you cannot see or understand.
  2. Ask for patience and compassion to support others in their doubts.

Day 5

Day 5: Jesus’ Presence in Our Lives

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Devotional: In His final words to the disciples, Jesus assures them of His continual presence as they carry out His mission. This promise extends to us today, reminding us that we are never alone. Jesus is with us in every moment, empowering us to live out our faith and share His love with the world. As we go about our daily lives, let us be mindful of His presence and rely on His strength.

Response Questions:

  1. How does Jesus’ promise of His presence impact your daily life?
  2. In what ways can you be more aware of Jesus’ presence as you go about your day?
  3. How can you live out the Great Commission in your current context?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank Jesus for His promise to be with you always.
  2. Pray for boldness and wisdom to share His love and truth with others.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Objective: To guide the group in understanding and applying the message of Jesus’ appearances during the forty days after His resurrection, focusing on recognizing His presence in our lives today.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and open hearts to recognize Jesus in their lives.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What stood out to you from the sermon about the significance of the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost?Context: The sermon highlighted the intentionality of Jesus’ appearances during these forty days. He used this time to prove He was alive and to prepare His followers for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Discuss how this period was crucial for the birth of the Church and the strengthening of the disciples’ faith.
  2. How does Jesus’ patience with His followers during these appearances encourage you in your own faith journey?Context: The sermon emphasized Jesus’ patience with His disciples, who were slow to understand His resurrection. This patience is a reminder that Jesus is also patient with us as we wrestle with doubts and questions. Reflect on how this patience can be a source of comfort and encouragement in your spiritual growth.
  3. In what ways have you experienced Jesus showing up in your life, especially during times of doubt or confusion?Context: The sermon shared the story of the road to Emmaus, where Jesus appeared to two followers in their confusion. He revealed Himself through Scripture and the breaking of bread. Encourage group members to share personal stories of when they have felt Jesus’ presence in unexpected ways.
  4. What are some practical ways you can invite Jesus into your daily conversations and life?Context: The sermon challenged listeners to incorporate Jesus into their everyday conversations, suggesting that He delights in being part of our discussions. Discuss practical steps to make Jesus a central part of your daily life, such as prayer, Bible study, and sharing your faith with others.
  5. What obstacles or unmet expectations might be clouding your view of Jesus right now? How can you address these?Context: The sermon acknowledged that unmet expectations can make it difficult to recognize Jesus. Encourage group members to identify and share any obstacles they face in seeing Jesus clearly. Discuss ways to overcome these challenges, such as seeking community support, prayer, and focusing on Jesus’ promises.

Closing Activity:

  • Reflection and Prayer: Invite each group member to take a moment of silent reflection, asking Jesus to reveal Himself in a new way. Close with a prayer, asking for open hearts and minds to recognize Jesus in everyday life.

Follow-Up:

  • Encourage group members to read the key scripture, Luke 24:13-35 NLT, throughout the week and reflect on how Jesus might be appearing to them in their current circumstances.
  • Suggest journaling any moments where they feel Jesus’ presence or guidance.

Family Table Talk

A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.

📖 Scripture

❓Family Question

💬 Parent Prompt:

Weekly Practice

A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.