The Road to Emmaus
Well – Easter Day is behind us. Now we have an entire season that leads us to the Pentecost. Yet, here we are on the week after Easter, a time for reflection, discovery, and renewal. This is the continuation of the greatest story ever told—Jesus is alive, and He is revealing Himself to His followers in profound and personal ways.
This week, we’ll walk with Jesus and His disciples as they navigate the aftermath of the resurrection. From the confusion on the Road to Emmaus, to the breaking of bread, the burning hearts of the disciples, and the joy of sharing the Good News, every moment teaches us lessons about faith, hope, and God’s redemptive plan.
We will start with everyones familiar story - the Road to Emmaus.
BTW - I am continuing this format today. One blog file with all the text for the week. Does this work for you? Do you prefer separate files for each day? Let me know in the notes or in person.
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Monday – The Walk of Confusion and Hope
Key Scripture: Luke 24:13-16
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 25:8
Historical Context
This week I think I will start with historical context - first. Set the stage so to speak.
It’s the day after the resurrection. Jerusalem is still in turmoil. Rumors of an empty tomb are spreading, creating a mix of emotions—fear, hope, skepticism, and confusion. Passover has ended, and pilgrims are beginning to leave the city.
Two disciples, one named Cleopas (we don't know the other name or even if it is a man...), are walking to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They’re grieving and disillusioned. The man they believed to be the Messiah—the one they thought would redeem Israel—has been crucified.
Pause - what were they expecting for a Messiah? A warrior, right? Isaiah 53 tells them what to expect - but they are not theologically literate enough to know that. (Maybe that is what Jesus will talk about on the walk.)
To them, the empty tomb that was reported that morning is just another confusing detail in an already devastating story. After all, the Jewish officials put guards on the tomb. Rumors are out that Jesus' body was stolen. Did the guards fall asleep. Who were the strange men hanging around the tomb. So many questions - and sadness. The overthrow of the Romans had not happened! So they go home!
Another pause: We don't know WHO these disciples were. Likely not the inner circle or they would be seeking cover. Perhaps a few recent lingerers who liked what they heard - right up to the crucifixion part.
As they walk, Jesus Himself joins them, but they don’t recognize Him. Luke tells us they were “kept from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:16). Why? Maybe it’s because their grief blinded them. Maybe it’s because they couldn’t reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah with their expectations of a conquering king.
Maybe. But I think Jesus was transformed into a new self that was now different at a glance. Remember, Mary thought Jesus was a gardener (Matthew).
That's all you get today... But the reflection should still make you think.
Go back and reread the text. Find the holes in the story I provided, and how we tend to fill them in from our own context.
You can't read the bible blindly all the time. Each verse needs to be questioned, like we did today.
Reflection:
Have you ever felt like Jesus was far away in your time of confusion or grief?
Don't we all, at times?
The truth is, He’s walking with you, just as He walked with these disciples.
How do you operate with that knowledge?
Amazing, isn't it! He is right there beside you!
Key Scripture: Luke 24:13-16
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 25:8
Historical Context
This week I think I will start with historical context - first. Set the stage so to speak.
It’s the day after the resurrection. Jerusalem is still in turmoil. Rumors of an empty tomb are spreading, creating a mix of emotions—fear, hope, skepticism, and confusion. Passover has ended, and pilgrims are beginning to leave the city.
Two disciples, one named Cleopas (we don't know the other name or even if it is a man...), are walking to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They’re grieving and disillusioned. The man they believed to be the Messiah—the one they thought would redeem Israel—has been crucified.
Pause - what were they expecting for a Messiah? A warrior, right? Isaiah 53 tells them what to expect - but they are not theologically literate enough to know that. (Maybe that is what Jesus will talk about on the walk.)
To them, the empty tomb that was reported that morning is just another confusing detail in an already devastating story. After all, the Jewish officials put guards on the tomb. Rumors are out that Jesus' body was stolen. Did the guards fall asleep. Who were the strange men hanging around the tomb. So many questions - and sadness. The overthrow of the Romans had not happened! So they go home!
Another pause: We don't know WHO these disciples were. Likely not the inner circle or they would be seeking cover. Perhaps a few recent lingerers who liked what they heard - right up to the crucifixion part.
As they walk, Jesus Himself joins them, but they don’t recognize Him. Luke tells us they were “kept from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:16). Why? Maybe it’s because their grief blinded them. Maybe it’s because they couldn’t reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah with their expectations of a conquering king.
Maybe. But I think Jesus was transformed into a new self that was now different at a glance. Remember, Mary thought Jesus was a gardener (Matthew).
That's all you get today... But the reflection should still make you think.
Go back and reread the text. Find the holes in the story I provided, and how we tend to fill them in from our own context.
You can't read the bible blindly all the time. Each verse needs to be questioned, like we did today.
Reflection:
Have you ever felt like Jesus was far away in your time of confusion or grief?
Don't we all, at times?
The truth is, He’s walking with you, just as He walked with these disciples.
How do you operate with that knowledge?
Amazing, isn't it! He is right there beside you!
Tuesday – The City’s Tension and the Disciples’ Doubts
Key Scripture: Luke 24:17-21
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 42:5
Historical Context:
In Jewish tradition, disciples were not bound by family mourning rituals but were charged with honoring their rabbi by preserving his teachings and proclaiming his message—a sacred duty they now seemed unable to fulfill.
Mourning a crucified teacher was fraught with danger, as public grief for one executed as a criminal risked drawing the wrath of both Roman authorities and religious leaders. Yet their failure ran deeper; they had not only abandoned the duty to proclaim their rabbi’s wisdom but also failed to discern the signs of divine vindication in the empty tomb and the resurrection rumors. Now do yo see why they were so distraught - they lost the Master AND did not honor His teachings because they were afraid!
Meanwhile, Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem. They’re walking away from the place where their hopes were crushed. Their conversation is somber, filled with questions and doubts.
Did you catch what those guys on the road said? “He was a prophet.” Not the Messiah.
Not the Savior. Just a prophet.
Were they downgrading him? Not really. They were just confused.
The Messiah wasn’t supposed to die—at least, not in their minds. So maybe, they thought, Jesus was just a great prophet after all.
And then they said it: “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Had hoped. Past tense.
Their hope was dead, buried with Jesus in the tomb.
They were thinking small-redemption, for them, meant kicking out the Romans and restoring Israel’s glory.
And here’s where it gets good. When Jesus asks them what they’re talking about, Cleopas basically says, “Seriously? Are you the only guy in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about this?”
They’re asking the one person who knows exactly what happened! Jesus, the center of the whole story, is standing right there, and they’re explaining it to him like he’s been living under a rock.
It’s almost like Jesus is having a little fun with them. He doesn’t jump in with, “Surprise, it’s me!”
Instead, he lets them spill their hearts, share their confusion, and process their shattered hopes.
And this is the most important part of this text - Sometimes, Jesus meets us right there—in our messy, “don’t you get it?” moments—and patiently walks us toward the truth.
Their next statement is heartbreaking: “We had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).
They are heartbroken – they have no clue what has happened. But they feel somehow guilty and remorseful for something they did not do.
(For my blog readers – this is your secret clue into the tone of the sermon on Sunday… Children often feel guilty when bad things happen to them, and it was not their fault). What does Jesus do? He listens! How is that for a lesson. He brings hope - even when just listening!
Reflection:
OK – the blog got dark all of a sudden for a reason. We need to talk about bad things when they happen.
Where have you “walked away” because of disappointment? Have you ever felt like hope slipped through your fingers?
Jesus invites you to share those doubts and questions with Him—He’s listening.
Key Scripture: Luke 24:17-21
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 42:5
Historical Context:
In Jewish tradition, disciples were not bound by family mourning rituals but were charged with honoring their rabbi by preserving his teachings and proclaiming his message—a sacred duty they now seemed unable to fulfill.
Mourning a crucified teacher was fraught with danger, as public grief for one executed as a criminal risked drawing the wrath of both Roman authorities and religious leaders. Yet their failure ran deeper; they had not only abandoned the duty to proclaim their rabbi’s wisdom but also failed to discern the signs of divine vindication in the empty tomb and the resurrection rumors. Now do yo see why they were so distraught - they lost the Master AND did not honor His teachings because they were afraid!
Meanwhile, Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem. They’re walking away from the place where their hopes were crushed. Their conversation is somber, filled with questions and doubts.
Did you catch what those guys on the road said? “He was a prophet.” Not the Messiah.
Not the Savior. Just a prophet.
Were they downgrading him? Not really. They were just confused.
The Messiah wasn’t supposed to die—at least, not in their minds. So maybe, they thought, Jesus was just a great prophet after all.
And then they said it: “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Had hoped. Past tense.
Their hope was dead, buried with Jesus in the tomb.
They were thinking small-redemption, for them, meant kicking out the Romans and restoring Israel’s glory.
And here’s where it gets good. When Jesus asks them what they’re talking about, Cleopas basically says, “Seriously? Are you the only guy in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about this?”
They’re asking the one person who knows exactly what happened! Jesus, the center of the whole story, is standing right there, and they’re explaining it to him like he’s been living under a rock.
It’s almost like Jesus is having a little fun with them. He doesn’t jump in with, “Surprise, it’s me!”
Instead, he lets them spill their hearts, share their confusion, and process their shattered hopes.
And this is the most important part of this text - Sometimes, Jesus meets us right there—in our messy, “don’t you get it?” moments—and patiently walks us toward the truth.
Their next statement is heartbreaking: “We had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).
They are heartbroken – they have no clue what has happened. But they feel somehow guilty and remorseful for something they did not do.
(For my blog readers – this is your secret clue into the tone of the sermon on Sunday… Children often feel guilty when bad things happen to them, and it was not their fault). What does Jesus do? He listens! How is that for a lesson. He brings hope - even when just listening!
Reflection:
OK – the blog got dark all of a sudden for a reason. We need to talk about bad things when they happen.
Where have you “walked away” because of disappointment? Have you ever felt like hope slipped through your fingers?
Jesus invites you to share those doubts and questions with Him—He’s listening.
Wednesday – Jesus Joins the Journey
Key Scripture: Luke 24:22-24
Parallel OT Scripture: Exodus 14:31
Historical Context
Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem, confused and heartbroken. Their confusion wasn’t unique—it was shaped by the world they lived in.
As I keep saying, first-century Jews longed for a Messiah who would overthrow Roman oppression, restore Israel’s sovereignty, and bring justice to God’s people. Prophecies of a victorious king, like the one in Isaiah 9:6–7, fueled their hope. But these expectations clashed with recent history.
So here is the part most do not know - Just a decade earlier, Judas of Galilee had led a revolt against Roman taxation, claiming to be a deliverer. His uprising was crushed, and he was killed—like many others who defied Rome.
To Cleopas and his companion, Jesus’ crucifixion might have felt like another failed attempt at redemption. Here’s the irony: they’re explaining the resurrection to Jesus Himself!
Instead of rebuking them, Jesus begins to teach. Luke 24:27 says: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
So what did Jesus teach them ?
Who know. We can guess...
He might have started with Genesis 3:15, where God promised a descendant of Eve who would crush the serpent’s head.
He may have pointed to the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, explaining how the Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions.
Perhaps He referenced Psalm 22, which vividly describes the crucifixion, or Daniel 7:13–14, which speaks of the Son of Man receiving an eternal kingdom.
As an aside - this was not new - this same pattern of confusion followed by faith appears in Exodus 14:31. After God parted the Red Sea, the Israelites finally trusted Him. But before the miracle, they were terrified and questioned God’s plan.
What ever he said, Jesus reframed their understanding of the Messiah—not as a political conqueror, but as a suffering Savior who defeated sin and death.
In both stories, God was present and active, even when His people struggled to see it. He lovingly led them through their doubts to trust in His greater plan.
Walking With Jesus in Confusion
As I closed yesterday - it is powerful to know that when life doesn’t make sense, Jesus is still walking with you.
Like the disciples, you may feel overwhelmed by disappointment or confusion, asking, “Where is God in all of this?” ... Umm- right there next to you!
What Roads Will You Walk?
The road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus doesn’t abandon us in our doubts. Instead, He invites us to reflect His love by walking with others in their struggles.
Let me be blunt and ask some serious questions - Who in your life is carrying confusion or heartbreak?
Good you named them - now, how can you walk with them, listening and pointing them to the hope found in Christ?
I know it is scary to take on that role but... wherever God is calling you, remember: as you walk with the broken, Jesus is walking with you.
Thanks for reading and hanging with me as I process all of this on a week of remembering broken children.
Key Scripture: Luke 24:22-24
Parallel OT Scripture: Exodus 14:31
Historical Context
Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem, confused and heartbroken. Their confusion wasn’t unique—it was shaped by the world they lived in.
As I keep saying, first-century Jews longed for a Messiah who would overthrow Roman oppression, restore Israel’s sovereignty, and bring justice to God’s people. Prophecies of a victorious king, like the one in Isaiah 9:6–7, fueled their hope. But these expectations clashed with recent history.
So here is the part most do not know - Just a decade earlier, Judas of Galilee had led a revolt against Roman taxation, claiming to be a deliverer. His uprising was crushed, and he was killed—like many others who defied Rome.
To Cleopas and his companion, Jesus’ crucifixion might have felt like another failed attempt at redemption. Here’s the irony: they’re explaining the resurrection to Jesus Himself!
Instead of rebuking them, Jesus begins to teach. Luke 24:27 says: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
So what did Jesus teach them ?
Who know. We can guess...
He might have started with Genesis 3:15, where God promised a descendant of Eve who would crush the serpent’s head.
He may have pointed to the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, explaining how the Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions.
Perhaps He referenced Psalm 22, which vividly describes the crucifixion, or Daniel 7:13–14, which speaks of the Son of Man receiving an eternal kingdom.
As an aside - this was not new - this same pattern of confusion followed by faith appears in Exodus 14:31. After God parted the Red Sea, the Israelites finally trusted Him. But before the miracle, they were terrified and questioned God’s plan.
What ever he said, Jesus reframed their understanding of the Messiah—not as a political conqueror, but as a suffering Savior who defeated sin and death.
In both stories, God was present and active, even when His people struggled to see it. He lovingly led them through their doubts to trust in His greater plan.
Walking With Jesus in Confusion
As I closed yesterday - it is powerful to know that when life doesn’t make sense, Jesus is still walking with you.
Like the disciples, you may feel overwhelmed by disappointment or confusion, asking, “Where is God in all of this?” ... Umm- right there next to you!
What Roads Will You Walk?
The road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus doesn’t abandon us in our doubts. Instead, He invites us to reflect His love by walking with others in their struggles.
Let me be blunt and ask some serious questions - Who in your life is carrying confusion or heartbreak?
Good you named them - now, how can you walk with them, listening and pointing them to the hope found in Christ?
I know it is scary to take on that role but... wherever God is calling you, remember: as you walk with the broken, Jesus is walking with you.
Thanks for reading and hanging with me as I process all of this on a week of remembering broken children.
Thursday – Opening the Scriptures
Key Scripture: Luke 24:25-27
Parallel OT Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15
Oops - I got a little ahead of myself and talked about this scripture yesterday. Sorry about that Chief! If you are confused – and just read the key scripture above – I addressed it in Wednesdays blog.
However, I want to be complete so let me address what I skipped yesterday here: Luke 24:22-24 & Exodus 14:3.
Historical Context:
In first-century Jewish culture, women weren’t exactly the first choice when it came to credible witnesses (sorry – it’s history). Their testimony was often dismissed in court, considered less reliable than that of men. And yet, here we are in Luke 24:22-24: women are the very first to report the empty tomb and the message from the angels.
So, why were the women even there that morning? Because they had to do the dirty work. They were going to anoint Jesus’ body with spices—a final act of love and devotion. This was a common burial practice, and it was usually carried out by women in the family or close circle of friends. But, as we know, when they arrived, they didn’t find what they expected. Instead, they found an empty tomb and angelic messengers who told them that Jesus had risen.
Here is the critical point and why I did not want to skip this text. The fact that the Gospel writers include the women’s role so prominently is striking. If this were a fabricated story, the last thing anyone in that culture would do is make women the heroes of the narrative. It would have been far more convenient—and culturally acceptable—to have men discover the empty tomb.
The fact that the Gospels stick to the women’s testimony, even knowing it might raise eyebrows, gives further credibility to the historical truth of the account. If the authors were making it up, this is not how they’d write it. Many theologians use this as one method for verifying the truth of the bible.
So what is the lesson from these two lines?
This admission by Luke about the women is part of his fact finding that Luke gives us. Remember how Luke opens his gospel?
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were
eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the
beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you...
Luke wants us to know he got it right because this detail isn’t just about cultural norms; it’s a powerful statement about God’s kingdom.
Over and over, God chooses the unexpected, the overlooked, the underestimated to play key roles in His story. He doesn’t work according to human hierarchies or biases.
By making these women the first witnesses to the resurrection, God was flipping the script on societal norms and declaring that everyone—no matter their status—is valuable in His kingdom.
Don’t you love it when God flips the script… just like He is flipping the Kingdom!
Reflection:
How well can you defend scripture? Here is a tool for you. Anytime a person is named, do two things, find a translation of the name and try to figure out why that name is important (sometimes it is not - it's just historical). Second, understand that, for Luke, he is writing this like a deposition for court where names of witnesses can be verified.
BTW - what does Cleopas mean – why is that important to the story?
Sorry for the mix up in the blog narratives. I will try to do better tomorrow.
Key Scripture: Luke 24:25-27
Parallel OT Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15
Oops - I got a little ahead of myself and talked about this scripture yesterday. Sorry about that Chief! If you are confused – and just read the key scripture above – I addressed it in Wednesdays blog.
However, I want to be complete so let me address what I skipped yesterday here: Luke 24:22-24 & Exodus 14:3.
Historical Context:
In first-century Jewish culture, women weren’t exactly the first choice when it came to credible witnesses (sorry – it’s history). Their testimony was often dismissed in court, considered less reliable than that of men. And yet, here we are in Luke 24:22-24: women are the very first to report the empty tomb and the message from the angels.
So, why were the women even there that morning? Because they had to do the dirty work. They were going to anoint Jesus’ body with spices—a final act of love and devotion. This was a common burial practice, and it was usually carried out by women in the family or close circle of friends. But, as we know, when they arrived, they didn’t find what they expected. Instead, they found an empty tomb and angelic messengers who told them that Jesus had risen.
Here is the critical point and why I did not want to skip this text. The fact that the Gospel writers include the women’s role so prominently is striking. If this were a fabricated story, the last thing anyone in that culture would do is make women the heroes of the narrative. It would have been far more convenient—and culturally acceptable—to have men discover the empty tomb.
The fact that the Gospels stick to the women’s testimony, even knowing it might raise eyebrows, gives further credibility to the historical truth of the account. If the authors were making it up, this is not how they’d write it. Many theologians use this as one method for verifying the truth of the bible.
So what is the lesson from these two lines?
This admission by Luke about the women is part of his fact finding that Luke gives us. Remember how Luke opens his gospel?
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were
eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the
beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you...
Luke wants us to know he got it right because this detail isn’t just about cultural norms; it’s a powerful statement about God’s kingdom.
Over and over, God chooses the unexpected, the overlooked, the underestimated to play key roles in His story. He doesn’t work according to human hierarchies or biases.
By making these women the first witnesses to the resurrection, God was flipping the script on societal norms and declaring that everyone—no matter their status—is valuable in His kingdom.
Don’t you love it when God flips the script… just like He is flipping the Kingdom!
Reflection:
How well can you defend scripture? Here is a tool for you. Anytime a person is named, do two things, find a translation of the name and try to figure out why that name is important (sometimes it is not - it's just historical). Second, understand that, for Luke, he is writing this like a deposition for court where names of witnesses can be verified.
BTW - what does Cleopas mean – why is that important to the story?
Sorry for the mix up in the blog narratives. I will try to do better tomorrow.
Friday – The Breaking of Bread
Key Scripture: Luke 24:28-31
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 34:8
Key Scripture: Luke 24:28-31
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 34:8
Saturday – Burning Hearts
Key Scripture: Luke 24:32-35
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9
Key Scripture: Luke 24:32-35
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9
Sunday – He Has Risen! (For Real!)
Key Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 119:105
Key Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 119:105
1 Comment
I like the way you have constructed your blog..look forward every morning to reading it