Jesus walks with us in doubt, disappointment and uncertainty.

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. —Luke 24:13-15 ESV

Jesus doesn’t offer easy solutions and quick fixes. (v. 16-24)

But their eyes were kept from recognizing him… —Luke 24:16 ESV

• Discover Jesus in the Scriptures. (v. 25-27)

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. —Luke 24:25-27 ESV

What are you trying to control?

• Invite Jesus to stay with you. (v. 28-31)

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going father, ²⁹ but the urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us…” ³⁰ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. —Luke 24:28-31 ESV

• Walk with the living Jesus. (v. 32-35)

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?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem… —Luke 24:32-33a

When you’re walking with the living Jesus, He will propel you into His great mission.

Discipleship Track

Let’s Talk About It

On the third day after Jesus was crucified, two disciples were traveling on a road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were grieving, disappointed, and confused, struggling to make sense of what had transpired over the previous few days. As far as they knew, Jesus was dead, and their future was uncertain. In moments of uncertainty, God can feel far away and uninvolved in our life. Yet He is intimately involved and asks us to trust Him with our questions and uncertainty, while also trusting His timing and His purposes. When you don’t understand what God is doing, when you can’t see Him at work, discover Him in scripture, invite Him into your situation, and allow Him to use it to propel you into His mission.

Luke 24:13-35

Discussion questions:

• Exciting news, Grace Honolulu! Our church is growing and with the start of the school year we’re anticipating many new guests. Help us make room in our parking lot for them by parking at our offsite parking – First Hawaiian Bank (2411 S. King St.). Our shuttle van runs every 5 minutes.

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

• Read Luke 24:13-16. Why do you think Jesus kept them from recognizing Him? How have you experienced not having all the answers push you closer to Jesus?

• Read Luke 24:21. Where has God not “met your expectations”? How have your unmet expectations affected your attitudes toward God and your situation? Has it bruised your faith, or have you allowed it to strengthen your faith?

• Read Luke 28-35. Describe the difference between having a “dead-Jesus faith” and an “alive-Jesus faith”. Which one best describes your relationship with Jesus? What would it look like for you to have a greater “alive-Jesus faith” that trusts God to work His best plan and perfect will in your life?

• The revelation of Jesus these disciples had propelled them to mission. How does a fresh revelation of Jesus increase your passion to be involved in His mission?

Take a Step

As we lean into Jesus, He propels us to mission. This week, lean into Jesus through time in His Word and prayer. Trust Him to open doors of opportunity to partner with Him in His mission.

Here’s My Prayer

Lord, I confess that I sometimes place expectations on You and don’t always trust You like I should. Forgive me and build my faith to trust You when I don’t understand what You are doing. I want my faith to be living and active and a witness to others. I invite You into my life and ask You to propel me out into Your mission. In Jesus’ name, amen.