Notes: First preached on January 12, 2006. This was a short scripture reading and discussion for the launch of our new church plant with a small group of about 12 people.
Read Luke 24:13-35
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is the story of two disciples of Christ who were in despair, who had hoped that Jesus would be the one to restore the kingdom to Israel, and instead saw him crucified at the hands of their oppressors. As they walk, they are talking, discussing their doubts and their questions, and along the way they are joined by a stranger. This stranger questions them, gets them to lay bare their souls, and then proceeds to help them think about their questions in a new way, helps them look at scripture and God’s story in a new way. In short, he helps them see that they were struggling because they had been living in the wrong story this whole time. As they return home they invite this stranger in, invite him to share a meal with them, and it is only then that they discover that it has been the risen Christ with them the whole way. This Emmaus Road experience, I think, is a good metaphor for our own spiritual journey at times.
Discuss the following questions together:
What are some of the stories that our society tells us we should live by?
What are some of the wrong stories you personally sometimes find yourself living in?
What effect does living in the wrong story have on your life?
Have there been times when Christ was present in your life even though you didn’t recognize him at the time?
What are some of the unexpected ways we might encounter Christ?
