Message Series // The Road to Emmaus
Message Date // November 22, 2020 (Reza Zadeh – guest speaker)
Big Idea
Over the past couple of weeks, Scotty has been teaching a series called “Bumping into Jesus.” He shared a couple of instances where Jesus bumped into people and their lives were forever changed. In today’s message, Reza shared an event that took place right after the resurrection. Two disciples were traveling on the road to Emmaus discussing the fact that Jesus had been crucified. Their hopes and dreams had been shattered because they thought Jesus was the promised Messiah. In fact, they are now referring to Jesus as a prophet and teacher instead of the Messiah because they have been blinded by their disappointment. It’s on this road and in the midst of their disappointment that the two of them bumped into Jesus who is now in His risen state and when their eyes were opened, they too were forever changed.
We are living in a season of life where things are disoriented and things are very confusing. It’s very easy for us to get downcast and discouraged. Chances are pretty good that we’ve all had some of our hopes and dreams shattered by many of the events that have taken place this year. Our faith has been put to the test and perhaps our vision of Jesus has become somewhat blurred.
Now on the 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…Luke 24:13-15
Discussion
Read Jeremiah 29:11 What are some of the unrealized hopes and dreams you’ve had for 2020? What plans did you make and have to give up on because of the series of events that we have all faced? Can you identify any purpose for your disappointments? Can you identify and share some ways that Jesus has walked with you through this year of valleys? Reza states the fact that before we can experience the resurrection, we have to experience a death. As we have watched the death of our hopes and dreams take place, what are some things you are expecting to be resurrected.
Next Steps
One of the best parts of our story today is when the two disciples eyes were opened and they recognized that it was the risen Jesus who walked with them. Trust in the fact that Jesus has and knows the plans He has for your life even in and perhaps most importantly when things are not happening the way we had planned. Be encouraged that His plan is to prosper you and not to harm you. Be excited for the hope and incredible future He promises you. Stay alert to the fact that Jesus is on the road with you, certainly when you are walking on the mountain top but especially when you are walking in the valleys.