Welcome & Icebreaker
Optional follow-up:
· Are you someone who needs to understand everything, or are you comfortable with mystery?
2. Read Luke 24:13–35 (you can split it between 2–3 people).
Context:
· This happens on Resurrection Sunday
· Jesus has died, the women have gone to the tomb and found it empty and have been met by the angels, but confusion is everywhere.
· Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus
3. Explore the Story
Luke 24:21 – “We had hoped that he was the one…”
Discuss:
· What do you notice about the emotional state of the disciples?
· Why is “we had hoped” such a powerful statement?
· Have you ever had a “we had hoped…” moment in your life or faith?
Key Truth:
Disappointment isn’t the absence of faith - it’s often where deeper faith begins.
Notice that the disciples are leaving Jerusalem (the place of promise).
Discuss:
· Why do you think they were walking away instead of waiting?
· What are some ways people today “walk away” when confused or disappointed?
4. Jesus Meets Us There
Luke 24:15–16 – Jesus came near… but they didn’t recognise Him
Discuss:
· What stands out to you about how Jesus approaches them?
· Why do you think Jesus doesn’t reveal Himself immediately?
· Have you ever had a season where God felt distant but in looking back, you can see He was present?
Key Truth:
Jesus walks with them and us (Even Unrecognised) - The absence of recognition is not the absence of presence.
Luke 24:27 – He explained the Scriptures concerning Himself
Discuss:
· What does this show us about the role of Scripture in confusion?
· Why is it important that Jesus reframes their understanding before revealing Himself?
· What helps you anchor yourself in truth when your emotions are unstable?
Key Truth:
Jesus reframes their understanding like He often does for us - God often doesn’t change the situation first, He changes how we see it.
5. Awakening & Revelation
Luke 24:32 “Didn’t Our Hearts Burn Within Us?”
Discuss:
· What do you think it means to have your “heart burn within you”?
· Have you experienced a moment where something in your spirit came alive before you fully understood it?
Luke 24:30–31 – He was recognised in the breaking of bread
Discuss:
· Why do you think they recognised Jesus in such an ordinary moment?
· Where might God be showing up in your everyday life right now?
Key Truth: We need to recognise Jesus in the Ordinary - God doesn’t just show up in the spectacular, He meets us in the personal and ordinary.
6. Transformation & Response
Luke 24:33 – They immediately returned to Jerusalem
Discuss:
· What changed for the disciples?
· What’s the difference between their journey to Emmaus and their return?
· What does a genuine encounter with Jesus produce in us?
Key Truth: When revelation comes, direction changes - even if circumstances don’t.
7. Personal Reflection & Prayer
Give space for quiet reflection, then ask:
· Where am I on the road right now?
o Disappointment?
o Confusion?
o Awakening?
o Renewal?
· What might Jesus be trying to show me in this season?
· Am I open to recognising Him, even if it’s not how I expected?
Pray together around these areas:
· Disappointment being turned into revelation
· Awareness of Jesus’ presence
· Hearts being awakened again
· Clarity and renewed purpose
Optional Weekly Challenge
Encourage the group this week:
· Read Luke 24 again in your own time.
· Ask daily: “Jesus, where are You walking with me today?”
· Look for Him in ordinary moments (meals, conversations, quiet time)