The Road to Emmaus
Deep Prep
Luke 24
The Big Idea: A believer's life is a daily encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
Learning Goal: Learners will reflect on how and where they encounter the risen Christ.
Biblical Foundation
Luke witnesses important motifs of the resurrection. First, women were the first to know of the
resurrection. Second, the resurrection is a bodily resurrection as evidenced by the empty tomb,
Jesus sharing in meals, and Jesus' invitation to recognize and touch the wounds of his hands and
feet. Third, Jesus' followers met his resurrection with disbelieving responses—perplexity, terror,
amazement, astonishment, fear, doubt, and wonder. Even in their joy, the disciples and others
were disbelieving (Luke 24:41). Fourth, Jesus is present and recognized in the sharing of a meal.
Here are two meals: one on the road where the disciples' eyes were opened as Jesus was "made
known to them in the breaking of the bread" (24:35) and one at a table with the disciples, a
recollection of both Jesus' Last Supper and Jesus' supper for all. Fifth, the meals exemplify
hospitality, which the Bible teaches as a prime value. The apparent guest may be the true host
(Genesis 18:1-15; Hebrews 13:2). Sixth, Jesus speaks peace upon the disciples and offers words
of reassurance and promise, the promise of the Spirit's power.
Theological Emphasis
There is no escape from God, who never abandons us. Jesus meets us wherever we are. Even
death did not separate Jesus from his followers—but were they really followers? The disciples on
the road to Emmaus had given up. They said, "We had hoped that he was the one to redeem
Israel" (Luke 24:21). They were walking away thinking that the empty tomb was the end of the
story. They were leaving behind the hope that they had in going to Jerusalem. Perhaps they were
escaping, too, in the fear that as followers of Jesus, they might face the same torture and death.
They had been Jesus' followers but were now walking away in another direction. We, like they,
are followers of the risen Christ, and we, like they, sometimes go in another direction. If we give
up, lose hope, or are afraid, Jesus does not leave us behind but meets us wherever we are,
wherever we are going. Jesus comes to meet us even, or perhaps especially, on our paths of
desperation, abandonment, and escape.
Historical Context
Ideas of an afterlife and resurrection arose in Judaism in the second century B.C. Though the
Sadducees, holding the traditional scriptural view, did not believe in this new idea (Acts 23:8),
the Pharisees did teach the resurrection of the dead. The first century Jewish historian Josephus
compared the Sadducees' and Pharisees' ideas about life after death. The Sadducees believed that
The Road to Emmaus page 1
the human soul dies along with the body and that there is no afterlife and no attendant reward or
punishment. The Pharisees believed that souls are imperishable and survive death. The Pharisees
believed that the souls of the righteous passed into another (resurrection) body, and that the souls
of the unrighteous suffered eternal punishment. Luke writes about some scribes, a group whom
Luke associates closely with the Pharisees, approving Jesus' teaching that there is no marriage in
the resurrection (Luke 20:34-40). Though the scribes and Pharisees may have agreed with Jesus
in this point, the Pharisees' teaching that souls survive death is contrary to Christian teaching
concerning the resurrection, in which soul and body together die and are bodily raised.
Contemporary/Cultural
The Bible stories of Jesus' resurrection remind us to be alert for Jesus' presence. We may meet
Jesus when least expected. We may meet Jesus in someone who does not know about Jesus
(24:18). When we ourselves are discouraged, Jesus may come to us in strangers who call forth
from us the stories of our faith (24:19-20, 32). When we show hospitality to strangers, Jesus is
present (24:28-29). Jesus is present when we share food with strangers (24:35) or with other
believers (Luke 24:29-31; John 21:9-14). Jesus is present when we gather to tell of our
experiences of Jesus (Luke 24:36). Jesus is present to us in our disbelieving (24:41). Jesus is
beside us when we are grieving Jesus' absence in our lives (John 20:11-18). Jesus stands among
us when we fear persecution because of being Jesus' followers (John 20:19-23). Jesus comes to us
when we doubt (John 20:24-28). Jesus is with us as we go about our daily occupations (John
21:3-7), and Jesus promises to meet us in the midst of our daily lives (Mark 16:7; Matthew
28:10).
Quick Prep
Luke 24
The Big Idea: A believer's life is a daily encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
Learning Goal: Learners will reflect on how and where they encounter the risen Christ.
• Important motifs of the resurrection stories include women being the first to know, the
resurrection being bodily, Jesus' followers not believing, Jesus' presence and sharing of a meal,
mutual hospitality between Jesus and those to whom he appears, and Jesus' speaking peace and
promise.
• There is no escape from God, who never abandons us. Jesus meets us wherever we are.
• If we give up, lose hope, or are afraid, Jesus does not leave us behind but meets us wherever we
are, wherever we are going.
• Ideas of an afterlife and resurrection arose in Judaism in the second century B.C. The Sadducees
did not believe in a resurrection. The Pharisees believed in a resurrection somewhat different
from the Christian understanding.
• Stories of Jesus' resurrection remind us to be alert for Jesus' presence. We may meet Jesus when
least expected.
The Road to Emmaus page 2
Adolescent Connection
Youth may wonder how this story could be possible. How could these men not have recognized
Jesus? They encountered the risen Christ and yet did not know who he was. This type of
encounter is a constant occurrence in our lives today, yet we pay little attention to it. To help
youth connect, refer them to Matthew 25:31-46 where this concept is explained in terms that will
make it clear that youth (and adults) do encounter the risen Christ in the form of people that they
help or ignore as they live their lives each day. Making this concrete connection will enable youth
to grasp this concept and make meaning of it. They will see that we are often "blinded" by our
own needs, wants, and desires. As a result, we do not see the hunger and hurting around us.
Baptismal Connection
In the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism, a five-part question addresses each confirmand's intent to
continue in the covenant God made with them in Holy Baptism. Here We Stand resources help
adolescents—with support from parents, leaders, and the entire congregation—prepare to answer
this question as they continue in their lifelong faith journey. Today's lesson focuses on the clause
"to live among God's faithful people" (Lutheran Book of Worship, page 201; Evangelical
Lutheran Worship, page 236).
Welcoming
Prepare your large group space by playing upbeat music in the background and by welcoming
learners as they arrive. Make a special effort to welcome and thank adult small group leaders for
their presence and for being willing to help pass on the faith to the next generation.
• Begin by thanking learners for coming! Remind the group what a privilege you feel it is to serve
God by leading confirmation, and what a gift from God you consider all of them to be.
• Ask learners to recall last week's Big Idea if they can. Reward the first person to get it right with
a handful of candy or some other small treat to share with their small group. (Be aware of any
food allergies in the group.) Ask for a volunteer to capture last week's lesson in their own words;
affirm all genuine responses; keep going until you're satisfied everyone has been oriented.
• Project this week's Big Idea on the screen or write it in HUGE block letters on your presentation
board or overhead slide. Invite learners to recite it with you aloud. Repeat it two or three times.
Skit: Sand in the Footprints
Assign a group of three students (preferably males) to perform the skit. In a pinch, grab enough
volunteers from the audience to form an impromptu "readers' theater" troupe.
CHARACTERS: Narrator, Dancer 1 (larger person), Dancer 2 (smaller person). Dancers need to
be real hams at mime.
The Road to Emmaus page 3
PROPS: stool, black clothing for dancers
The narrator sits at the corner of the stage. Dancers take center stage and stand with heads
bowed. They mime everything and have no dialogue.
NARRATOR: Greetings, art patrons. Welcome to an evening of interpretive dance. We will
reenact the epic poem, "Footprints in the Sand." One night a man had a dream.
(Dancer 1 snores. He makes circular motions with his hands to indicate he's having a dream. He
hops into the "cloud" he made.)
NARRATOR: He dreamed he was walking on the beach with the Lord. Scenes from his life
flashed across the sky.
(Annoyed, Dancer 1 makes another "dream cloud" and hops inside. He shows scenes from life:
driving, getting married, fishing, working, exercising, and so on.)
NARRATOR: In each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him,
and the other to the Lord.
(Dancer 1 walks in place. Dancer 2 walks beside Dancer 1. They smile and wave to each other.)
NARRATOR: When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the
footprints in the sand.
(Dancer 1 runs into a wall. He sees the "footprints" and crawls around inspecting them.)
NARRATOR: He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of
footprints. It happened at the lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him, and he
questioned the Lord about it.
(Dancer 1 gestures and yells at Dancer 2, who is clearly freaked out by this. As the narrator
continues, Dancer 1 continues to get more angry at Dancer 2.)
NARRATOR: He said, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all
the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one
set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
(Dancer 2 mouths the Lord's lines.)
NARRATOR: The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I
carried you."
(When the narrator says, "carried you," Dancer 2 mimes carrying Dancer 1. He looks at the
narrator, who motions for him to actually pick up Dancer 1. Dancer 2 points at Dancer 1 in
horror, then points to himself. The narrator gives a big nod. Dancer 1 doesn't wait, and starts
crawling on the back of Dancer 2, who looks afraid. They stumble around.)
The Road to Emmaus page 4
NARRATOR: The end. Thank you very much.
(The narrator points to the dancers. Dancer 1 is still on Dancer 2's back. Dancer 1 "bows"
without getting down. Dancer 2 tries to bow but ends up falling down and lies unconscious.
Dancer 1 and the narrator carry him offstage.)
Quiz Show
True or False
Select two students to be contestants and two others to be "buzzers." A contestant who knows the
answer to a question will tap the buzzer on the shoulder, and the buzzer will make a unique noise.
Have the buzzers sit on chairs in front of the contestants, and practice the buzzers. Each question
will be a "toss up," with the person who buzzes in first having the opportunity to answer first.
Correct answers earn the person one point. Incorrect answers end the turn. Always give the
correct answers so everyone can learn.
1. Jesus encountered two disciples on the road to Bethlehem. (False. It was on the road to
Emmaus.)
2. The disciples on the road recognized Jesus immediately. (False. They didn't recognize him
until later.)
3. When they arrived at Emmaus, Jesus ate supper with the disciples. (True.)
4. It was at supper when the disciples finally recognized that the man they were talking to was
Jesus. (True.)
5. After revealing his identity, Jesus returned to Jerusalem with the disciples. (False. He vanished
from their sight.)
6. When the disciples realized that Jesus was raised from the dead, they remained in Emmaus to
figure out what to do next. (False. They returned to Jerusalem that same hour.)
7. When Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples, he showed them his hands and feet where the nails
had been. (True.)
8. Only the disciples 2,000 years ago were able to encounter Jesus. (False. See the "Big Idea.")
9. The story of the road to Emmaus reminds us that we will only find Jesus when we're seeking
him. (False. Jesus finds us even when we're going another direction.)
10. It is important to tell others about Jesus' resurrection, which defeats sin and the devil and
forgives our sins. (True.)
Multiple Choice
Ask for three contestants to stand at the front of the class. Each contestant will need a unique
sound to be his or her signal when he or she wants to answer a question. Have each contestant
take a turn making the buzzer noise before the game begins. Contestants can "buzz in" once the
entire question has been read. If they give the correct answer, they are awarded two points. If they
The Road to Emmaus page 5
give an incorrect answer, the other contestants can "buzz in" until the correct answer is given, for
one point. The person with the most points at the end of the quiz show is the winner.
1. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to...
a. Jericho.
b. Emmaus. (Correct.)
c. heaven.
d. Rome.
2. When leaving Jerusalem, it's likely that the disciples were...
a. sad.
b. confused.
c. scared.
d. all of the above. (Correct.)
3. The two disciples realized they were talking with Jesus...
a. immediately.
b. when he started talking.
c. when they had supper together. (Correct.)
d. when Jesus showed him the marks in his hands.
4. When the disciples realized Jesus was alive, they...
a. stayed put and waited for the others.
b. didn't tell anyone.
c. went back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Correct.)
d. ascended to heaven with Jesus.
5. As disciples today, we encounter Jesus...
a. every day. (Correct.)
b. only when we get to heaven.
c. only when we go to church.
d. never.
6. We encounter Jesus when we...
a. pray.
b. help others.
c. receive Holy Communion.
d. all of the above, and then some. (Correct.)
7. One of the events listed in The Lutheran Handbook as a Top 10 Miracle is...
a. Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Road to Emmaus page 6
b. Jesus' resurrection. (Correct.)
c. Daniel surviving the lions' den.
d. the transformation from Saul to Paul.
8. Our church's symbol of Jesus' resurrection is a...
a. cross. (Correct.)
b. butterfly.
c. candle.
d. none of the above.
Presenter's Interruptions
Keep this menu of short theme-related bits at the ready for those moments when you feel you're
losing your audience.
• Jump up and shout "Stop!" Have students turn to a person next to them and share the most
interesting place they've traveled to. Where was it? What did you see? Why was it such an
interesting place? Do you want to go back? Why or why not?
• Jump up and shout "Attention!" Have students find someone they haven't yet spoken to today.
Ask them to consider this question: Have you ever been away from someone for so long that once
you saw the person again, you didn't recognize him or her? This might pertain to a distant relative
or a family friend who moved away.
Opening Prayer
Dim the lights in the room. You may wish to play soft music. Ask the students to close their eyes
and take a few relaxing breaths in and out. Have the students imagine that they, disciples of Jesus,
just witnessed Jesus' horrific beating and crucifixion. You are discouraged, confused, and scared
that you might suffer the same fate. So you and your friend set out for a village outside of town.
Along the way you meet a stranger who talks about Jesus and assures you that everything you
saw needed to happen to fulfill the scriptures. You remain confused and sad, but curious, and you
continue on the journey. Allow a few moments of silence. Then ask all to open their eyes and
offer this prayer together (write it on the board, or project it on a wall):
God, continue to be with us along our journey of faith. Reveal new things about yourself to
us as we study, discuss, pray, and read scripture. Amen
My Faith Story
In this story we see the disciples move from doubt to faith as Jesus reveals himself to them "in the
breaking of the bread." Share a time on your faith journey when you have experienced doubts.
What circumstances caused you to doubt? How did you move from doubt to faith? Did this time
The Road to Emmaus page 7
of doubt strengthen your faith? Why or why not? What words of encouragement do you have for
young people who might struggle with their faith?
Guest Speaker
Ask someone who travels a lot for work or pleasure to visit the class. Someone who has been to
Israel or other parts of the Middle East would be particularly interesting. Encourage him or her to
share a story or two of things seen and people met along the way. Has he or she ever encountered
something so strange that it was almost unbelievable? What kind of hospitality was experienced
from the local people? What means of transportation were used?
Cartoon Connection: Dead Man Walking
The Funny Shape of Faith, page 226
I can't imagine what it must have been like for the disciples during those days after Jesus'
crucifixion. They watched their friend, mentor, and teacher as he was whipped and beaten,
tortured and killed. It must have been beyond traumatic, and they must have felt completely alone
and abandoned. So traumatic they didn't recognize him during their long walk three days later. If
they had known it was Jesus, what questions would they have asked? His favorite color—or his
mother's maiden name and the last four digits of his Social Security Number—or perhaps advice
about how they might keep on living?
But this is the good news: Jesus is ALWAYS with us. God NEVER abandons us. Ask your young
people to think about a time when they felt alone, scared, or abandoned. What were signs that
God was with them during that time? How does God make His presence known to them even
when they are not in distress? Close by reading Romans 8:38-39.
Handbook Connection
In Luke's account of the road to Emmaus, Jesus was made known to the two disciples in the
breaking of the bread. Jesus is made known to us today through the Sacrament of Holy
Communion. Ask students to turn to "How to Receive Communion" on pages 36-40 in The
Lutheran Handbook. Give the class a few minutes to skim through the pages. Next, direct
everyone's attention to number 1, "Receive the Bread" on page 37. Have students read the caption
in the picture together. Why do you think we are asked to make a cross with our hands when we
receive the bread? (See the first bullet point under "Be Aware" on page 40). Identify the method
of communion used in your church and talk about the other methods described on these pages.
Have students turn to "How to Share Your Faith with Someone" on pages 89-90 in The Lutheran
Handbook. Indicate that this is sometimes difficult for people to do, yet it is very important. In
Luke 24, we learn that the disciples returned to Jerusalem to tell others that they saw Jesus, and
we are called to do the same. Select seven students to read each of the points in this section.
When they're done reading, ask if anyone would like to talk about a time she or he shared her or
The Road to Emmaus page 8
his faith with someone. What happened? Was it easy or difficult? Encourage the students to think
of a person with whom they could share their faith, using suggestions they just read.
Have the class turn to "The Top 10 Bible Miracles and What They Mean" on pages 175-176 in
The Lutheran Handbook. Give students a few minutes to read through these miracles. Point out
number 8, "The Resurrection." Have the class read this one together aloud. Assure the class that,
though gruesome, Jesus' death wasn't miraculous in and of itself. The miracle came when Jesus
rose from the dead and appeared to those who believed in him.
Bible Connection: The Long and Winding Road
• Have students open their Bibles to Luke 24:13-35. This is the account of the two disciples who
encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. This story lends itself to a simple dramatic
presentation. Select students to fill the parts—two disciples, Jesus, and a narrator—and do a
readers' theater of this story for the class. During the presentation, locate Emmaus on a Bible
times map or the map on page 179 of The Lutheran Handbook. How long would it take to walk
from Jerusalem to Emmaus (about seven miles [11 kilometers])?
Next, have the class take out a pen or highlighter and underline verses 30-31. Indicate this is the
key verse for this story. Why do you think Jesus sat down to eat with these disciples? (Jesus'
hunger and eating indicates a bodily resurrection. The spirit of hospitality is a part of Christian
service with others.) Why do you think Jesus vanished right away? (Perhaps because he had
accomplished his goal with the two disciples and would now move on to meet more of the
disciples.) What is the significance of Jesus being revealed to them in the breaking of bread?
(This is likely a connection to the Last Supper; an indication that Jesus is constantly revealed to
all of us in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.)
Ask students to read verses 33-35 silently. What was the initial response of the disciples after
they saw Jesus? (They returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.) Indicate that not only
were they walking a 14-mile (22-kilometer) round trip, but also this was an especially bold move,
since they left Jerusalem likely out of fear for their lives. What does the example of these
disciples teach us about how we are to act as Christians?
• Have students turn in their Bibles to Matthew 25:31-40. Begin reading the verses to the class.
When you get to verses 37-39, have the class read them together. After this story is read, have the
class say the Big Idea together: A believer's life is a daily encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
(See the learner sheet or write the Big Idea on the board or on chart paper.) According to what we
just read, what are some practical ways that we can encounter Jesus every day?
More Bible Connections
• Jesus' final meeting with his disciples is recorded in Luke 24:36-53. After the Emmaus
encounter, the disciples returned to Jerusalem to meet with the larger group of disciples. Jesus
suddenly appeared in the group. What did the disciples think about Jesus? (They thought he was a
ghost.) How did Jesus prove he wasn't a ghost? (Jesus showed the disciples his hands and feet
where the nails had been driven, and he ate some food.) What did Jesus tell the disciples to do
(verses 45-48)? (Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins—the gospel—to all nations). What
The Road to Emmaus page 9
does Jesus promise will happen? (The one God promised—the Holy Spirit—will be sent to them in
Jerusalem.) What do you think being a follower of Jesus means? (Accept all answers.)
Object Lesson: Who Is That?
Find an old Halloween costume, complete with mask and outfit. Ask an adult leader or assistant
to put on the costume without telling anyone in the class. Have the costumed person enter the
room and ask the learners if they are able to identify this person. What physical characteristics are
still identifiable about this person, even though she or he is covered up? If there were 10 people in
a lineup wearing the same costume, could you pick out this person?
Indicate that, for whatever reason, the disciples on the road to Emmaus were unable to identify
Jesus. We know he was in physical form (not a ghost or apparition), but he must not have looked
like the Jesus they knew. Do you think that's strange? Why or why not? What reason would Jesus
have for withholding his identity to the disciples?
How would you feel if someone close to you showed up, but looked nothing like they used to
look? Would you believe it was them? Could you trust that person? Why or why not?
Science Connection: What a Journey!
In advance of this lesson, assemble the following items and read through this experiment.
Bibles
Tape measures or rulers
Calculators
Pencils and paper
Stopwatch or watch with a second hand
Bible map showing Emmaus and Jerusalem (optional)
Read Luke 24:13-35, and then use this exercise to explore that journey even more.
Divide students into pairs or groups of three. Each grouping should have a Bible, tape measure or
ruler, calculator, and pencil and paper. Measure and record the walking stride of each group
member. Read Luke 24:13 to discover the distance from Jerusalem to Emmaus (7 miles; 11.25
kilometers), and find Emmaus and Jerusalem on a Bible map.
Ask students to work together to calculate how many steps it would take them to walk the
distance from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Convert all the distances into feet (or meters):
1 mile = 5280 feet (1 kilometer = 1000 meters)
1 foot = 12 inches (1 meter = 100 centimeters)
Divide the distance between the two towns by the length of the student's stride to discover how
The Road to Emmaus page 10
many steps it would take to walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Next, invite students to time
themselves as they walk a specified distance at their normal walking pace. How long would it
take them to walk a mile at that pace? Encourage students to estimate how long it would take
them to walk from Emmaus back to Jerusalem if walking slowly, walking at a normal pace, or
running—or consider alternative methods of traveling between the two cities, like crab-walking,
crawling, or skipping!
How do you picture the disciples returning to Jerusalem to tell about their encounter with Jesus?
How long do you think it took them to get back?
Video/DVD: Alive and Well
Option 1: The Astronaut Farmer
Provide the movie The Astronaut Farmer (2006, PG).
Start cue: (Chapter 21, 01:13:06) Audie sits across from a lawyer, who reviews her father's
paperwork. He tells her, "Albeit handwritten, your dad's will is pretty straightforward."
End cue: (Chapter 21, 01:16:54) Audie says, "There's enough money in there for you to do
whatever you need to do."
Charles Farmer's pursuit of his dream to build a rocket has plunged his family into irredeemable
debt and has made him the object of ridicule around town. After a failed launch nearly kills him,
Charles sadly gives up his dream. Meanwhile, in the wake of her father's death, Charles' wife,
Audie, inherits a large sum of money.
• The banker seems embarrassed about his "faith" in Charles now that Charles has failed. Do you
think that some of Jesus' followers felt the same way about their faith in Jesus?
• What did Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus do for those who felt lost in doubt and grief
over his death?
• In what ways is Audie like Jesus?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
Option 2: Star Wars: Episode 1—The Phantom Menace
Provide the movie Star Wars: Episode 1—The Phantom Menace (1999, PG).
Start cue: (Chapter 16, 0:40) Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, and Padmé join Anakin's family for dinner. "All
slaves have a transmitter…"
End cue: "I can see there's no fooling you, Anakin."
Qui-Gon is a Jedi knight, one of an elite group of noble warriors who fight for good. When his
ship breaks down during a secret mission, he tries to keep his identity under wraps but a young
The Road to Emmaus page 11
slave boy recognizes him for who he really is.
• In what ways is Jesus present in your lives: at your table, in your home, in your school, on your
bus?
• What characteristics and behaviors help others recognize Jesus alive and well in you as a
Christian today?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
Option 3: Westender
Provide the movie Westender (2003, PG-13).
Start cue: (Chapter 20, near the end of the movie) Westender's caravan stops in the desert. He
picks up his sword.
End cue: "I have returned."
Asbrey of Westender was once a renowned heroic leader in the ongoing battle against invading
barbarians, but when he experienced a devastating loss he abandoned his sword and disappeared.
Now at the end of his redemptive quest, he is ready to return to fight for good.
• If you were a news reporter at Emmaus, what would the headline of your story be after
experiencing the revelation of Luke 24?
• What distractions keep us from seeing Jesus at work in our lives? How can we improve our
"vision" to recognize Jesus' presence daily?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
NOTE: Consult Christian Video Licensing International at Motion Picture Licensing
Corporation (1.800.462.8855 or www.mplc.com) for its umbrella licensing program covering the
use of videos/DVDs or video/DVD clips in any public gathering.
Music: One More Chance
Option 1: "Ordinary Miracle"
Provide the song "Ordinary Miracle" by Sarah McLachlan (from Charlotte's Web—Music from
the Motion Picture, Paramount Pictures, 2006).
Jesus' resurrection was a miracle for the women who went to the tomb and found it empty. The
Road to Emmaus was filled with miracles for the disciples. In this song, Sarah McLachlan sings
of things that are ordinary as being miraculous. Though the resurrection and ascension were far
from ordinary events, this song reminds us that in our lives we can work to see nature, people,
and our own choices as opportunities to share in ordinary miracles every day. We can give the
miraculous gift of the risen Jesus' love and care to everyone we meet.
The Road to Emmaus page 12
• Why do you think the disciples did not recognize Jesus walking with them? If you had been one
of the disciples walking along the road to Emmaus, how would you have felt once you knew that
Jesus was walking there with you?
• Have you ever heard of modern day miracles? If so, what were they?
• Do you believe in miracles? How can you create your own miracles?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
Option 2: "I Believe"
Provide the song "I Believe" by Wes King (from The Robe, Reunion Records, 1993).
In the story of the road to Emmaus, the disciples have trouble believing what the women have
told them: Jesus is alive! Jesus even walks among them for a time and they don't know that he is
there. He finally reveals himself, and they can see for themselves that he is alive. Wes King's
song, "I Believe," is a strong statement about believing in God's word, the creation, stories in the
Bible, and the fact that Jesus died and rose again. Even though it may sometimes seem like an
impossibility—just as it did for the disciples—Jesus did die and rise again, just so that we might
have eternal life. What an amazing gift!
• What does it mean to believe in someone completely?
• Was there anyone in this story who believed in Jesus completely?
• Why do you think that the disciples had so many doubts?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
Option 3: "Love Is a Long Road"
Provide the song "Love Is a Long Road" by Tom Petty (from Full Moon Fever, UMG
Recordings, Inc., 1989).
It's easy to imagine the dejection and resignation the travelers on the road to Emmaus must have
felt before they encountered the resurrected Christ. This Tom Petty song reflects similar
emotions, even as the singer holds out hope for "one more chance" to be saved. Just such
openness is what's needed to meet Christ on a faith walk—often when we least expect it.
• When is a time in your life that you have felt lost? When or where did you meet Jesus
unexpectedly along your life's path?
• How would you explain the connection between this song and today's Bible story?
Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.
Learning in Motion
Prior to class, write the name of a famous person on an index card, a different one for each
student in the class. Place the cards face down and have students tape the card to someone else's
The Road to Emmaus page 13
back so everyone in the room can see the name except the person wearing the card. Ask the
students to go around the room and try to discover their identity. They can only ask questions that
can be answered with a yes or no. After a few minutes, students can take off their cards and
discover who they are. Indicate that, because of his death and resurrection, our identities as
Christians are in Jesus Christ.
Closing Questions
Consider starting the Closing Time with a "Stump the Presenter!" moment in which learners may
ask you questions that have come up during their small group discussions, but for which they
want further explanation. This gives the small group leaders an "honorable out" when they get
into sticky theological territory, and it's a great way to start out your final minutes together.
If there are no "Stump the Presenter!" questions, tickle learners with one or more of the following
questions to connect Small Group Time with the larger conversation:
• How did Jesus encounter the disciples after he rose from the dead?
• How do we continue to encounter Jesus?
• What actions and words can you use to tell other people the good news of Jesus Christ?
Closing Ritual
Print this prayer, or project it on the wall, for all to read. Have the class join hands and pray
together.
God, we rejoice that you sent Jesus to earth and raised him from the dead. Help us to
encounter you daily through prayer and service to our neighbor. When we have doubts or
struggle with our faith, keep us mindful that you always seek us out, and restore us. Thank
you for the gift of eternal life. Amen
Closing Blessing
Before anyone leaves to go home, make sure each learner receives the following blessing from
the small group leader, or from you! (Or, if you like, consider writing your own blessing, based
on your teaching time.) Have leaders trace the cross on each learner's forehead as they say the
blessing.
May Jesus continue to seek you out and reveal himself to you. Amen
The Road to Emmaus page 14
Small Group Leader Sheet: The Road to Emmaus
Instructions
Make sure each learner has a Learner Sheet for use during your discussion. At the end of the
lesson they can take the Learner Take-Home Sheet to use with their household at dinner or
bedtime.
Be sure to start on a positive note. Welcome each learner by name. Let them know you're glad
they're here! If anyone is absent, mention you'll be praying for that person together. Small Group
Time is for give-and-take discussion. Your main job is to draw learners out and get them talking
about the theme. Ask open-ended questions that will provoke responses. Once the conversation
begins, intervene only to bring it back on track or to stimulate more talk.
Quick Prep
Luke 24
The Big Idea: A believer's life is a daily encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
Learning Goal: Learners will reflect on how and where they encounter the risen Christ.
• Important motifs of the resurrection stories include women being the first to know, the
resurrection being bodily, Jesus' followers not believing, Jesus' presence and sharing of a meal,
mutual hospitality between Jesus and those to whom he appears, and Jesus' speaking peace and
promise.
• There is no escape from God, who never abandons us. Jesus meets us wherever we are.
• If we give up, lose hope, or are afraid, Jesus does not leave us behind but meets us wherever we
are, wherever we are going.
• Ideas of an afterlife and resurrection arose in Judaism in the second century B.C. The Sadducees
did not believe in a resurrection. The Pharisees believed in a resurrection somewhat different
from the Christian understanding.
• Stories of Jesus' resurrection remind us to be alert for Jesus' presence. We may meet Jesus when
least expected.
Prayer Time
Go around the group and have each learner share the best and worst thing from his or her week.
Remind learners to pay special attention to (for example) the person on their right, as they will be
praying for that person in a moment (alternate prayer partners from week to week). When the
group has finished, prayer partners can pray for each other.
Key Words
EMMAUS was a village about seven miles (11 kilometers) outside of Jerusalem where two
The Road to Emmaus page 15
disciples traveled to seek refuge.
RESURRECTION is the act of rising from death to life, as Jesus did.
ENCOUNTER is an unexpected meeting with someone.
COMMUNION means to be physically or spiritually close to someone, Holy Communion is one
of the two sacraments in the Lutheran church.
Discussion Time
Use the following questions to kick off a conversation about the theme:
• Ask the group to talk about the idea of Jesus' resurrection. Is it sometimes difficult to believe
that Jesus arose from the dead? Why or why not? Why do you think Jesus only appeared to those
who believed in him? (Allow young people to explore these questions openly and honestly. Try to
reserve judgment. When the discussion is winding down, remind the students that "faith" is belief
in things unseen. We are all on a journey of faith. Assure students that God did raise Jesus from
the tomb, and Jesus continues to come to us today.)
• When the disciples recognized Jesus in Emmaus, they quickly returned to tell others that Jesus
was alive. The Lutheran Handbook offers some suggestions for "How to Share Your Faith with
Others" on pages 89-90. Do you feel comfortable talking to others about your faith? Why or why
not?
• Pass out index cards and pens or pencils to the group. On one side of the card, ask individuals to
list people with whom they think they could share their faith comfortably. On the other side, list
people they think need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Are there any names that appear on
both lists? How can this group support each other as they try to share their faith with others?
Big Fun Idea
Create a scavenger hunt for your group to complete together. It could be around the church,
around the neighborhood, or throughout your town or city. Encourage the group to work together
and work through the clues. Remember to take joy in the journey—when you're the only group
participating, there's no rush to get done first.
Big Serving Idea
Get together to make some baked goods for members of the congregation who are homebound.
(Ask the pastor or parish nurse for a list of people.) Take time to deliver the food to the
parishioners. Allow 10-15 minutes at each stop to chat with the people. Between stops, ask the
group, "How did we encounter Jesus in meeting this person?"
The Road to Emmaus page 16
Funny Shape of Faith Small Group Devotions: The
Road to Emmaus
Have a volunteer read the devotion that corresponds with this cartoon: "Dead Man Walking," The
Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Augsburg Fortress, 2007), p. 227. Then use
the following questions to spark group discussion.
Would you recognize Jesus if he didn't look the same? What kind of proof would you demand?
What would you want to ask him?
How does Christ meet us today? Does this surprise you?
Christ is always with you. How do you react to this?
The Road to Emmaus page 17
Learner Sheet: The Road to Emmaus
Luke 24
The Big Idea: A believer's life is a daily encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
Big Fun Idea
Participate in a whole group scavenger hunt. It could be around the church, around the
neighborhood, or throughout your town or city. Work together as a group and work through the
clues together. Remember to take joy in the journey—when you're the only group participating,
there's no rush to get done first.
Big Serving Idea
Get together to make some baked goods for members of the congregation who are homebound.
(Ask the pastor or parish nurse for a list of people.) Take time to deliver the food to the
homebound parishioners. Allow 10-15 minutes at each stop to chat with the people. Between
stops, talk about how you encountered Jesus in meeting the person.
Prayer Time
Remember your partner's prayer needs—record them here.
Discussion Time
• Talk about the idea of Jesus' resurrection. Is it sometimes difficult to believe that Jesus arose
from the dead? Why or why not? Why do you think Jesus only appeared to those who believed in
him?
• When the disciples recognized Jesus in Emmaus, they quickly returned to tell others that Jesus
was alive. The Lutheran Handbook offers some suggestions for "How to Share Your Faith with
Others" on pages 89-90. Do you feel comfortable talking to others about your faith? Why or why
not?
• On one side of an index card list people with whom you think you could share your faith
comfortably. On the other side, list people you think need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Are there any names that appear on both lists? How can your class support each other as you try
to share your faith with others?
The Road to Emmaus page 18
Learner Take-Home Sheet: The Road to Emmaus
Luke 24
Take this sheet home and keep it someplace near the dinner table, like on the fridge. At least three
times next week at dinner, use Prayer Time and one other family activity to make your
confirmation learning come alive!
Prayer Time
Sit together at the family table. Join hands and take a few minutes for silent prayer. After this
time has passed, each person can offer a prayer or thanks to God aloud. When you end your
prayer, squeeze the hand of the person on your left as a signal for his or her turn. The last person
can conclude with something like this: God, we give you thanks for the many ways in which
you bless us. We especially thank you for coming to earth, dying, and rising so we can have
eternal life. Amen
Key Words
Keep a family white board someplace near the dinner table, and write these words on it. Try
writing a family definition for each one during the week.
EMMAUS
RESURRECTION
ENCOUNTER
COMMUNION
Talk Time
• Have you ever thought something was too good to be true, but once you realized that it was true,
you'd never be the same again? If so, what was it? Perhaps it was an event from your childhood.
• Read the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus (found in Luke 24) aloud together as a family. If
you were a disciple, how would you feel when you left Jerusalem? How is this different from
how you felt when you left Emmaus? How was it possible that the disciples did not recognize
Jesus? Why is it so important that Jesus didn't stay dead?
• The Lutheran Handbook shows us "How to Receive Communion" on pages 36-40. Take a look
at these pages together. What are some things you already knew about the Sacrament of Holy
Communion? What did you learn from these pages? How often does your congregation celebrate
Communion, and how often do you participate? How do you "encounter" Jesus through this
sacrament?
Web Time
The Road to Emmaus page 19
Go to www.elca.org/questions and search for "resurrection." Find information regarding what
Lutherans believe about Jesus' resurrection. Then use an Internet search engine to search for
"Jesus' resurrection" and find out what other groups of people believe about this. What are the
similarities and differences?
Ritual Time
Invite another family to your home for supper. Find ways to engage these people in a
conversation about Jesus—perhaps by having a prayer or devotion before supper or by talking
about your church involvement or faith. This is an easy way to make Jesus known to others "in
the breaking of bread."
The Road to Emmaus page 20
Video (High Resolution): Sudden Surprise
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.mov
As twenty-first century Christians, we know that Jesus' story didn't end on Good Friday. But for
his grieving followers, the future looked bleak and uncertain. When the risen Jesus began
appearing to his friends, some didn't recognize him at first. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked
and talked with two disciples who couldn't believe that this stranger hadn't heard about the events
of the past few days. Imagine the looks on their faces when they suddenly recognized him!
Overjoyed, they dropped everything to run and tell others the amazing story of their surprise
encounter.
How would you react if a famous, deceased hero suddenly appeared to you right now? What
would his or her return mean to the world? What does Jesus' resurrection mean to the world?
How would you answer the questions asked in the video clip? Where or how have you
encountered the risen Savior this past week?
The Road to Emmaus page 21
Video (Low Resolution): Sudden Surprise
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.mp4
As twenty-first century Christians, we know that Jesus' story didn't end on Good Friday. But for
his grieving followers, the future looked bleak and uncertain. When the risen Jesus began
appearing to his friends, some didn't recognize him at first. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked
and talked with two disciples who couldn't believe that this stranger hadn't heard about the events
of the past few days. Imagine the looks on their faces when they suddenly recognized him!
Overjoyed, they dropped everything to run and tell others the amazing story of their surprise
encounter.
How would you react if a famous, deceased hero suddenly appeared to you right now? What
would his or her return mean to the world? What does Jesus' resurrection mean to the world?
How would you answer the questions asked in the video clip? Where or how have you
encountered the risen Savior this past week?
The Road to Emmaus page 22
Music Clip: New Graces from on High
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.mp3
Song: "No Ordinary Day"
CD: Through the Storm (www.spiritandsong.com)
Artist: Curtis Stephan
© 2003 Curtis Stephan
I wake up so early in the morning
I yawn and wipe the sleep from my eyes
I wake to see the brand new day is dawning
Filled up with new graces from on high
A resurrected Jesus is no longer limited to the day and age of his earthly life. As believers, we are
able to come into daily contact with him and his "new graces from on high" in powerful, and
often surprising, ways.
• One of God's chief hallmarks is that God startles believers, encountering us when we least
expect it. Have you (or has someone close to you) experienced such an encounter? Describe it.
• How does the tale of the road to Emmaus lay down a blueprint for Christ meeting common
people in his risen life? Think about how meals, for example, play such a crucial role in Christ's
ministry.
Note: You can purchase the CD featuring this song from the Augsburg Fortress online store
(www.augsburgfortress.org).
The Road to Emmaus page 23
PPT® Presentation (versions 2002 and later)
This presentation includes a video file and an audio file. All three (the presentation, the video,
and the audio) will download at once as a ZIP archive. Unzipping the archive will produce a
single folder containing all three files. For the presentation to work properly, the files must all
be in the same folder; therefore, we recommend you not remove them from the folder produced
when you unzip the archive, but rather move the entire folder as a single unit.
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.zip
The Road to Emmaus page 24
PPT® Presentation (versions 1997-2000)
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.ppt
The Road to Emmaus page 25
Cartoon
Media file: TheRoadtoEmmaus.tif
From HERE WE STAND Confirmation Series. Copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Here We Stand Annual License.
The Road to Emmaus page 26