TEXT: Luke 24:13–21, 25–34 ESV Verses 13–21: 13 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. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.

1. Be still until you sense His NEARNESS.

• Earlier this week, I had a moment with God. I heard Him say to me, “Be still.”
• As the disciples were still, they began to pour out their hearts to Him.
• Jesus listened. He is compassionate about our disappointment and grief.

2. Study His Word until your heart BURNS.

• Verses 25–27, 32: 25 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... . 32 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?”
  • THEIR HEARTS BURNED WITHIN THEM AS THEY RETURNED TO THE SCRIPTURES.
• The Word of God will burn within us if we are faithful to return to it.
• Coronavirus is not novel to God, nor is He uninvolved and surprised.
• The Scriptures give us the big picture!

3. Fellowship with other believers until your eyes are OPENED.

• Verses 28–31: 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 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.
  • THEIR EYES WERE OPENED WHEN THEY BROKE THE BREAD OF FELLOWSHIP.
• Even though we are quarantined, we are not alone!
• Through all of this, there is still strength in community.

4. Get moving—His purposes are ALIVE!

• Verses 33–34: 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
  • THEIR FEET BEGAN MOVING ONCE THEY REALIZED THE VICTORY.
• Once we realize that the world will continue and all will be okay, we must get our feet moving again to spread the gospel.

These two things are true:

• When God’s finished, we will be awestruck at WHAT He has accomplished.
• When God’s finished, we will be awestruck at HOW He accomplished it.