The Road to Emmaus

News That’s Too Good to Be True

Some “Hallelujahs” Don’t Come Easy

The Road to Emmaus

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 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.

(Luke 24:13–15, ESV)

Two things you can count on when you find yourself on your own road to Emmaus:

#1 – Sometimes we run for refuge, not realizing the Refuge is already with us.

…Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

(Luke 24:16, ESV)

Emmaus means “warm spring”—a place associated with healing and rest. A retreat. A refuge.

After the trauma of the crucifixion, these two disciples weren’t just walking to Emmaus—

they were running toward recovery.

The First Disciple: Cleopas

  • He wasn’t just part of the crowd—he was family.
  • But he was deeply disappointed.

“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel…”

(Luke 24:21, ESV)

The Second Disciple: Unnamed

  • That second spot is for you.
  • Your doubts.
  • Your disappointments.
  • Your difficulties.

What keeps us from seeing Him?

  • The severity of the storm
  • The shame of our sin
  • The subtle drift of our soul

Cleopas wasn’t a stranger to Jesus—

but he was a stranger to the resurrection.

#2 – His resurrection means the road of heartbreak can become the road of burning hearts.

When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 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?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem.

(Luke 24:30–33, ESV)

When the Word is opened and the bread is broken—Jesus is revealed.

What Changed?

  • His Word became real.
  • His presence became personal.

The same road of heartbreak became the road of burning hearts.

The road of retreat became the road of return.

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