Revealed in the Breaking of Bread

Luke 24:13–35

Summary: The account of the two disciples encountering Jesus on the road to Emmaus, where their eyes were opened to recognize Him in the breaking of bread.

Application: This passage challenges us to be attentive to the presence of Jesus in our lives, especially during times of spiritual blindness. It encourages us to engage in the practice of breaking bread in communion with fellow believers as a means of encountering the living Christ.

Teaching: This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and communal worship in recognizing Jesus in our midst. It also underscores the transformative power of the Eucharist in revealing Christ to us and fostering unity among believers.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples in the breaking of bread, echoing His presence in the Eucharist and the fellowship of believers throughout history. It points to Jesus as the Bread of Life who sustains us on our spiritual journey.

Big Idea: Through the shared practice of breaking bread, Jesus makes Himself known to us, opening our eyes to His presence and deepening our fellowship with Him and one another.

Recommended Study: To delve deeper into the theological significance of the Eucharist, explore the writings of the early church fathers on the sacrament of communion using Logos. Additionally, study exegetical commentaries on Luke 24 to gain a richer understanding of the cultural customs around hospitality and recognition through shared meals in the ancient Near East.

1. Blinded by Grief, Blessed by Presence

Luke 24:13-24

Perhaps you could start by exploring the disciples' journey of confusion and grief, highlighting how our own spiritual blindness often mirrors their inability to recognize Jesus beside them. This could lead into a discussion on the importance of openness to Jesus' presence in all circumstances of our lives.

2. Biblical Clarity, Spiritual Sight

Luke 24:25-27

You might consider diving deep into Jesus' response to the disciples' blindness by interpreting Scripture, emphasizing how the understanding of Scripture can open our eyes to Jesus' presence. This could segue into the relevance of Scripture in revealing Christ in our daily lives and the vital role of biblical literacy in our spiritual sight.

3. Breaking Bread, Beholding Glory

Luke 24:28-32

Maybe explore the moment of revelation that occurs in the breaking of bread, underscoring how communal practices like the Eucharist are not just ritual acts but powerful encounters with the living Christ. This moment can serve as a metaphor for recognizing Jesus in our communal and personal worship experiences.

4. Witness Awakened, Fellowship Deepened

Luke 24:33-35

Consider concluding with the disciples' reaction to recognizing Jesus, highlighting the transformation from blindness to proclamation. This could reflect on the change in our lives when we encounter Christ, urging us to share this revelation with others in our community, thereby fostering a deeper fellowship with Him and among believers.