Luke 24:28-35

Intro Context (for the leader to summarize):

Just before this moment, two of Jesus' followers were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus (uh-may-is), totally heartbroken. Jesus had been crucified. Everything they believed in felt like it had fallen apart. But as they walked, Jesus Himself came up and started walking with them — but they didn’t recognize Him. He asked what they were talking about and listened as they explained their sorrow and confusion.

Now we pick up the story right as they get to their destination...

Verses 28–29 — "Stay with us."

“He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us...’”

This is such a beautiful moment. Jesus isn’t forcing Himself on them. He’s not dropping truth bombs or showing off with lightning bolts. He walks quietly with them. And when they say, “Please stay,” He does.

Big idea: Jesus is always near — and He stays when invited. Ask: What would it look like for you to invite Jesus to “stay” in your daily life — not just on Sundays or at camp?

Verse 30 — “He took the bread...”

“He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.”

This probably sounds familiar — it echoes the Last Supper and the feeding of the 5,000. But this time, the breaking of bread isn’t just about food. It’s a moment of recognition. It’s a moment of presence. Jesus is reminding them that He is the same Savior — and He is alive.

Big idea: Jesus reveals Himself in everyday things — like meals, relationships, conversations. Ask: Where have you experienced God in something small or ordinary?

Verse 31 — “Their eyes were opened.”

“And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.”

Wow — in a flash, they get it. They finally see Jesus, not just physically, but spiritually. Their eyes are opened to who He really is: alive, victorious, and present. Then — poof — He’s gone. But He’s not absent. He’s sent them a moment of clarity that will now drive their purpose.

Big idea: The resurrection isn’t just something to understand — it’s something that opens our eyes to the real Jesus. Ask: What helps you “see” Jesus clearly — and what sometimes keeps you from recognizing Him?

Verse 32 — “Did not our hearts burn within us?”

“While he talked to us... while he opened the Scriptures…”

This is such a real moment. After Jesus disappears, they’re like, “Wait... wasn’t something happening in our hearts the whole time?” Their hearts were burning — not from emotion only, but from the deep, personal truth of who Jesus is.

Big idea: Jesus uses Scripture to set our hearts on fire — not with hype, but with hope. Ask: Has there ever been a time when Scripture moved you or stuck with you? Why do you think that was?

Verses 33–35 — “They rose that same hour...”

“They returned to Jerusalem... and told what had happened...”

They don’t wait till morning. They run back to Jerusalem. Why? Because when your eyes have been opened to the risen Jesus, you have to tell someone. They go from confusion and sorrow to joy and mission — all in one evening.

Big idea: When you realize Jesus is alive, you’ve got a story to tell. Ask: Who could you tell about the difference Jesus makes in your life?

Wrap-Up: The Resurrection is Still Happening

This passage reminds us: Easter wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of a new way of life — where Jesus walks with us, opens our eyes, fills our hearts, and sends us out.

Main takeaway:

The resurrection isn’t just something to believe — it’s someone to walk with. Jesus is alive, and He’s still opening eyes, warming hearts, and sending people like you to share the good news.