“Recognizing Jesus in Our Journey”- Luke 24:13-35

Good morning, and thank you for coming to worship with us today!  We are already so blessed that you’re here.  What a joy to see our preschoolers sharing their music today—truly a blessing? Many of you have young families, and others are most likely connected to one in some way.  Parents, if it’s not clear by now, you are on a journey.  Juggling diaper bags, book bags, attitudes, tantrums, sleepless nights, all part of the beautiful chaos and confusion of raising little ones. 

The truth is life is full of confusing moments.  So, today we turn to Luke 24:13-25, and find a well-known story of two disciples, as we follow Jesus following His resurrection. As they are walking on the road to Emmaus, let us try to wrap our heads around how we go about “Recognizing Jesus in Our Journey” in this thing we refer to as “life.”  The passage is set on Resurrection Sunday, and will illustrate for us how Jesus walks with us, even when life feels way overwhelming and even unclear. Let’s discover how He meets us—parents, kids, and all—in the everyday moments of our family life.

Pray---------

On the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-25 tells the story of Cleopas and another disciple walking seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, with hearts that are heavy after Jesus’ crucifixion. They’re confused, disappointed, and now grappling with reports of an empty tomb. As they talk together, Jesus joins them, but “their eyes (in typical Jesus’ mystery) were kept from recognizing Him” (v. 16).

What we see in Scripture

Verses 13-14: The disciples walk, discussing Jesus’ death and the strange news of His resurrection.  What are they to do now?

Verses 15-16: Then Jesus appears, unrecognizable, and joins their conversation.

Verses 17-24: Cleopas shares their dashed hopes— “we had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel” (v. 21)—and mentions the women’s report of an empty tomb.

Verse 25: Jesus calls them “foolish” and “slow of heart” for not believing the prophets, as he prepares to explain the Scriptures to them.

Can you see yourselves at all in this story? 

We were convinced that things in life were going to go a certain way, then suddenly things change. Then we tend to do what they did, we talk about it.  We share our frustrations with others, how life isn’t fair, how you did nothing to deserve what ‘s happening, and others around you seem to be just great in their fancy clothes, fancy cars, and don’t appear to have a care in the world.

Sometimes, we have a hard time seeing too..

Unique to Luke’s Gospel, this post-resurrection story highlights the disciples’ spiritual blindness.  Today we might call this emotional intelligence. Either way, we’re just not getting it.   Emmaus was possibly a retreat from Jerusalem’s turmoil, and represents a journey of two people processing grief. It’s a fleeing the scene, heading in a direction away from outcomes we don’t want or like.  Theologically, we can learn a couple of things:

Christ’s Nearness: Jesus is present, even when unrecognized, offering comfort.

Scripture’s Power: The Old Testament reveals God’s plan, pointing to Jesus’ death and resurrection.  If these disciples believed the Scriptures were true, why are they in such disbelief on this issue?

Hope Restored: Jesus transforms despair into faith through His presence and Word.

For young parents, or (any parents for that matter), this may resonate deeply. Like the disciples, you may feel weary or question God’s plans for you amid sleepless nights or parenting challenges. Yet, here we are reminded that Jesus walks with us, ready to reveal Himself, even when we forget to bring him into our conversation or situation.

Jesus Joins Us in the Chaos.

“If you’re fighting a battle, who would you want in your corner?

The disciples were overwhelmed, much like you might feel when a toddler’s meltdown coincides with a work deadline or takes place in the most embarrassing places.  I was with my wife at a Dr.’s appointment on Thursday, and we were sitting in the waiting area.  There was a toddler, screaming her head off, despite what appeared to be a young Aunt’s attempts to sooth her.  Those around them were not upset, but I’m guessing by her expression, the Aunt was finding it difficult.  Mom came out of her appointment, and low and behold, after a 20 second period of “I’m going to scream for a while longer because you left me, and need to remember this moment.”   Most of you have experienced those moments where you are far from having it all together.

Yet, Jesus didn’t wait for the disciples to have it all together—He joined them in their mess (v. 15). Because parenting, like life, is a road filled with spills, laughs, and exhaustion, but it doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t there. As Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you.” When you’re wiping sticky hands or soothing a crying child, Jesus is so much closer than we give Him credit for.

Why is it so hard for us to accept the Bible really does serve a purpose?

Jesus points the disciples to the Scriptures (v. 25), showing how God’s Word reveals His plan. For parents, don’t forget that the Bible is a roadmap. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Reading Bible stories to your kids—like David and Goliath or Noah’s Ark—plants seeds of faith. Even a five-minute devotion, like reading Proverbs 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go”), can ground your family in God’s truth amidst busy days.

From Weariness to Worship

The disciples’ “we had hoped” (v. 21) echoes the discouragement parents can feel when plans unravel—maybe a child’s behavior challenges you, or you worry about their future, what it will be like, will you make it there, and if you do can you pay for it. Jesus’ presence shifts their focus from despair to hope. Similarly, He invites you to see parenting as worship. Every prayer you whisper over your child, every song you sing (like our preschoolers today), is an act of faith. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

How can you recognize Jesus in your parenting journey?

How can you recognize Jesus in your parenting journey? Here are three steps tailored for you:

Pause for Prayer Amid the Chaos: When you’re overwhelmed, take a moment to pray—even if it’s in the carpool line. Ask Jesus to walk with you, as He did with the disciples. Try a simple prayer: “Lord, help me see You in this moment.”

Make Scripture a Family Habit: Read a short Bible verse with your kids at breakfast or bedtime. Our preschool program’s songs, like today’s, can reinforce these same truths.  The more familiar, the more familiar.

Connect with Community: Share your parenting joys and struggles with others. Like the disciples talking together, community can help you see Jesus’ presence in ways you might not be able to do on your own.

Illustration: Meet Emily, a mom of two preschoolers. Exhausted by constant demands, she felt spiritually dry. One night, while singing a preschool worship song with her kids, she felt God’s peace. She started praying during diaper changes and reading a verse daily. Slowly, she recognized Jesus in her journey, transforming her perspective. You, too, can find Him in the small moments.

Remember Jesus walks with us

As we celebrate our preschoolers today, let’s remember Jesus walks with us—through sippy cups, sleepless nights, and joyful laughter. He reveals Himself in prayer, Scripture, and community. This week, try one step: pray during a tough moment, read a verse with your kids, or connect with another parent. Jesus is on your journey, ready to turn weariness into worship.

Luke 24:13-35 recounts the journey of two disciples on the road to Emmaus, disheartened after Jesus’ crucifixion and unaware that the risen Christ was walking beside them. Jesus patiently engaged their doubts, explained the Scriptures, and revealed Himself in the intimate act of breaking bread, transforming their despair into burning hope. This encounter not only restored their faith but also sent them running back to Jerusalem to share the good news.

For young parents and others, this passage is a profound encouragement that God cares deeply for you, meeting you in the chaos and demands of daily life. Parenting can feel like a lonely road—sleepless nights, endless tasks, and the weight of shaping young lives. Yet, just as Jesus walked unrecognized with the disciples, He is present with you, even when you feel overwhelmed or spiritually distant. His presence is not passive; He listens, guides, and sustains, often in quiet ways—a moment of peace, a kind word, or strength to face another day. This story assures you that you are never alone; the God who joined His disciples on a dusty road is with you in every diaper change, tantrum, or moment of self-doubt.

However, this passage also challenges parents to see their relationship with God as more than a lifeline for survival—it’s a calling that shapes both you and your children while fulfilling Jesus’ purpose for your life. The disciples on the road were not just comforted; they were transformed into witnesses, compelled to share Christ’s resurrection. Likewise, your faith isn’t just a personal anchor; it’s a legacy for your children and a response to Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). By nurturing your relationship with God—through prayer, Scripture, and community—you model for your children what it means to walk with Jesus, preparing them to recognize His presence in their own lives. This isn’t about perfection; the disciples were confused and doubting, yet Jesus met them. Your honest pursuit of God, even in weakness, teaches your children that faith is real and resilient.

Moreover, cultivating this relationship fulfills Jesus’ call for each of us to abide in Him (John 15:4-5). Parenting demands sacrifice, but it’s not the whole of your identity or purpose. Jesus invites you to know Him deeply, not just for your children’s sake but because He created you for communion with Him. This relationship brings fulfillment that no parenting milestone can match—it’s the “abundant life” He promises (John 10:10). When you prioritize time with God, even in small moments like praying over dishes or reflecting on a verse, you tap into His strength and joy, becoming a light to your family and beyond.

So, let the Emmaus story encourage you: God cares enough to walk with you, unseen but ever-present. But let it also challenge you: pursue Him intentionally, not just for your children but to answer His call on your life. As you do, your faith will shape your home and radiate outward, fulfilling His purpose in ways that ripple beyond the road you’re on.