Breaking Bread with Jesus

Bible Passage: Luke 24:28–35

Summary: In this passage, we witness the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their journey illustrates the transformative power of recognizing Christ in our midst, especially through the breaking of bread.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to seek and recognize the presence of Christ in their daily lives, particularly during moments of doubt or despair. It's a reminder that Jesus walks with us, revealing Himself in the everyday experiences of life, especially shared fellowship.

Teaching: The key teaching is that recognizing Christ involves more than just seeing; it requires openness to His presence and the work of the Holy Spirit. Through personal encounters, such as the breaking of bread, we can gain deeper insights into the nature of Christ and His resurrection.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage connects to the broader narrative of Scripture by showcasing how Jesus fulfills the promise of His resurrection. It points to the significance of the Eucharist and communal fellowship as vital means through which believers encounter Christ, echoing the themes of presence and covenant throughout the Bible.

Big Idea: Recognizing the presence of the Risen Christ transforms our journeys of faith, reminding us that He is always with us, especially in moments of sharing and communion.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of the Passover meal and its significance in Jewish tradition as it relates to Jesus’ teachings. Look into how the breaking of bread signifies community and revelation, and check for different translations of the passage in your Logos library to see variations in language that may illuminate the text's meaning, particularly the nuances of recognition and revelation in verse 31.

1. Invite Christ to Abide

Luke 24:28-29

Perhaps you could reflect on how Christ approaches us on our own journeys, often in surprising and unexpected ways. Like the disciples inviting Jesus to stay with them, we can invite Christ into our hearts and circumstances, recognizing that He desires to be present in our lives through our daily interactions and moments of fellowship.

2. Break Bread, Find Christ

Luke 24:30-31

You could highlight the profound revelation that occurs when Jesus breaks the bread. As believers, we are invited to recognize Jesus in the ordinary elements of life and the sacred act of communion. This moment suggests that Christ makes Himself known in the breaking of bread, an invitation to find Him where we might not expect.

3. Burning Hearts, Open Eyes

Luke 24:32-35

Maybe discuss how the disciples' hearts burned as Jesus opened the Scriptures to them, and how they realized His presence in retrospect. We are encouraged to look back on our lives and recognize Christ's work and presence, learning to share these revelations with others to spread hope and faith.