Racing the GPS, Missing the Journey

Text: Luke 24:13–35 (The Road to Emmaus) Opening Line: A morning of worship, a lifetime of grace.

Introduction: Racing the GPS

Have you ever raced the GPS? You’re driving home, and it tells you: “Estimated arrival time: 6:32 PM.” But then you think, Oh, I can beat that! You speed up a little here, skip a bathroom break there, cut a corner—and before you know it, you pull into your driveway, triumphant. 6:27 PM. Victory! But let me ask you: what did you miss along the way? A scenic overlook? A chance to talk with your child in the passenger seat? The peace of a relaxed drive? Racing the GPS might win you minutes—but it can rob you of the moments.

Spiritually speaking, many of us are doing the same with God. We’re rushing the journey, sprinting through seasons, trying to get to the destination—success, blessing, spiritual maturity—before God says it's time. But just like that road home, the journey with God is filled with purpose, lessons, and presence we’ll miss if we rush.

Let’s open to Luke 24:13–35, and walk with two disciples who were on a journey they didn’t expect—but exactly the one they needed.

Exposition and Sermon Body (Text-by-Text)

“Sometimes the longest way around is the shortest way home.” — C.S. Lewis

1. v.13-14 – “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.”

These two disciples were on a journey—seven miles, about two hours on foot. They were walking away from Jerusalem. Away from the cross. Away from the tomb. Away from where Jesus had just risen. Why? Because they thought the journey was over. Hope was dead. But here’s the lesson: God is still working even when we think the journey is done. Don’t be too quick to leave Jerusalem. God might still be moving in the place where it hurts.

2. v.15-16 – “As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.”

They were so caught up in their pain and confusion that they didn’t recognize Jesus. They were literally walking with the risen Savior—and didn’t know it. Application: When we rush or focus only on our own disappointment, we can miss Jesus walking right beside us.

Illustration: Have you ever passed a beautiful sunset while speeding down the road, and only realized it when it was too late to stop? Sometimes we need to slow down to see clearly.

3. v.17-24 – They explained their version of the story.

Jesus asked, “What are you talking about?” They told Him about their dashed hopes:

“We had hoped that he was the one…” (v.21)

That line—“we had hoped…”—is the language of someone who’s tired of waiting on God. They were ready to call it quits. But Jesus listens. And then He responds—not with shortcuts, but with Scripture.

4. v.25-27 – “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are…’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

Jesus doesn’t just give them answers—He teaches them truth. He walks them through the Scriptures. The journey is educational. It’s transformational. He could have revealed Himself instantly, but instead He walked the long road with them so they could learn, grow, and believe.

“Waiting time is not wasted time. Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.” — Henri Nouwen

Application: We want miracles now. God wants maturity. We want the destination. God is focused on the formation that happens in the journey.

5. v.28-29 – “As they approached the village… Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us…’”

Jesus gives them the chance to keep going or invite Him in. That’s still true today. Jesus won’t force His way into your journey. He walks until He’s invited deeper.

Illustration: That moment when you're on a long road trip and someone says, “Let’s pull over and get something to eat.” It might delay you, but it feeds you.

Don’t race past the moment Jesus is ready to sit down and stay with you.

6. v.30-31 – “When he was at the table… their eyes were opened and they recognized him…”

Finally! They see Him. But when? Not in the walking. Not in the teaching. In the breaking of the bread. In the quiet moment of fellowship. Had they rushed home or ignored Him, they would’ve missed it.

Application: The presence of Christ is often revealed in the pauses, not the pace. We need to create space—slow down—to experience Him.

7. v.32-35 – “Were not our hearts burning within us…?”

They reflect on how Jesus stirred their souls on the road. And then—they go back to Jerusalem. Back to the place they were leaving in disappointment, now filled with purpose.

When we walk with Jesus at His pace, we don’t just reach the right destination—we arrive transformed.

“Sometimes we don’t recognize Jesus because we’re not expecting Him to walk with us in our disappointment.” — Unknown

Conclusion: Don't Race the GPS, Walk With God

Let’s be honest—we all want to beat the clock. We want the answers now. We want the healing now. We want the success now. But if we rush the journey, we’ll miss the Savior’s presence, the Scriptures’ wisdom, and the sweetness of seeing Him break the bread of life before us.

Slow down. Walk with Jesus. Invite Him to stay. And when the time is right, He’ll open your eyes—and your heart will burn with His truth.

“The road to Emmaus is the road every disciple must walk—confused, discouraged, and then... changed by His presence.” — N.T. Wright

Invitation

Maybe today you’ve been racing through life—rushing decisions, running from pain, trying to force your own timeline. Jesus is walking with you. Will you stop and invite Him in? Don’t rush this moment. Don’t race the GPS. Rest in His presence—and let Him open your eyes.

Worship Song List

“Come Thou Fount (I Will Sing)” – Chris Tomlin (Reflective invitation to slow down and remember God's grace.)

“Jesus, Strong and Kind” – CityAlight (Gentle reminder that Jesus meets us patiently where we are.)

“Way Maker” – Leeland (Celebrates God working even when we don’t see it—like on the road to Emmaus.)

“Abide” – Worship Initiative / Aaron Williams (A powerful modern song of remaining close to Jesus throughout the journey.)

“Open the Eyes of My Heart” – Paul Baloche (Connects directly to v.31 – when the disciples’ eyes were opened