"Preparing To See Jesus" (Session 3) 2025

Sermon Title: “When Jesus Draws Near: Recognizing Him in the Everyday”

Hook: A Moment You Didn’t See Coming

Illustration Idea:

"Have you ever been in a situation where something important was happening, but you didn’t realize it until later?" Tell a personal or relatable story — for example, not recognizing someone famous in public, missing an opportunity, or overlooking something right in front of you (e.g., looking for your glasses while they're on your head).

Transition: That’s exactly what happens in Luke 24. Two disciples are walking home after the biggest moment in history — the resurrection — and they don’t even realize Jesus is walking right next to them.

Book: Luke 24:13–35 (CSB)

Read selected portions or summarize, but focus on key verses:

v.15: "Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them."

v.16: "But they were prevented from recognizing him."

v.27: "Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures."

v.31: "Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him..."

Look: What Does This Tell Us About Seeing Jesus?

1. Jesus Draws Near in the Ordinary

v.15 — "Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them."

Application: These guys aren’t praying. They aren’t worshiping. They’re just walking home, discouraged and confused — and Jesus comes right into the middle of it.

God is not waiting for you to clean up or climb up — He meets you right in your confusion.

Illustration: Like a father walking beside a son who doesn’t know how to ask for help — Jesus just joins the journey.

2. We Often Miss Jesus Because of Disappointment

v.16 — "But they were prevented from recognizing him." v.21 — "But we were hoping that he was the one..."

Application: Disappointment can blind us to Jesus’ presence. They thought the story was over. Many men live like Jesus was someone they trusted — past tense.

Sometimes our pain or unmet expectations keep us from seeing Jesus right beside us.

Quote: "Disillusionment happens when we put our hope in an outcome instead of a person."

3. The Word Prepares Us to See Him

v.27 — "Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself..."

Application: Jesus doesn't reveal Himself immediately — He first opens the Scriptures.

The Word of God prepares the heart of man to recognize the Son of God.

Illustration: Like a photo developing in a dark room — it takes time and exposure to the right light before the image becomes clear.

4. Recognition Happens in Relationship

v.30–31 — "It was as he reclined at the table with them... then their eyes were opened."

Application: Jesus revealed Himself not just in a sermon, but in the breaking of bread — a shared meal, a moment of intimacy and trust.

You don’t just need information — you need invitation. Invite Him in.

Practical Step: Are you inviting Jesus into your ordinary moments — not just church or crisis, but dinner, your drive, your daily work?

5. Once You See Jesus, You Can’t Stay the Same

v.33 — "That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem."

Application: When they saw Jesus, they turned around — literally and spiritually.

Encountering Jesus compels movement — from disappointment to mission.

Took: How Do We Prepare to See Jesus?

Challenge to the Men:

Ask Jesus to open your eyes today — not later, not after you fix things, but now.

Begin to look for Him in the ordinary rhythms: your morning coffee, your work commute, your conversations.

Let the Word shape your expectation — the more you know Scripture, the more your heart will recognize Him when He draws near.

Prayer:

“Lord, open my eyes to see You in my ordinary. Walk with me, even when I’m walking the wrong way. Stir my heart through Your Word and open my eyes when I sit with You.”