Lesson 9 – Jesus Appears on the Emmaus Road

The disciples recognized Jesus through the Scriptures and the breaking of bread. Christ comes to us and abides with us through Word and Sacrament and continues to open our eyes and strengthen our faith.

Opening

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Watch the video “Jesus Savior” by Chris August, music Inspired by the epic motion picture “Son of God" at shows many scenes from Jesus' life.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes through Your Word that we might believe in You and receive eternal life. Fill us with joy as we anticipate our own resurrection. Amen.

God Speaks

Follow the directions on the Student Page at the end of the lesson.

Read Luke 24:13-35, identify senses used in verses listed in the table.

Table should be filled out as follows:

• Verses 13-14: Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell
• Verses 15-16: Sight (limited), Hearing, Touch, Smell
• Verses 17-29: Sight (limited), Hearing, Touch, Smell
• Verse 30: Sight (limited), Hearing, Taste, Touch, Smell
• Verses 31-32: Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch, Smell
• Verses 33-35: Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell

Then answer the questions.

With all their senses at work, why didn't the disciples recognize Jesus? They were kept from recognizing Jesus.

Cleopas felt surprised that the stranger had not heard the news. He knew Jesus' tomb was empty. Do you think he believed Jesus rose? Cleopas looked sad. He believed Jesus was a prophet, but since Christ didn't redeem Israel, the disciple seemed confused. He does not say Jesus is the Christ or God's Son. He struggled with the evidence. He had not seen Jesus Himself. Yet, he seemed to want to believe.

The Jews believed the Messiah would redeem them from Rome. How did Christ redeem them and us, but not as expected? We were slaves to sin, but our bondage was eliminated through Jesus' death. "For freedom, Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1).

How did Jesus respond to the confusion of the disciples? With compassion, Jesus taught them to understand the Scriptures about the Christ, from Moses and all the prophets. He said the Messiah had to suffer and then enter His glory.

Jesus helped them see that His sacrifice on the cross paid for the sin of the world and that through it, forgiveness of sin and eternal life come to all who believe in Christ.

Why do you think the disciples asked Jesus to stay with them? They probably wanted to hear more teaching. The Jewish people were very hospitable, so perhaps they acted politely. They may have worried for His well-being because it was nearly evening and robbers presented a danger.

Usually, the host of a meal broke the bread, gave thanks, and distributed it. But Jesus took this role. Why do you think the disciples immediately recognized Him when He did? The most obvious answer is that Jesus finally let them see Him. They probably saw Jesus serve as host often in their time with Him.

How does Christ want His followers to recognize Him in the breaking of the bread? Christ serves His people through bread and wine at Holy Communion, where He is present in His body and blood to forgive the sins of those He loves. However, it's important to know this was a regular meal, not the Lord's Supper.

What happened when they recognized Jesus? He disappeared.

How might a spiritual truth cause a physical reaction? As the Holy Spirit works through God's Word to show us His truth, our bodies may respond physically, affecting senses and prompting feelings For example, when confronted with sin, we may feel sad, regretful, anxious, or nauseated; we may taste bitterness or tremble.

When we hear forgiveness in Christ, we may smile, cry, or feel grateful or happy; we may feel a warm flush, a chill, or goose bumps. Bodily responses are not needed to recognize God's truth or believe in Christ. They are simply a response to stimuli. Individuals have different emotional and physical reactions.

What did the disciples do next? They returned to Jerusalem at once, even though it was dark and despite robbers or dangers. They excitedly found the Eleven and told them they had seen Christ, risen from the dead.

To what other person had Jesus appeared? Peter.

How does Jesus' resurrection show the truth about Jesus? Jesus' resurrection shows that He is God's Son. Nothing can defeat Him. He defeated sin, death, and the devil to redeem us and give us forgiveness of sins and new life, now and forever.

 

We Live

Continue with Renewed by the Gospel on the Student Page.

Through the Gospel, we believe and receive the benefits Jesus won for us on the cross. Through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit sanctifies us in the true faith. He works renewal in our spirits, wills, attitudes, and desires so that we strive to overcome sin and do good works for Him.

How did the disciples on the road to Emmaus show changed spirits, wills, attitudes, and desires? They believed Jesus rose from the dead, and they ran back to Jerusalem to tell other Christians. They no longer doubted.

Where do we need spiritual renewal in our spirits, wills, attitudes, and God, desires? Every person continues to struggle with sin and its effects. It tangles our relationships, skews motivations, and twists our words and actions. Often, we hurt ourselves and other people. We don't represent Jesus well. We fail.

How can we get on the right track? What should we do when we recognize sin that causes problems for us? Read 1 John 1:8-9 (on the Student Page) We should confess our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us.

We can also turn to God's Word, because the Holy Spirit works through it to instruct, guide, inspire, and change our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. We receive forgiveness of sin and strength to live a new and holy life through Holy Communion.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus heard Jesus explain how all of Scripture points to Him, His death, and His resurrection. Where can we hear Jesus' words of instruction and comfort? In God's Word (the Bible); in its preaching and teaching by faithful Christian leaders; in worship, where it is preached and sung; and in conversation with other Christians, the consolation of true brothers and sisters in the faith.

Looks can be deceiving. For example, we see and taste bread and wine in Communion. Through faith, we also see, hear, taste, touch, and smell Christ's body and blood. What benefits does God give us in Holy Communion? Forgiveness, life, salvation, victory over sin and hell, strength to live a new life in Christ, participation in a solemn public confession of Christ, and unity in the truth of His Gospel (Catechism Question 296).

In the Lord's Supper, the Lord Jesus serves us healthy spiritual food, full of nutrients and strength for living as His people.

Closing

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for showing Yourself to us through Your Word and Sacrament, and for giving us hope of our own resurrection. We love You, Jesus, and pray in Your name. Amen.