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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Luke 24:13-35
On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Message Outline:
In this passage of God’s Word we see Jesus appearing to two of His followers after His resurrection. At first, they are gloomy. However, after these two guys experience Jesus first hand, Jesus then takes the opportunity to teach them what has happened. By taking a closer look at this story we can see what it really looks like to experience Jesus.
We need to realize:
-
Jesus loves us, and wants a relationship with us
Luke 24:15, 2 Pet. 3:9, John 3:16-17, 17:3, 1 John 2:2, Rom. 10:13
2. Jesus was never the backup plan
Luke 24:25-27, John 1:1-18, 5:46, 2 Tim. 3:16, Gen. 3:14-15
3. Experiencing Jesus causes us to change
Luke 24:48-49, Matt. 28:19-20, Phil. 4:19, Gal. 5:22-23, 1 John 3:6
Reflection Questions:
- Had you ever heard this taught before? What stood out to you?
- It took living alongside Jesus and experiencing Him personally for the two followers to realize who Jesus was and that He had risen from the dead. How well do you personally experience Jesus every day? What would help you to do that better? What would help you grow in your relationship with God?
- In this passage Jesus taught His followers all of the Scriptures that concerning Himself. Do some reflecting on the Old Testament. How is Jesus foretold of in the Old Testament, and how does that affect our lives today?
- Truly experiencing Jesus causes us to change. How has Jesus changed your life? How do you think He will continue to change your life?
- After the two followers experienced living alongside Jesus, and realized who was with them, they immediately went to tell others that He had risen from the dead. How well do you tell others about your experience with Christ? How can you better help others to personally accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior?
- What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?