The Story
- Luke 24:13-35 The Walk to Emmaus
- Luke 24:36-53 Appearing to His Disciples
- Family Worship: The Road to Emmaus
Suggestions for discussing this story with children.
Read more about the Lord Appearing to His Disciples
- “Two Disciples See the Risen Lord” by Cairns W. Henderson (ages 4-6)
Sometimes, we can feel as if the Lord has been taken away from us, and that we do not know where to find Him. But if we truly love the Lord, He will still be with us, even though we cannot see Him. - “The Sorrow and the Joy of Easter” by Geoffrey H. Howard (ages 7-14)
At Easter time we turn to the Lord with thankful hearts for having spoken all the truths contained in His Word. It is by means of these truths that we can discover how the Lord can be with each one of us and lead us in the way of peace. - “The Road to Emmaus” by Christopher R. J. Smith (ages 18 and up)
The men on the road to Emmaus had a remarkable experience. It changed them and changed their whole outlook on life because they had been given visible proof that the crucifixion had not ended the life of Jesus Christ. - “The Breaking of Bread” by Patrick A. Rose (ages 18 and up)
To break bread and share it with someone is to communicate--to share what is good. And to eat the bread that is offered is to make this good part of oneself.
Ideas to help us apply this story to our lives:
- The story of the road to Emmaus helps us picture the grief felt by the Lord’s followers after His crucifixion. Even though they heard reports that the Lord was risen from the dead, they found it hard to believe.
- Why do you think it took the two disciples so long to realize that the Man walking with them was the Lord? When did they finally recognize Him?
- We experience times when we feel like the Lord is absent from our lives. The reality is that He is always with us. But the Lord can’t be conjoined with us—break bread with us—unless we receive His Divine truth and love.
- After recognizing the Lord, the two men hurried to tell the eleven disciples and other followers that “The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34). Then the Lord came and stood in the midst of them.
- What did the Lord say to His followers when He came to them? (“Peace to you.”) But the disciples were frightened. They thought they were seeing a spirit.
- How did the Lord convince His disciples that He was risen? (He showed them His hands and feet. And He ate a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb in their presence.)
- When they had been reassured, He helped them understand what they had seen and heard. With His resurrection, the disciples finally understood that He was the Lord and God of heaven and earth!
- The appearances of the Lord after His resurrection give the same message of reassurance to us as well. For although we do not always notice or feel His presence, the Lord is always with us. If we turn toward His goodness and truth and follow His teachings, the Lord will open our spiritual eyes, and we will recognize Him. Then we can take joy in knowing that the Lord is with us and wants us to experience the peace that comes from Him alone.
Projects and activities for various ages
- Make a Diorama of Easter Morning at the Sepulcher (ages 7-14)
Color and cut out figures to retell the first part of the story in Luke 24. You can also use the figures of Jesus and two disciples to retell what happened on the road to Emmaus. - Dramatize the Walk to Emmaus (ages 6-12)
Suggestions for dramatizing the story as someone reads the story aloud. - On the Way to Emmaus Coloring Page by Josephine Ellis
Shows the Lord walking with two of His disciples. - Egg Shaped Easter Book (for ages 5-12)
Illustrate the pages to make a book about the events that happened between the Lord’s resurrection and His ascension into heaven. Text is provided for each page. - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Joyful song about the Lord and His victory over hell. - The Lord as Provider Coloring Page
Two disciples recognize the Lord when He breaks bread with them after meeting them on the road to Emmaus. - The Lord Appears to the Disciples (ages 7-12)
Color the picture of the disciples and then insert the Lord through a slit in the page into their midst. - Accordion Book of the Lord’s Appearances (for ages 5-12)
Illustrate several of the Lord’s appearances after His resurrection, then assemble them into an accordion book and display. - How Can We Break Bread Together?
We can share bread with friends and family, and we can also seek to receive the bread of life from the Lord. - In Perfect Peace (ages 15 and up)
Are we more aware of the Lord’s presence when we are trusting in Him? - Wait on the Lord Song by Lori S. Odhner
Beautiful song audio based on Psalm 27 - Prayers for Teens: I Am with You Always
Three prayers asking the Lord to help us trust in Him and feel His continual presence.
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