Leader Notes “. . . their eyes were opened, and they recognized him . . .” Luke 24:31
Two friends—people who had known Jesus, who had walked with Him, talked with Him, and eaten meals with Him every day for three years didn’t recognize Him even on a long walk down a dusty road. Have you ever wondered about that? I have. How could that possibly be? The reality is: the disciples were looking at a man who happened to be traveling along the same road they were. They did not see Jesus because they did not expect to see Jesus. How many times on our walks through life do we not see Jesus?
Bible Story Road to Emmaus – Luke 23:13-49 Open your Bible so children can see you “reading” God’s Word. Show them your Bible and the words to they know what you’re saying is coming from God’s Word. Use Tell the Story idea below.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24:30-31 (NIV)
Our Bible lesson today tells an amazing story about a day when Jesus walked and talked with some of his followers, but they didn't even recognize him. Here is what happened.
After Jesus was crucified and risen from the grave, two of his followers were walking on the road that led to a town called Emmaus. They were sad and were talking about what had happened to Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus joined the disciples and walked along with them, but they did not know who he was because God kept them from recognizing him.
"You seem to be having a very serious discussion. What are you talking about?" Jesus asked them. One of the men answered, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem that doesn't know what has happened the past few days," Then they told them about how Jesus had been crucified, and buried, and that some women had gone to his tomb, but the tomb was empty. "We have heard that he is alive," they said, "but we have not seen him."
"Do you find it so difficult to believe what was written by the prophets in the Scripture?" Jesus asked. "It was predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory." Then Jesus quoted passages from the writings of the prophets, explaining what the Scriptures said about himself.
By this time, they had come to Emmaus and the disciples invited Jesus to stay with them since it was getting too late in the day to travel. So Jesus stayed with them and when they sat down to eat, Jesus took the bread and blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they saw that it was Jesus. Then just as quickly as he had appeared to them, Jesus disappeared. They were so happy and excited to have seen Jesus that they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others that they had seen Jesus.
Dear Lord, open our eyes, we want to see Jesus! In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
God’s Word In My Heart Read this passage from your Bible. Ask students to locate it in a Bible too. Help them learn this verse.
“. . . their eyes were opened, and they recognized him . . .” Luke 24:31
Activity Ideas
Road to Emmaus Scavenger Hunt You’ll Need the following items: Cross to symbolize the crucifixion Rock (fist size) what one would find on the side of the Emmaus road Bread because they ate this with Jesus Cup because they drank this with Jesus The number 7. This is the number of miles they walked to Emmaus. A heart for their “hearts were burning” The word “Emmaus” The word “Cleopas” A Bible
Hide items either inside or outside your classroom. Ask students to find the following items. When everything has been found, talk about each item and the meaning with today’s Bible lesson.
Stranger Than Fiction You’ll need Index card for each student Pencil or pen for each student
What You’ll Do Ask students to write 2 things others may not know about you, one true, the other false (The false statement should sound true) Ask students to read the information on their cards. Other students should say which is true, and which is false.
Say: On that first Easter morning, the two men didn’t know what the truth was. They needed someone to show them. How might we tell the story of Jesus to others?
Secret Message
Materials Needed: Wax paper or white or light colored crayons White drawing paper (NOT copier paper!) White construction paper would be best Paint brushes Watercolor paints
Preparation: Each student should write their name on their wax paper, placed over the top of the drawing paper using the blunt end of the paint brush. The will need to press hard, but not tear the wax paper.
OR each student should write their name in white crayon on their paper. Remove waxed paper, throw it away. Paint the drawing paper with water color paint. Their name should come through.
Say: “And suddenly they knew who he was.” It was like a light bulb or a candle came on for the two disciples as they ate dinner in Emmaus. They could see clearly. We say that Jesus is the light of the world. By Jesus’ light we can see clearly too.
Road to Emmaus Feet
You’ll Need Construction Paper Marker to trace feet
What You’ll Do Trace feet of each student and lay on a masking tape pathway in your room.
Closing Activity
Dear God, Thanks for sending Jesus to be my Savior and Friend. Amen.
Blessing:May God, who is all around you, Beginning at the bottom of the circle, slowly pour his love upon you.make a large circle with your hands. Finish by bringing your hands down and wiggling the fingers to resemble rain.) And Jesus, his life a sacrifice,Slowly make a large sign of the cross. Then walk right there beside you.move your hands out to the sides. And may God’s Holy Spirit, Cross your hands over the heart. the one who lives inside you, keep you strong, Move to a “strong man” position. Then comfort, lead and guide you!cross your arms with the hands on corresponding upper arms to communicate comfort. Bring one hand forward with “lead” and the other with “guide” to complete the blessing.)
