Good Question: What things? (April 5, 2026)

Summary

How often do we miss what’s right in front of us? This powerful exploration of Luke 24 takes us on the road to Emmaus with two discouraged disciples who are literally walking alongside the resurrected Jesus without recognizing Him. Their struggle mirrors our own journey of faith. They’re discussing everything that happened, trying to make sense of the crucifixion, the empty tomb, the rumors of resurrection. Yet when Jesus asks what they’re talking about, they can’t see that the answer to their questions is walking right beside them. What unfolds next is remarkable: instead of revealing Himself visually, Jesus opens the Scriptures. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He shows them how the entire Old Testament points to the Messiah’s suffering and glory. The most compelling evidence for the resurrection isn’t what we can see with our eyes, but what has been written in God’s Word. Their hearts burned within them as Jesus connected the dots from Genesis to the prophets, showing how Abraham’s sacrifice, Joseph’s betrayal and exaltation, David’s shepherd-king role, and Isaiah’s suffering servant all pointed to Him. When we struggle with doubt or discouragement, we’re invited to do what these disciples did: open the Scriptures and discover that the entire story of redemption has always been about Jesus, and His power to transform our empty lives into something full of purpose and eternal significance.

Key Scripture – Luke 24

Key Takeaways:

  1. The most compelling evidence for the resurrection is not something seen, but something said – it’s found in Scripture, not just physical proof.
  2. Jesus wanted the disciples to believe with their hearts, not just their eyes – faith based on God’s Word is more powerful than faith based on sight alone.
  3. The entire Old Testament points to Jesus – all of Scripture is about Christ, His suffering, death, and resurrection.
  4. Transformation comes through faith – believing in the resurrected Christ has the power to change our lives today.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

  1. Why do you think Jesus prevented the disciples from recognizing Him on the road to Emmaus? What was He trying to teach them?
  2. The disciples were discussing “the things” that had happened. What were they missing in their understanding of recent events?
  3. Jesus called the disciples “slow of heart to believe.” What’s the difference between being slow of mind versus slow of heart?

Connecting to the Old Testament

  1. The sermon mentioned several Old Testament stories that point to Jesus (Adam, Abraham, Joseph, David, Moses, Jonah, etc.). Which of these connections was most meaningful to you? Why?
  2. How does understanding that the Old Testament prophesied about Jesus strengthen your faith in the resurrection?
  3. Read Psalm 22:1 and Isaiah 53:5. How do these ancient prophecies give credibility to the gospel accounts?

Personal Application

  1. It was said, “How easy it is for us to miss what is right in front of us.” In what ways might we be missing Jesus in our daily lives?
  2. The disciples’ “hearts were burning within them” as Jesus explained the Scriptures. When was the last time you felt that kind of passion while reading God’s Word? What can we do to cultivate that?
  3. Jesus gave the impression He was going farther, but the disciples invited Him to stay. How can we actively invite Jesus into our lives rather than letting Him pass by?

Faith & Transformation

  1. The sermon ended with the A-B-C of salvation: Admit, Believe, Commit. Where are you in this journey? Is there anyone in the group who wants to take this step today?
  2. Romans 10:9 says we must “confess with our mouth” and “believe in our heart.” Why are both components necessary?
  3. It was said, “If Jesus really did rise from the grave, it means Jesus really can change your life.” What area of your life needs resurrection power right now?

Scripture Reference

Explicitly Mentioned References

  1. Luke 24:13-27 – Primary text about the road to Emmaus
  2. Genesis 3:15 – The first proclamation of the gospel (serpent’s head crushed, Messiah’s heel struck)
  3. Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
  4. Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities”
  5. Psalm 118:22 – “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”
  6. John 1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God”
  7. Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”

Alluded to or Referenced Stories/Themes

  1. Genesis 22 – Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah (sacrifice of the son)
  2. Genesis 37-50 – Joseph’s story (betrayal, two prisoners, exaltation)
  3. 1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath
  4. Exodus 3-14 – Moses as deliverer, 40 years in wilderness
  5. Numbers 13-14; Deuteronomy 34; Joshua 1 – Moses unable to enter Promised Land; Joshua (Yeshua) leads them in
  6. Jonah 1:17 – Three days and three nights in the belly of the whale
  7. Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with the fourth man in the fire
  8. Genesis 32:22-32 – Jacob wrestling with God
  9. Matthew 12:40 – Son of Man three days and three nights in the heart of the earth
  10. John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son” (referenced in closing prayer)