The Emmaus Disciples
OCT 18
New city catechism question of the week:
Question #42:
How is the Word of God to be read and heard?
Answer:
With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it with faith and practice it in our lives.
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8–9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Talk about it together
One day, two of Jesus' followers were walking to a village called Emmaus. As they walked, Jesus came alongside them, but they did not recognize him. Jesus asked what they were talking about, and they told him about everything that had happened in Jerusalem. They explained that they had hoped Jesus would rescue Israel.
Jesus reminded them that God's Word had already promised the Messiah would suffer and then enter his glory. Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, Jesus explained everything the Scriptures said about him.
When they arrived in Emmaus, the two followers invited Jesus to stay and eat with them. As they sat down for the meal, Jesus took the bread, thanked God, broke it, and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus. Just then, he disappeared from their sight.
The two followers were so excited that they immediately returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what had happened. They shared how Jesus had walked with them and how they recognized him when he broke the bread. Jesus was alive, just as he had promised!
Jesus' death and resurrection should not have surprised his disciples because God had promised these things long before they happened. But when Jesus died on the cross, his followers were sad and confused. They hoped Jesus would rescue Israel, but they did not yet understand that he had come to do something even greater. Jesus came to rescue people from sin and make a way for us to live with God forever. His death and resurrection brought the greatest hope of all.
The whole Bible tells God's story of rescue through Jesus. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, God was carrying out his plan to send a Savior. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised that Jesus would come to rescue his people from sin. Jesus fulfilled those promises through his life, death, and resurrection. The New Testament tells us who Jesus is and how he made a way for us to be forgiven and welcomed into God's family forever. We can trust God to keep his promises, and we can have hope because Jesus is alive.
Family discussion
Where were the two followers walking when they met Jesus?
Did they recognize Jesus right away?
When did they realize it was Jesus?
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
Family prayer
Dear God, thank you for your perfect rescue plan through your son, Jesus. Thank you for keeping your promises and giving us hope because Jesus is alive. Help us trust your Word and follow you each day. Amen.
Kids Worship Bulletin
For kids attending worship service, below is the Kids Worship Bulletin for this coming Sunday.