Eyes Opened

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BIBLE PASSAGE – Luke 24.28-35

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.

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 recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.

Why did Jesus seem to want to go on further than Emmaus? Discuss your ideas.

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Notice that the 2 disciples really wanted Jesus to stay – they ‘begged’ him to. Why do you think that was?

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Point to remember: Jesus is not unwilling to stay with us – but we sometimes have to ask him.

The Bible says that as these two disciples listened to Jesus talk about the Bible, their ‘hearts burned within them’. Does this mean they needed some Rennies..?!

Have you ever had a time when you felt a burning inside when you heard a talk or when you read the Bible? Why not ask God to give you a burning passion for his Word, the Bible.

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Ask God – When you read the Bible, ask God to reveal what he is saying to you in a powerful way.

When inside the house with the food prepared, Jesus suddenly takes up the position as the host (although not his house) and breaks the bread! Remind you of another Gospel event with Jesus? Where do you find it?

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(Answer: Luke 9.16, 22.19, Matthew 8.6, half of John!!)

The Bible says that THEN the disciples’ eyes were opened to recognise Jesus. And, true to form, Jesus disappeared! What’s all that about? Ideas?

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See the transformation in the disciples: one minute they are sad, next they’re well happy! One minute they are saying “it’s late, we need to get in the house” – to charging the 7 miles back to Jerusalem! What a transformation Jesus brings.

Have you had an experience of the Holy Spirit touching your life? Explain, write it down or talk about it with the other people if you want..

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Point to remember: One way of getting God’s fire burning in your life is to get into the Word of God and letting Jesus speak through the Holy Spirit

When the disciples returned to Jerusalem and met with the rest of the followers, they talked about Jesus appearing to them. It must have been an amazing atmosphere!! The Gospels are, of course, Good News

Why not now share stories of encouragement with each other. Stories of where God’s worked in your life or the lives of others in the world, history. Also encourage each other and big each other up. It is, Good News.