Pray: To open your time together.
Read: Luke 24:13-35
Consider: Some thoughts for your group
The last few Sundays at Westside we have been discussing the idea of “thin spaces” in the Gospel of Luke. These thin spaces are experiences that the disciples and others have had when the heavenly realm seems to break through into their earthly realm. When physical healing happens, or food is miraculously multiplied the supernatural breaks into the natural world and amazing things happen.
In the story of the disciples encounter with Jesus on the Emmaus Road, we see one of the ultimate thin spaces in the account of Luke. Imagine the whirlwind that Cleopas and the other disciples must have been living in since the crucifixion of Jesus. From the elation of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the trial, torture, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus… What must have these disciples been thinking as they walked to Emmaus?
Although the disciples encounter Jesus and cannot recognize him at first, they later testify that their hearts burn within them as He explained the scriptures and all of God’s story of redemption for the world.
Group Questions:
- When has your heart burned with hope at the idea of God’s good plan?
- The disciples spent countless hours with Jesus before His death, but were unable to recognize Him as they walked the Emmaus Road. Where might God be at work right now that we may be missing Him?
- The first thing Jesus did with the disciples after they could recognize Him was to share the good story in all of scripture and how the Old Testament was pointing to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. What is the importance in your life of the scriptures today?
- Have you ever experienced a “thin place” on earth where it seems heaven might be breaking through on earth? If so, explain what that experience was like. If not, what do you make of these experiences that we read about in the bible?
Closing Prayer:
Spend some time praying for one another. Pray for a burning in your own heart to hear from Jesus and for Him to reveal the good story He is writing in your life. Pray for an experience where the heavenly realm breaks through in your life.