The Road to Emmaus

April 26 is the third Sunday in the season of Easter. During this part of the church year, we focus on the good news that Jesus is risen and still with us today! Alleluia!

Has your family been taking a lot of walks lately? If so, where do you like to go? What do you talk about when you walk together? What do you notice on your walks? Have you ever seen anything surprising?
Today’s Bible story begins with two of Jesus’ followers taking a walk—and it ends with a big surprise! As you read or listen to the story, try to imagine you are on the journey too. Would you have been surprised, like Cleopas and his friend? Why or why not?

Hear
The story of the road to Emmaus comes from Luke 24:13-35. Find the story in the family Bible or a children’s storybook Bible and read it together.

You can also click here to read the story using an online Bible, or you can watch the video retelling below.

Think
When you’ve finished reading the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • How do Cleopas and his friend feel at the beginning of the story? Why?
  • Why do you think Cleopas and his friend didn’t recognize Jesus right away?
  • What did Jesus talk about on the journey to Emmaus? Why?
  • When do Cleopas and his friend realize that the stranger is Jesus? What makes them realize it?
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with the story of the road to Emmaus by trying one or more of these activities:
Picture
Take some photos--in disguise.
Cleopas and his friend didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Have you ever had a hard time recognizing someone because they looked a bit different? Has anyone ever had a hard time recognizing you? Plan a photo shoot for your family where everyone wears a disguise. Share the photos with your family and friends to spread some joy during these times when we can’t see the people we love in person.
Picture
Play a game together.
Do you like board games? Click here to download a simple board game where your family can roll a die and move along aroad to be the first to find Jesus.

After you've played a round or two, try creating your own custom board game that shows the adventures of your family during social distancing.
Picture
Let your fingers do the walking.
Cut a pair of tiny "foot" shapes out of cardboard, then stick them to the end of your index and middle fingers using tape or sticky tack. Dip each "foot" in paint, then walk your fingers across a sheet of paper to leave a trail of footprints. Repeat the process with a second paint color, putting this set of prints next to the first. Then, with another color, add a third set of footprints that join the other two halfway across the paper. Who does each set of prints represent?
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to sfelde@ctkluth.com so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for walking with us on the road, and for being with us when we break bread together.
Help us remember that you are always there, especially when we feel sad and worried.
Help us share your love with others, too.
Amen.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306