Today, I have the privilege of wrapping up our pastor’s sermon series, Let the Truth Be Told. And let me tell you: when God's Word speaks into your life, something happens. Lives are changed forever — and that’s exactly what we see in Luke 24 with two men on the road to Emmaus.
That’s also my prayer for you: whether you’ve been a Christian for 30 years or today is your very first time in church, I pray that God’s Word would speak into your life — and that you would be changed.
Let's dive into Luke 24:13–35.
A Walk Away from Jerusalem
It was Easter Sunday — the very day Jesus rose from the grave — and two followers of Jesus were walking away from Jerusalem, down a dusty road toward the village of Emmaus, about seven miles out. As they walked, they were deep in discussion about all the recent events: the crucifixion, the rumors of an empty tomb, the confusing stories from the women and disciples.
Then Jesus Himself drew near — but they didn't recognize Him.
This is huge: these two were followers of Jesus, but in this moment, they were moving in the wrong direction — walking away from the place where God's greatest work had just happened. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s possible to be moving, even busy with religious things, yet moving away from Jesus, not toward Him.
Maybe you've been there. Maybe you’re there now — attending church, doing the “right” things, but your heart is slowly drifting.
Friend, that’s a dangerous place for a Christian to live.
Saved and Called
Paul reminds Timothy of something critical in 2 Timothy 1:9 — God hasn't just saved us; He has called us with a holy calling. Not just any life — a life that’s set apart.
One of the saddest things I see as a pastor is someone who gives their life to Christ, gets baptized, and then...drifts away. Maybe they weren’t discipled. Maybe they didn’t know what it means to walk with Jesus daily. But here's the truth: salvation isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning.
You weren’t just saved from something — you were saved for something.
We are called to advance toward Jesus, not just stay busy moving.
Good Is Not Enough
As a dad of three, I’ve made up my mind: I don’t just want my kids to be good kids. I want them to be godly kids.
The world will tell you a "good life" is enough — good grades, a good job, a good family. But we’re called to something deeper. God’s call is a holy calling. It's a set-apart life that looks different because it is different.
When Moses encountered God's calling at the burning bush, it was so holy that Moses had to take off his shoes. Something had to change before he could move forward.
The same is true for us. We are called to live set apart, not just good.
Talking About Jesus vs. Talking to Jesus
As the two men walked, they were talking about Jesus — but not to Him. And that's a trap that’s easy for us to fall into too.
It’s easy to talk theology, attend Bible studies, listen to Christian podcasts...but miss personal intimacy with the living Savior.
I remember sitting outside years ago with my friend (and now pastor) Preston Smith. We spent an hour talking about God — but not once to God. That night, we stopped and prayed, and immediately there was a peace that came over us.
We have to be careful: Are we just processing information? Or are we truly pursuing intimacy with Christ?
Learning Without Seeing
Jesus gave the greatest Bible study ever — starting with Moses and the Prophets, showing how all Scripture pointed to Himself — yet the two disciples still didn’t recognize Him.
Sometimes we can hear God's Word, even study God's Word, but still not see clearly.
But notice: as they listened, their hearts began to burn within them. Something was stirring — and that stirring led to something powerful.
If you feel spiritually dry right now, don’t run from the desert. Drink deeply. Surround yourself with the Word. Stay near Jesus, even when you don't feel Him.
Because when you stay near His Word, He will open your eyes in His perfect timing.
Stirred Hearts Long for More
I love this: Jesus acted like He was going to keep walking, but because the two men begged Him to stay, He did.
Just like Moses on the mountain, or Peter in the storm, or these two disciples — when our hearts cry out for more of God, He doesn't refuse us. He draws closer.
If you feel that stirring inside, don't ignore it. Long for more. Ask Him to stay. Press in.
Broken Bread, Opened Eyes
Finally, they sat at the table with Jesus. He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them — and in that moment, their eyes were opened.
It was in the breaking of the bread — the symbol of Christ’s broken body — that they finally saw Him for who He was.
And what happened next? They didn’t stay seated. They ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others, "The Lord has risen indeed!"
When Jesus stirs your heart and opens your eyes, you can’t stay silent. You have to tell somebody.
Final Challenge
Today, take a real, honest look at your life.
Are you moving...but not advancing? Are you talking about Jesus...but not talking to Him? Are you learning facts...but missing intimacy? Are you stirred...but not responding?
If so, hear this: the body has already been broken for you. The tomb is already empty. Jesus is alive and ready to open your eyes.
Don't settle for being a “good” Christian. Step into your holy calling.
Let the truth be told — and let your life be forever changed.
