Aug. 24, 2025

In this sermon from Luke 24:25-27, Pastor Chad explores the encounter between Jesus and two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples, discouraged after Jesus' crucifixion, fail to recognize that Jesus himself is walking with them. Jesus gently rebukes them for being slow to believe what the prophets had spoken about the Messiah, and then proceeds to give them a masterful Bible study, showing how all Scripture—from Moses through the prophets—points to Him.

The pastor emphasizes that the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, whispers Jesus' name. He encourages listeners to stop reading the Bible merely for advice and instead to look for Jesus in every passage. When we understand that Scripture is not just a rulebook but a revelation of Christ, our hearts are ignited with purpose and passion. The sermon concludes by distinguishing between memorization (storing Scripture), meditation (reflecting on Scripture), and revelation (allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us through Scripture).

Key Verses: Luke 24:25-27; Genesis 3:15; Exodus 12:13; Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 22:1

Reflection Questions

The pastor said, 'Sometimes the greatest barrier to understanding what the word of God says is a closed heart, not necessarily a closed Bible.' What do you think this means, and have you experienced this in your own life?

How has your approach to reading the Bible changed over time? Do you tend to read it for advice or to see Jesus?

The sermon mentioned several Old Testament references that point to Jesus (the Passover lamb, the fourth man in the fire, etc.). Which of these connections was most meaningful to you and why?

What's the difference between reading the Bible asking 'What does this mean to me?' versus 'How does this point to Christ?' How might this shift change your Bible reading?

The pastor distinguished between memorization, meditation, and revelation. Which of these do you find most challenging in your own spiritual life, and why?

Have you ever had a moment when Scripture suddenly 'came alive' for you in a new way? What was that experience like?

Life Application

Choose one book of the Bible (perhaps one you haven't read in a while) and read a chapter each day specifically looking for how it points to Jesus. Don't rush through it seeking immediate application, but instead ask, 'Where do I see Christ in these words?' Keep a journal of what you discover, noting how this approach differs from how you might have read it before. At the end of the week, reflect on whether this Christ-centered reading has changed your understanding of the passage and your relationship with Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• All Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus Christ and tells the story of God's redemptive plan through Him.
• We should approach the Bible not just seeking advice for our problems but seeking to encounter Jesus Himself.
• The disciples on the road to Emmaus knew the Scriptures but failed to connect them to Jesus standing right beside them—we can make the same mistake.
• There's a progression in our engagement with Scripture: memorization stores the truth, meditation contemplates the truth, and revelation awakens the truth in us.
• When we let Scripture 'read us' rather than just reading Scripture, we open ourselves to transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with us on our own roads to Emmaus—through our disappointments, confusions, and struggles. Open our eyes to see You in every page of Scripture, in every circumstance of life. May Your Word not just be information we collect but revelation that transforms us. Help us to move beyond memorization and meditation to experience the life-changing revelation of Your presence. As we leave this discussion, set our hearts burning within us with renewed passion for Your Word and Your presence. Guide us to read Scripture not just for advice but to find You, the Answer to every question and need. In Your name we pray, amen.