April 19, 2026 Sermon
The Rev. Chris Sundberg was our guest minister today. Although we don't have a "word for word" sermon from him, he did give me an outline. I think there is enough here that you can piece together what he was trying to tell the congregation.
Guest Minister: Rev. Chris Sundberg
Sermon title: “The Road to Emmaus”
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to Emmaus
13Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Introduction
Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem away from with their expectations pretty shattered.
And they say it plainly in my comic book version of the Bible (The Epic Bible):
“What will our families say…”
“This isn’t working out the way I thought”
That’s where many of us find ourselves at times—walking through disappointment, confusion, and unanswered questions.
1. (Billy Graham) - Jesus Meets Us Right Where We Are
Jesus meets them on the road—not in a temple, not in a perfect moment, but in the middle of their pain.
He walks with them.
He listens.
He lets them speak.
How often is Jesus walking beside us, and we don’t even recognize Him?
2. Jesus Comes Alongside Us With Truth
Jesus doesn’t just comfort them—He teaches them.
He walks them through Scripture, showing that everything—from Moses to the prophets—pointed to Him. He likely went through the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, covering the foundational promises (crush the head of the snake, Abrahamic covenant, patterns of redemption for Israel) proving that His suffering was not failure, but fulfillment.
Then He probably went to Isaiah 53 and pointed to the fact that they were ordained events that led to the cross and His resurrection.
And the whole time they’re starting to get it
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us…”
That burning is what happens when truth comes alive.
And today, we are not left alone. Jesus promised us a Helper.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
John 14:16–17, 26-27
Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit to walk the roads with us
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
We know this all happened in Acts 2.
The word Advocate (Parakletos) means one who comes alongside.
Just like Jesus walked with the disciples, the Holy Spirit now walks with us—guiding, teaching, and reminding us of truth.
3. Jesus Waits for an Invitation (Billy Graham)
As they reach Emmaus, Jesus acts like He’s going further.
He doesn’t force His way in.
But they urge Him:
“Stay with us.” Remember their hearts were burning
That invitation changes everything.
Jesus still works the same way today. He doesn’t force Himself into our lives—He waits for us to invite Him in.
4. Recognition Comes in Relationship
It wasn’t on the road that they recognized Him.
It was at the table.
In relationship.
In the breaking of bread.
And suddenly—their eyes were opened. When they’re opened we can…
5. Abide in Him
Jesus later teaches this powerful truth:
John 15:5
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Without Jesus, the disciples were confused and hopeless.
With Him, everything changed.
6. The World Will Not Always Understand
Following Jesus doesn’t mean life becomes easy.
John 15:18–19
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first… I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
But we are not left alone.
The Spirit Testifies and Strengthens
John 15:26–27
“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth… He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me…”
The Holy Spirit strengthens us, walks beside us, and empowers us to live out our faith.
This is the second time Jesus tells the disciples about the Holy Spirit!
Bringing It All Together
Look at the pattern:
· They doubted
· Jesus came alongside them
· He gave them truth through Scripture
· He waited for their invitation
· And when they received Him, their eyes were opened
Application
This story is our story.
· When you feel lost—Jesus is walking with you
· When you don’t understand—He is still speaking
· When your hope feels broken—His plan is still unfolding
The question is:
Will you invite Him in?
Will you listen for His voice?
Will you recognize Him when He reveals Himself?
Closing Encouragement
Be encouraged today.
You are not walking alone.
Jesus meets you right where you are—on your road, in your questions, in your uncertainty.
And through His Spirit, He still walks beside you…
Still speaks truth…
Still sets hearts on fire.
So invite Him in.
And watch how He opens your eyes.
Amen.
Rev. Chris Sundberg
