Sermon notes and resources based on Luke 24:13-35.
Luke 24:13-35
Jesus meets two grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus and turns them back toward community, purpose, and mission. These notes are adapted from a message preached by Brandon Cox at The Neighborhood Church on April 26, 2026.
At a Glance
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
Big idea: Jesus joins us when we are walking away, and his presence turns us back toward community, purpose, and mission.
Message movement:
- Walking Away
- Walking With
- Walking Toward
The Challenge
- Keep walking.
- Invite Jesus.
- Listen to the Spirit’s voice.
- Share your journey with others.
Sermon Notes
1. Walking Away
Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, at least seven miles toward Emmaus. They are disillusioned and in despair. They are experiencing something we all deal with: grief. And their grief is keeping them from seeing Jesus.
All they have is their opinions, what they think they know, until Jesus joins them on the road.
2. Walking With
The disciples welcome Jesus along, even before they understand who he is. They get honest about what has happened and what they do not understand. They stop pretending.
If you hear nothing else in this message, hear this: Jesus joins us when we’re walking away.
When we welcome Jesus along:
- Our circumstances become a classroom when Jesus comes along.
- The Word takes on a deeper meaning as we see Jesus in it.
- The church becomes a collection of others on the journey who show us Jesus.
- The sacraments show us the story of Jesus in a beautiful way.
- The Spirit guides and affirms us on our journey.
3. Walking Toward
Their encounter with Jesus is so powerful that they turn around and move back toward community, purpose, and mission. That is what Jesus does.
Jesus walks with you. Keep the journey.
Resources
Adapted from Brandon Cox’s sermon outline for The Neighborhood Church, April 26, 2026.