Community Group Questions: November 2nd-November 8th

November 2nd, 2025
by Karissa Smith

Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But 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 happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

Our eyes can be kept from recognizing Jesus through grief, sin, busyness, or misunderstanding—even when He is near.
Jesus prioritizes the Word over experience. He could have revealed himself immediately, but instead chose to teach Scripture first because the Word is lasting and transformational.
All Scripture is about Jesus. The entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—points to Christ and God's redemptive plan.
True engagement with God's Word involves the heart, not just the mind. Understanding Scripture should make our "hearts burn within us."
Discipleship happens in community. Sometimes we bring the fire; sometimes we need others to reignite our passion for Christ.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think the disciples' "eyes were kept from recognizing" Jesus? Was this supernatural prevention or something else? What might keep our eyes from seeing Jesus in our lives today?
Jesus calls them "foolish" and "slow of heart to believe." This seems harsh for people who are grieving. Why does Jesus respond with force rather than gentle empathy? What does this teach us about the importance of Scripture?
Read verse 27: "Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." What Old Testament stories or passages do you now see differently when you view them as pointing to Jesus? Share examples.

The disciples said, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
- Have you experienced this "burning heart" when reading Scripture? Share that experience.
- If you haven't, what might be hindering that experience?
Jesus was made known to them "in the breaking of the bread" (communion). How does participating in communion help open our eyes to Jesus' presence with us?

The sermon mentioned that sometimes we're in darkness due to grief, sin, or busyness. Which of these most often keeps you from seeing Jesus clearly?
Jay shared that understanding the Bible as all about Jesus (rather than disconnected moral tales) was transformational for him. How do you typically approach reading the Bible? How might a Christ-centered approach change your Bible reading?
The disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem to share what they experienced—even though it was late and they were tired. What does their response teach us about what happens when we truly encounter Jesus?

Practical Applications (choose one or more)

For Your Personal Walk:

Pray before reading Scripture. Each time you open your Bible this week, ask God to let your heart burn as you read, and to show you how the passage points to Jesus.
Read an Old Testament story (like David and Goliath, Abraham and Isaac, or the Passover) and journal about how it points to Christ rather than just being a moral lesson.
Identify your "darkness." What is currently keeping your eyes from recognizing Jesus—grief, sin, busyness, or something else? Confess it to God and ask Him to open your eyes.

For Your Relationships:

Share the fire. If God has been teaching you something from His Word, share it with someone this week—be the one bringing encouragement.
Seek the fire. If you're in a dry season, reach out to someone in this group or another believer and ask them to share what God has been teaching them.