Sermon-Based Small Group Leader’s Discussion Guide
When God Comes In Disguise!
Dr. Charles A. Montgomery, Jr.
April 26-27, 2014
Luke 24: 13 - 35
Interacting with the Sermon
Sermon Notes:
INTRODUCTION
• Every kind of suffering happening today – capsizing ferry in Korea, economic struggles, disease, personal suffering
• Where is God in the suffering? Why can’t I see Him?
• God often comes in disguise, not in the way we expect to see Him
• Disciples on road to Emmaus do not recognize Jesus (Luke 24:15)
• Later the disciples eyes are opened to recognize Him
I. What Makes God Hard To Recognize?
A. Our Perception
a. We don’t perceive his presence
b. We have misconceptions of how he will show up in our circumstances
c. He doesn’t do what we think he should have done
d. God will do a “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19)
B. Our Pain
a. Sometimes our pain is so great we can’t see life clearly
b. We lose our hope
c. Mary hurting, didn’t recognize Jesus (John 20:15)
d. He called her by name and then she saw him (John 20:16)
e. He had been there the whole time, even in her pain
II. Why Does God Come In Disguise?
A. To engage us in a process, to shape us
B. To experience His presence which changes us forever
a. What They Saw – they knew He was alive
b. How They Felt - hearts burning when opened Scripture to them
c. What they did – started telling others
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
Getting the Conversation Started
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
· What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
· Share a story from your life that appeared to be one “thing”, but turned out to be “another” (perhaps a comical or light-hearted story).
Scripture Study
Read Luke 24:13-35 (TNIV):
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Context
Jesus had risen. It was Easter Sunday and the Mary’s testimony (v. 10) followed by Peter’s encounter (v. 12) confirmed the tomb was indeed empty. Look in v.18 – apparently Jerusalem was abuzz with the news (at least in the travelers’ circle). It’s interesting that the disciples weren’t prepared to believe the women who encountered the risen Jesus nor the Angels’ words (v. 11), but they were whom our savior chose to reveal himself to first. God almost always promotes people and values contrary to our cultural norms.
• For many, part of the process (if not a significant part) of coming to belief in Jesus depends on the testimony of others. Has the testimony of others played an important part in your faith journey? Why was their testimony(s) believable or not? Please share briefly
• Who are the main characters in this story ? Where does the encounter take place? (Emmaus is about 7 miles from Jerusalem). What was happening before Jesus came up (walked up)?
• (v. 15) Jesus “came up and walked with them”. Part of the appeal of this story, is how it can serve as a larger metaphor for many people’s own journey with Jesus. Jesus drew near to them – even though they were not necessarily seeking him. What biblical principle(s) does this illustrate? Have you been surprised recently by God meeting you in an unexpected place (or way)? Please share.
• When considering difficult or painful periods in the past, have you ever experienced Jesus coming and walking with you through it? Please share.
• (v. 16) Apparently they did not recognize Jesus at first (other scriptural examples – Mt 28:17, Jn 20:14, Jn 21:4). Why might God allow this to occur? Have you ever encountered something similar, where you didn’t realize Jesus was with you or working on your behalf?
• (vv. 17-24). What feelings can you pick up from the two travelers? What were their hopes? What were their perceptions of the events recently occurred?
• What did they say about Jesus (v 19, 21)? Like the sermon, sometimes our “perceptions”, or pattern(s) of thinking (Rom 12:1-3), impede our full understanding and faith in Jesus – how have you overcome former patterns of thinking? What stood in the way, and how did you overcome?
• (vv. 25-27) why didn’t Jesus just come out and say “it’s me guys, I’m right here”? Similar to the weekend’s sermon, sometimes God is teaching us something, or wants us to see him despite our experience(s). What particularly did Jesus want the two to understand? Has any particular teaching or insight been helpful in your walk to overcome misperceptions? Please share briefly.
• (vv. 28-29) We know they still didn’t see Jesus for who he was, but “urged him to stay with them”. What does this interaction reveal about Jesus’ heart? One thing, is that God doesn’t leave us “in the dark” if we honestly seek him. Have you ever sought Jesus and he didn’t reveal himself? If so, please share. If not, what happened?
• (vv. 30-31) What happens? Did something supernatural happen? Jesus in his infinite goodness will sometimes use supernatural circumstances to reveal himself – has this ever happened to you? Please share.
• (vv. 32-35) What did the two travelers do next? When did you “know that you know” that Jesus was your savior? What did it lead you to do? If you haven’t been telling others about our Risen Lord, why not? Do doubts or fears still remain?
Ministry Application
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
• In this story of the Road to Emmaus, the travelers’ perceptions, or patterns of belief about The Kingdom, were keeping them from seeing the Risen Christ. Do you feel like there is something keeping you from fully surrendering and relying on Christ? If so, share with someone and receive some prayer.
• Reflect on your week or the past few days. Where have you missed the presence and activity of God because you were distracted? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see where you missed opportunities to serve others by extending kindness or practical help. Ask God to help you be more sensitive to His presence in your daily activities in the week to come.
• Have you been feeling like you can’t recognize Christ in your life recently? Share with another what’s been going on and get some prayer.
• Do you feel like you’ve lost hope that God is at work? Listen for what God may want to say to you in the midst of your circumstances…invite others to pray with you.
• Is doubt limiting you from sharing you faith? Or lack of confidence in what you really believe? Share with another what you’re going through and pray for boldness and divine opportunities to tell others about our risen Lord.