Let’s Go on a Road Trip – April 28, 2023

Read: Luke 24:13-35

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus came up and walked along with them.
Luke 24:13-15

Let’s Go on a Road Trip

Family Devotion – April 28, 2023

Devotion based on Luke 24:13-15

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In 2022, during the week before Christmas, a major airline canceled thousands of flights. People traveling for the holidays, or just trying to make it home, were stranded all over the country. What a catastrophe! With options for travel limited, some people rented cars to drive to their destinations. Sometimes, complete strangers traveled together, renting vans and traveling long distances together.

Can you imagine taking a road trip with complete strangers? What would you talk about? We can imagine they talked about their trip, where they were headed. They possibly shared information about their jobs and families. Many of them probably complained about the airlines and how sad they were that their flights were canceled.

The two disciples in our reading were on a road trip. We know a little about what they were talking about. They were discussing everything that had happened, Jesus’ work, his death and resurrection. We can assume they were feeling sadness over their Savior’s death. They were certainly confused about the news they had heard from the women, that Jesus’ tomb was empty and an angel had appeared. Then suddenly someone joined their road trip. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” he asked.

The disciples shared their sadness, their worries, and their confusion with this stranger. The man listened to them intently. He then explained everything that had been said in the Scriptures about the Savior. Can you imagine how they felt? Things became clear in their minds. They understood that Jesus had to die and rise again. They didn’t want the road trip to end! They invited the man to stay with them. When he broke bread with them, they realized it was Jesus! And as suddenly as he joined them, he disappeared.

Now it was time for another road trip, but this one was different. The two disciples were excited to share the good news with the rest of the disciples! They hurried back to Jerusalem.

What can we learn from them and their road trips? Sometimes, we will feel sad or confused, and it’s okay to share that with Jesus. Ask a parent or your pastor to explain confusing parts of Scripture to you. We need to talk about Jesus and all he has done for us, every chance we get. It’s important to study God’s Word, where we learn about Jesus forgiving our sins and making a home for us in heaven. A road trip is a great time to talk about Jesus or talk to him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we sometimes feel confused and lost, just like those disciples on the road to Emmaus. Please use your Word and other believers to encourage and teach us more about you and all you’ve done for us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • The disciples were sad at the news of Jesus’ death. What face do you think the disciples made when they realized Jesus was with them and alive?
  • If Jesus suddenly was walking alongside you, what question would you like to ask him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Imagine you are on a road trip with Jesus. What would you want to talk to him about?
  • Who are three people you can ask if you have questions about the Bible?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • The two disciples were confused by the events leading to Jesus dying on the cross. What cleared up the confusion for them?
  • How does today’s devotion make clear what you can do when your life gets confusing?

 

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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