The Road to Emmaus for Kids
Have you ever been so sad about something that you couldn't think about anything else? Today's Bible story is about two of Jesus' followers who were walking home feeling exactly that way. But something amazing happened on their journey that changed everything!
This is the story of the Road to Emmaus, and it teaches us that Jesus is always with us, even when we don't realize it.
The Road to Emmaus
The Saddest Weekend Ever
This story takes place on the very first Easter Sunday, though the two travelers didn't know it was Easter yet. Just three days earlier, something terrible had happened. Jesus, their beloved teacher and friend, had been crucified on a cross and died. The disciples and everyone who loved Jesus were heartbroken.
They had believed Jesus was the Messiah, the one God promised to send to save His people. They thought He would become a great king and make everything right in the world. But now He was dead, and all their hopes seemed to have died with Him.
That morning, some women had gone to Jesus' tomb and found it empty. They came back with a wild story about angels saying Jesus was alive, but it was hard to believe. Could it really be true?
Two Disciples Leave Jerusalem
On that Sunday afternoon, two of Jesus' followers were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles away. The Bible tells us one of them was named Cleopas. We don't know the other person's name, but some people think it might have been Cleopas's wife.
As they walked, they talked about everything that had happened - Jesus' death, the empty tomb, and the confusing reports from the women. They were trying to make sense of it all, but they were deeply sad and confused.
Imagine how they must have felt. Their hopes were crushed. Their friend was gone. Nothing made sense anymore.
A Stranger Joins Them
Suddenly, a man came up beside them and started walking with them. This stranger asked, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stopped walking, and their faces showed how sad they were. Cleopas answered, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that have happened there in these days?"
"What things?" the stranger asked.
So they told him everything. They explained about Jesus of Nazareth - how He was a prophet who performed miracles and taught with power. They told how the chief priests and rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death and crucified Him. They had hoped He was the one who would redeem Israel, but now it was the third day since all this happened.
Then they mentioned the strange news about the women finding the empty tomb and seeing angels who said Jesus was alive. Some of their friends had gone to the tomb and found it just as the women described, but they hadn't seen Jesus.
Here's the amazing thing: this "stranger" was actually Jesus Himself! But somehow, the two disciples didn't recognize Him. The Bible says "they were kept from recognizing him." God had a special reason for this, as we'll soon see.
Jesus Explains the Scriptures
After listening to their story, Jesus said something surprising: "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Then Jesus did something wonderful. Starting with the books of Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and continuing through all the prophets, He explained everything the Scriptures said about Himself. He showed them how the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would suffer and die, then rise again.
Imagine sitting in Sunday school and having Jesus Himself teach you the Bible! That's exactly what was happening on this dusty road.
As Jesus explained the Scriptures, something special was happening in the disciples' hearts. Later, they would describe it as their hearts "burning within them." Even though they didn't know who this stranger was, His words filled them with hope and understanding.
An Invitation to Stay
As they approached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He were going to continue on His journey. But the two disciples didn't want Him to leave. The day was almost over, and it would be dark soon.
"Stay with us," they urged Him. "It's nearly evening; the day is almost over."
So Jesus went in to stay with them. This shows us something important: Jesus won't force His way into our lives. He waits to be invited. The disciples invited this stranger to share a meal with them, and that invitation led to the most amazing discovery!
The Big Reveal
When they sat down to eat, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began giving it to them. At that exact moment, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him!
Suddenly, they knew! This wasn't just any stranger - it was Jesus! He was alive!
But just as quickly as they recognized Him, Jesus disappeared from their sight. He vanished right before their eyes!
Why did they recognize Jesus when He broke the bread? Perhaps it reminded them of the Last Supper, when Jesus broke bread and said it represented His body. Maybe it was the way He prayed or the way He held the bread. Or perhaps God simply chose that moment to open their eyes so they could see the truth.
You can read this entire story in Luke 24:13-35.
Racing Back to Jerusalem
The two disciples looked at each other in amazement. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" they asked each other.
Now everything made sense! The empty tomb, the angels' message, the reports that Jesus was alive - it was all true! Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He said He would!
Even though it was late and they had just walked seven miles to Emmaus, they got up immediately and hurried back to Jerusalem. They had to tell the other disciples what had happened!
When they found the eleven disciples and others gathered together, they discovered everyone was already celebrating. "It is true! The Lord has risen!" the group said. "He has appeared to Simon!"
Then Cleopas and his companion told their story about how Jesus had walked with them on the road and how they recognized Him when He broke the bread. What a joyful reunion that must have been!
This wasn't the only time Jesus appeared after His resurrection. Read more about Jesus' resurrection appearances and discover the joy of Easter.
What Can We Learn?
Jesus Is Always with Us
The most beautiful lesson from this story is that Jesus is always with us, even when we don't realize it. Just like He walked beside those sad disciples, Jesus walks with us through our hard times. When we feel alone, confused, or sad, Jesus is right there, even if we can't see Him.
The Bible Helps Us Understand
Jesus used the Scriptures to help the disciples understand God's plan. The Bible is like a treasure map that shows us who Jesus is and why He came. When we read the Bible, Jesus speaks to our hearts through His Word, helping us understand His love and His plans for us.
Explore more Bible stories about faith, hope, and love to deepen your understanding.
Jesus revealed Himself when He broke bread with the disciples. Throughout the Bible, sharing meals is an important way people connect with each other and with God. Even today, when we take Communion (the Lord's Supper) at church, we remember Jesus breaking bread and sharing it with His disciples.
As soon as the disciples realized what had happened, they couldn't wait to tell others! When we experience Jesus' love and presence in our lives, we should be excited to share it with other people too. Good news is meant to be shared!
Jesus Overcame Death
This story happened because Jesus rose from the dead. He conquered death and proved that He truly is God's Son. Because Jesus is alive, we can have hope, even when things seem hopeless. Death isn't the end - Jesus promises eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.
Understanding the Story Better
Why Didn't They Recognize Jesus?
The Bible says "they were kept from recognizing him." This means God had a purpose in keeping their eyes from seeing who Jesus really was. If they had recognized Him right away, they would have missed the wonderful Bible lesson Jesus taught them on the road. Sometimes God has to teach us something before we're ready to fully understand His plan.
What Does "Hearts Burning" Mean?
When the disciples said their hearts were "burning within them," they meant they felt excited, moved, and filled with hope as Jesus explained the Scriptures. Have you ever learned something that made you feel happy and excited inside? That's a little like what they experienced - but even more powerful because they were learning from Jesus Himself!
Why Did Jesus Disappear?
Jesus didn't need to stay visible after they recognized Him. His work with them was complete. He had comforted them, taught them, and revealed that He was alive. Now they needed to share this good news with others. Sometimes Jesus works that way in our lives too - He shows us something wonderful, then lets us go share it with others.
Activities to Remember This Story
Act It Out
Get your family or friends together and act out the story. Have someone play Jesus, two people play the disciples, and others can be the disciples in Jerusalem. Walk around your house or yard as you "travel to Emmaus" and practice telling each other the story.
Draw the Journey
Create a simple map showing Jerusalem and Emmaus with the road between them. Draw stick figures of Jesus and the two disciples walking together. Add speech bubbles showing what they might have said to each other.
Breaking Bread Together
Share a special meal or snack with your family. Before you eat, have someone break bread (or crackers) and talk about how Jesus revealed Himself when He broke bread. Thank God for being with you, even when you can't see Him.
Scripture Search
Jesus taught the disciples from the Old Testament Scriptures. Try finding some Old Testament prophecies about Jesus. Start with Isaiah 53, which talks about the suffering servant (Jesus). See if you can find others with your parents' help!
Questions to Think About
- How do you think the disciples felt when they finally recognized Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus waited until He broke bread to reveal Himself?
- Have you ever felt Jesus' presence in your life, even though you couldn't see Him?
- What's the most exciting news you've ever wanted to share with someone?
- How can we "walk with Jesus" even though we can't see Him physically?
A Prayer About This Story
"Dear Jesus, thank You for being with us even when we can't see You. Help us to recognize You in our lives through Your Word, through prayer, and through the love of other people. When we feel sad or confused like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, remind us that You are walking beside us. Give us hearts that burn with excitement when we learn about You, and help us to share the good news of Your resurrection with others. In Your name we pray, Amen."
Connection to Easter
The Road to Emmaus story happened on the very first Easter Sunday. While the word "Easter" isn't in the Bible, Easter is when Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This story reminds us that Easter isn't just about one day long ago - it's about Jesus being alive today and every day!
Because Jesus rose from the dead, He can be with all His followers all the time. He doesn't have to choose between being with you or being with someone across the world. He's with everyone who believes in Him, all at the same time. That's one of the amazing things about Jesus being God!
Learn more about the events of Easter in our Holy Week activities for kids and explore fun Easter activities.
Remember This
The Road to Emmaus story is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is always near us. Even when we're sad, confused, or don't understand what's happening in our lives, Jesus is walking beside us. He speaks to us through the Bible, reveals Himself to us in special moments, and fills our hearts with hope and joy.
Just like those two disciples ran back to Jerusalem to share the good news, we can share the amazing truth that Jesus is alive with our friends and family. Jesus' resurrection changed everything, and that's definitely news worth sharing!
Next time you feel alone or sad, remember the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus was right there with them, even when they didn't know it. And He's right there with you too!
For more inspiring stories, explore our collection of stories of hope in the Bible and short Bible stories for children.
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