Session FOR THE LEADER 9 The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-53 Many places in Scripture corroborate the historicity of the resurrection by announcing that Jesus appeared alive to many people following His resurrection. The story of Jesus travel to Emmaus on the day He rose from the dead is one of the clearest stories of Jesus mission and how all of Scripture pointed to His death and resurrection. Early in the morning on that Sunday, Mary Magdalene and others had gone to the tomb to complete the preparations for Jesus burial since they were not able to do that before His burial. Finding the tomb empty, the women returned to the room where the disciples were gathered and told the disciples and all the rest (Luke 24:9) what had happened. Later that day, Jesus met two of the rest on a trip to Emmaus, a town about seven miles from Jerusalem. While the disciples traveled to Emmaus, they discussed everything that had happened. The men were joined by the risen Jesus, but His true identity was hidden from them. Jesus engaged the men in conversation about what they were discussing. The men seemed confused that Jesus was the only person they had encountered who seemingly had no knowledge of what had happened in Jerusalem concerning the crucifixion and empty tomb. Jesus began to explain to the travelers the Scriptures of the Old Testament that spoke of the Messiah s suffering and subsequent resurrection. Jesus used the words of Moses and the other prophets to show things had happened the way they were intended to. The disciples invited Jesus in to stay the night. When Jesus broke the bread and blessed it, God allowed the disciples to recognize the risen Lord. The disciples right away ran all the way back to Jerusalem and told the other disciples what they had seen and heard. This account, along with further revelation of the New Testament, helps us know that the Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from sin. God s Word is truth! 2018 LifeWay Session 9: The Road to Emmaus 69
OVERVIEW SESSION FOCUS BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 24:13-53 MEMORY VERSE: Luke 24:27 TEXT TRUTH: The Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. CHRIST IN CONTEXT: The Book of Luke gives a detailed description of the life of Jesus. Jesus was described as the Son of Man who came to save all people Jews and Gentiles. Because Jesus was fully human, He was tempted and suffered as we do. Luke showed that Jesus cares for people and can understand when we face hard times. GET STARTED TOOLS (10 MINUTES) Bible Skills: Bibles, Hopscotch Diagrams and Bible Book Cards (enhanced CD), tape BIBLE STUDY TOOLS (35 MINUTES) Jump In: Ivory Carving (DVD-ROM) Examine the Text: Bibles, Text Truth Strips and Christ in Context: Luke (Poster Pack), The Gospel (enhanced CD) Video: Explore the Bible on Location video Memory Verse: Luke 24:27 (Poster Pack) Prayer: Family Cards SMALL GROUP TOOLS (30 MINUTES) Explorer Guides: Bibles, Explorer Guides, pens Move: basket, 14 beanbags Make: small scoops, uncooked rice, large bowl, ziplock bags, colorful duct tape, permanent markers, Allergy Alert (enhanced CD), felt (optional) Explore: cups, rocks, table tennis balls, tape measures, tape, markers NOTE: Downloadable versions of DVD items are available in the Digital Video Bundle. Downloadable versions of enhanced CD items are available in the Music and Print Extras Bundle. For free online training on how to lead a group, visit ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible. 70 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
BIBLE STORY THE ROAD TO EMMAUS Luke 24:13-53 On the day of Jesus resurrection, two of His followers were on their way to the village of Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they traveled, they discussed all the events that had happened. Jesus came and began to walk with them. However, they were prevented from recognizing Him. Jesus asked the two, What are you disagreeing about? The two stopped walking and looked very discouraged. One of them, Cleopas, replied, Are you the only person in Jerusalem that doesn t know all the things that have happened? The things about Jesus. He was a prophet and powerful in His actions and His words. Our chief priests crucified Him. We were hoping He was the Messiah, sent to redeem Israel. It is the third day. Some of the women in our group surprised us. They went to the tomb and didn t find His body. They came and told us that some angels said Jesus was alive. Some of the others went to the tomb and found it empty. Jesus then began to explain to the followers all of the things Scripture said about Him. They came near the village and the followers invited Jesus to stay with them. As Jesus reclined at the table, He took the bread, broke it, and gave it to the followers. The followers eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. Jesus disappeared from their presence. The followers asked each other, Weren t our hearts excited (ablaze) as He was talking with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us? They returned to Jerusalem and told the disciples what had happened and that they had seen Jesus. Later, Jesus appeared to the disciples. He showed them His hands and feet. He ate with them. And He helped them understand the Scriptures. He reminded them that the Scriptures said that the Messiah would suffer and rise again on the third day. Repentance for sin would be proclaimed. Jesus told the disciples that He was sending them to tell everyone about Him. TEXT CONNECTION On the morning of Jesus resurrection, the women shared the news that Jesus was alive. The assembled crowd was curious as to what this revelation meant. Later that day, two of those who had been in the room when the women reported, left to return to Emmaus, a city roughly 7 miles from Jerusalem. The men were suddenly joined on their journey by a visitor. As the three traveled, they discussed the events of the day. The visitor engaged the men in conversation about what had happened. The man used all of Scripture to share truths about the Messiah. When the visitor broke bread with them later, Jesus identity was revealed. The men quickly ran back to those gathered and shared their good news. The disciples had been told that Jesus was going to die, but they did not understand. Mark 10 shares a story of James and John, who also struggled to understand Jesus true nature, desiring special places in His kingdom. Jesus told them to serve Him and believe. KEY POINTS Jesus taught people He was the Messiah. Forgiveness of sin is only available through Jesus. EXPLORE THE BIBLE AT HOME See the enhanced CD for additional family resources. 2018 LifeWay Session 9: The Road to Emmaus 71
GET STARTED TOOLS: Bible Skills: Bibles, Hopscotch Diagrams and Bible Book Cards (enhanced CD), tape OPTION: If space is an issue, choose one pattern to tape down. Allow kids to take turns hopping the squares. GET STARTED (10 MINUTES) BIBLE SKILLS Use tape to designate six hopscotch areas, each containing eleven squares. See Hopscotch Diagrams for ideas. Tape one of the Bible Book Cards in or beside each of the squares. Ensure the books of the Bible are in order. Line up an equal number of boys and girls at the start of each hopscotch area. Allow them to take turns hopping along the squares announcing the corresponding books of the Bible. Expect noise and chaos since six people will be hopping in different sections at the same time. This will be a fun and active way to practice the order of the books of the Bible. Monitor the movement to ensure fair access to the squares so everyone gets an equal chance to participate. After one minute, signal for the kids to rotate to a different hopscotch area to begin practicing another eleven books. Repeat until all the kids have visited every hopscotch area to practice all the books of the Bible. Once everyone has been through all the books, line the kids up at the first section. Allow all the kids to hop behind each other through all the different sections to go non-stop from Genesis to Revelation. After hopping through the books, invite each of the boys and girls to find a partner and recite all 66 books of the Bible in order as quickly as possible. Require the use of Bibles to confirm the order as they recite. Dismiss to Bible Study. BIBLE SKILLS SPOTLIGHT Knows and recites all the books of the Bible in order in a limited time frame. Names all the books of the Old Testament and all the books of the New Testament. 72 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
BIBLE STUDY BIBLE STUDY (35 MINUTES) JUMP IN Greet the kids as you welcome them to Bible Study. Ask: What would be served at your favorite meal? Explain that today kids will be hearing about a special meal in the Bible, and you have a clue to show the kids. Display the Ivory Carving visual, and invite the girls and boys to guess today s Bible story. Say: Today we are talking about Jesus and a special journey He made down the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus after His resurrection. Say: Jesus humbly shared Himself with the world for a very important purpose. The Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. TOOLS: Jump In: Ivory Carving (DVD-ROM) Examine the Text: Bibles, Text Truth Strips and Christ in Context: Luke (Poster Pack), The Gospel (enhanced CD) Video: Explore the Bible on Location video Memory Verse: Luke 24:27 (Poster Pack) Prayer: Family Cards EXAMINE THE TEXT Display and reference Christ in Context: Luke. Say: Today, we get to talk about something important that happened after Jesus resurrection. First, let me remind you why He was born. Briefly review Christ s life, death, burial, and resurrection. Then, display The Gospel to remind the boys and girls of the key points of salvation. Say: Jesus always knew He would die on a cross and rise again. Enlist a volunteer to display the Text Truth Strip then read it aloud to the group. The Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. Say: Not only did Jesus die on the cross to pay the penalty of sin, He also rose again to show He had defeated sin and death. Listen as I describe some of what happened after the resurrection. Tell the Bible story using the included page as a guide. Say: Jesus helped people understand what Scripture reveals about Him. Let s look closely at something very important that happened when He spoke to the two men on the road to Emmaus. Encourage the boys and girls to open their Bibles to Luke. Read or have the kids help read Luke 24:27-32. Emphasize the reaction of the men in verse 32. Say: The men were impacted by what Jesus revealed to them about Scripture and what Scripture said about Jesus! All of us can be impacted the same way. God wants us to pay attention to what the Bible tells us about Him. Explain that, although reading the Bible can be convicting and challenging, it is also exciting and rewarding. Read or have the girls and boys help read Luke 24:45-48. 2018 LifeWay Session 9: The Road to Emmaus 73
BIBLE STUDY Say: Jesus explained to the disciples the importance of sharing His message. He encouraged them to tell others what they had witnessed. They did share the message, and eventually someone was able to share it with you. I m grateful to be able to share God s message, and I hope you are too. Conclude with encouraging assurance that Jesus will return someday. PLAY THE VIDEO Play the Session 9 video. Ask: Who did Kaileigh meet in today s video? What did Kaileigh learn about seeing the big picture? Why do we need to read the whole Bible? MEMORY VERSE Review the previous week s verse, Luke 24:6a. Commend any girls and boys who recite it to the group without a reminder. Display the Luke 24:27 poster. Offer one of the kids an opportunity to lead the group in reading it together. Refer to the Bible story to help the boys and girls understand the context of this verse. Say: This verse describes Jesus teaching about the fulfillment of Scripture. His death and resurrection were promised long before He came to earth. Not everyone understands that Jesus is the promised Savior. This verse can remind us to point others to Him. Invite the kids to form pairs and practice telling the verse to each other. Then, allow volunteers to recite it to the group. PRAYER Distribute the Family Cards. Say: When you re having a meal with your family this week, be sure to tell about Jesus sharing a meal with His disciples after the resurrection. He helped them understand by referring to the Scriptures. Review the Text Truth: the Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. Encourage the boys and girls to read their Bibles so they will be able to understand and share God s plan. Close in prayer by thanking God that we have the Bible. Praise Him for revealing His plan to save sinners. Ask that each of the boys and girls will experience salvation and know Him as Lord and Savior. Dismiss to Small Group. 74 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
SMALL GROUP SMALL GROUP (30 MINUTES) EXPLORER GUIDES Distribute an Explorer Guide to each girl and boy. Help the kids locate today s pages The Road to Emmaus. Guide kids to use their Bibles to complete the Prophecy Match. Select volunteers to read aloud Myrrh. Ask a girl (if available) to read to the group about Women: The First Witnesses. Review today s object, the Ivory Carving. Invite boys and girls to use their Bibles to complete the Sequence activity. (Answers: 1, 8, 5, 6, 3, 10, 7, 2, 11, 4, 9) TOOLS: Explorer Guides: Bibles, Explorer Guides, pens TECH CONNECT (OPTIONAL) Prior to group, download the Explore the Bible: Kids Family App. Use the activity labeled Explorer Plus on the app. ACTIVITIES Select one or more of the activities to complete as time allows. MOVE BASKET DROP Tools: basket, 14 beanbags Invite two volunteers to stand in the front of the room across from all of the other boys and girls. If extra supplies are available, consider forming two groups. During the game, the volunteers will each hold one side of a basket. However, the volunteers holding the basket cannot move their legs or arms. The other girls and boys in the group will take turns tossing beanbags to try to land them in the basket. Every time a beanbag lands in the basket, it represents one word of the Text Truth: the Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. Insist that the boys and girls say the word after a beanbag lands in the basket. As the round progresses, have them say each word up to the word represented. By the end of the round, if enough bags have landed in the basket, the group should say the entire Text Truth. Allow the boys and girls tossing the beanbags to gather any that drop to the floor as the game progresses, so there is no delay. 2018 LifeWay Session 9: The Road to Emmaus 75
SMALL GROUP MAKE EXPLORE DIY BEANBAGS Tools: small scoops, uncooked rice, large bowl, ziplock bags, colorful duct tape, permanent markers, Allergy Alert (enhanced CD), felt (optional) Provide ziplock bags to each boy and girl. Assist the kids to loosely fill their bags with uncooked rice. Ensure that the bags are not overly full or they will become too firm to use. The boys and girls might need help squeezing the air out of the bags before sealing them. It might also be a good idea to insert the bag into another bag for extra protection to keep the rice from spilling out if a hole forms. Guide the girls and boys to tape all around the edges to reinforce them. Encourage them to be careful to maintain the shape of the bag. The rice should move around a bit without losing the square beanbag shape. If the kids want to add a bit of traction to their bags, allow them to tape squares of felt to each side. Instruct kids to write their names on their bags. If there is time, allow them to decorate with their markers. Once the boys and girls have finished, invite them to stand behind a designated line and toss the bags toward the wall. The one closest to the wall gets to recite the Text Truth: the Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. Invite kids to think of games they can play with their beanbags. What friends can they invite to play? How can they share the good news of Jesus with their friends while they play? REACH THE CUP Tools: cups, rocks, table tennis balls, tape measures, tape, markers Designate appropriate distances for cup placements and player foul lines. Form teams. Each team will need 5 cups, 5 balls, and 1 tape measure. Guide each team to write the Text Truth on their cups. The Bible reveals God s plan to send Jesus to rescue us from our sin. As they write, ask the boys and girls to share in their own words what the Text Truth means to them. Add rocks to the cups, and set them in various places on the floor. The rocks are intended to help hold the cups in place, so they are not necessary if heavy containers are used. Ensure that each team has the same number of cups placed at equal distances from the foul lines by taping lines across the floor at certain intervals with one cup for each team behind every line. Each team will send one person at a time to their foul line. That person will get one attempt to roll a table tennis ball down the extended strip of the tape measure into one of the cups. When the ball either drops or reaches the cup, the next player takes a turn with the tape measure. If a cup is overturned, the player responsible must place it upright. There are no limits on the number of turns a player gets. Once a team gets a ball in each of their designated cups, they win. Tip: Metal tape measures are tools to be used with caution. Remind boys and girls to avoid waving the tape measure around or playing with the lock release. 76 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay