Our Y3 children have been reflecting on a piece of scripture written by St Luke (24:13-35) and created some beautiful images to represent their understanding of this key text, which is outlined below.
The text recalls how two the disciples encountered Jesus, who joined them whilst they walked along the road to Emmaus following, without recognising Him. Here is an outline of the text:
On the day of the resurrection, two followers of Jesus are walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. They are discussing the recent events—Jesus’ crucifixion and reports that His tomb is empty.
As they walk, Jesus Himself comes alongside them, but they do not recognise Him. He asks what they are talking about, and they explain their disappointment, saying they had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel. They also mention that some women had reported seeing angels who said He was alive.
Jesus responds by gently challenging their lack of understanding and explains how the Scriptures foretold that the Messiah had to suffer before entering His glory. He interprets passages from the Law and the Prophets, showing how they point to Him.
When they reach Emmaus, they invite Him to stay with them. At the meal, Jesus takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to them. In that moment, their eyes are opened and they recognise Him—then He disappears from their sight.
They reflect on how their hearts were “burning” as He spoke to them on the road. Immediately, they return to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples, who confirm that Jesus has risen and appeared to Simon. The two then share their experience of recognising Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
Key themes:
- recognising Jesus, even when He is not immediately obvious
- the fulfilment of Scripture
- hope restored after despair
- the importance of fellowship and the 'breaking of bread'
