FROM BROKEN HOPES TO BURNING HEARTS
Luke 24:13-35
Pastor Calvary deJong
April 27th, 2025
Introduction
Have you ever realized too late that you missed something important happening right in front of you?
In the movie Big Daddy, Sonny Koufax was drifting through life. Once on track to become a successful lawyer, he gave up on ambition after a minor accident won him a big insurance settlement. Instead of building a future, Sonny settled for living aimlessly and working one day a week at a toll booth. One day, Sonny walks into his apartment — and surprise! Balloons, streamers, and a cake — except the party wasn’t meant for him. It was supposed to celebrate his hardworking roommate, Kevin. But by the time Kevin arrives, the moment has been wasted. Kevin’s fiancée glares at Sonny and says, “We wasted the good surprise on you!” They missed who the moment was really for! In a way, that’s what happens in Luke 24. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, convinced the story is over — while the risen Jesus Himself walks beside them, unnoticed. They missed the miracle right in front of them.
Today, many still place their hopes in politics, success, or circumstances — and find those hopes shattered. But Luke 24 reminds us: when our hopes are broken, Jesus meets us — in Scripture, in community, and at the Table — to turn broken dreams into burning hearts. In the Emmaus story, Jesus doesn’t scold them for walking away — He walks with them. Step by step, He patiently reshapes their understanding and reignites their faith. That’s still how He meets us today.
- Jesus Meets Them in Scripture (Luke 24:25–27)
As the disciples walk away in defeat, Jesus joins them — but instead of dazzling them with power, He opens the Scriptures: "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) Faith that lasts isn’t built on adrenaline or emotional highs. It’s anchored in God’s Word. Today, many think faith is believing in something that isn’t true without evidence. But in the biblical imagination, that is not what faith is. Rather, Biblical faith is trusting what has been tested and found true. Origen taught that one does not see Christ until one has been taught how to see Christ in the Scriptures. Even when Jesus Himself walked beside them, He pointed their faith back to the Scriptures — rooting their hope in the unfolding story of God’s plan. The Bible wasn’t given just to inform us, but to transform us — helping us see Jesus more clearly and trust Him more fully, especially when life feels confusing.
- Jesus Meets Them in Community (Luke 24:28–29)
As they reach Emmaus, the disciples urge Jesus to stay. They don’t fully recognize Him yet, but something is stirring in their hearts: "stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." (Luke 24:29) Faith grows stronger in fellowship. Faith and doubt were never meant to be walked alone. The journey from confusion to clarity often happens around shared tables, honest conversations, and friendships that give space for questions.
Application:
If your hopes are broken today, don't isolate yourself. Reach out. Sometimes you have to borrow someone else’s faith until your own catches fire again. Jesus often speaks clearest when we journey together.
You don't need a perfect small group, a polished Bible study, or a spiritual retreat to encounter Him. You need a willingness to stay at the table long enough for the conversation to lead you to Him. The road to burning hearts starts with shared life. Sometimes that means inviting someone over for coffee. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, even when you don’t have all the answers. The habit of gathering keeps the embers of faith alive until they burst into flame.
III. Jesus Meets Them at the Table (Luke 24:30–31)
It wasn’t through miracles or speeches, but through the simple act of breaking bread that their eyes were opened: “when he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him..." (Luke 24:30–31) The Table isn’t just a memorial service — it’s an encounter with the living Christ. Ambrose of Milan reflected on the transformation that occurs during communion. Jesus meets us in the ordinary — bread, prayers, shared life — and transforms it into sacred encounter.
Application:
Come to the Table hungry. Come expecting that God still speaks, still reveals, still restores.
When we gather around bread and cup — when we gather around God’s Word and His people — the risen Jesus steps into the room. He meets us in simple obedience and simple faith. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel close to Him. He is closer than you realize — breaking bread, breaking open your heart, and building a hope that will not disappoint. Even when we don’t recognize Him at first, He is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
Gospel Invitation: From Broken Hopes to Burning Hearts
Maybe today you’re thinking, “I’m a good person.” Imagine getting pulled over for speeding in a school zone and trying to argue, "But officer, I’m a good person!" No matter how many good things you’ve done, the law still holds. In the same way, none of us can erase our sin before a holy God by good deeds. We've all broken God's law — and the penalty stands. But the good news is that Jesus came not just to remind us of our guilt, but to rescue us. On the cross, He took our punishment. In the resurrection, He offers us new life.
Like the disciples on the road, it’s not enough just to hear about Him. We have to respond — to make a U-turn — repentance — and start walking with Him. Today, Jesus is stepping into your story too. Will you invite Him into your broken hopes, so He can give you a new heart and a new future?
Prayer
May the risen Christ meet you on the road,
mending what is broken and making you whole.
May the Scriptures ignite your heart with love and hope.
And may His peace rest upon you — today and always.
Amen.