We all know what it feels like to walk with questions, pain, or disappointment when life doesn’t go the way we hoped. In this opening message, we journey with two followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus—disoriented, grieving, and unsure of what comes next. But in their confusion, Jesus comes close. He doesn’t rebuke their doubts; He walks with them through them. This week, we’re reminded that Jesus often meets us in the very places we’re tempted to give up. Before we see Him clearly, we need to learn to recognize His presence in our brokenness. Because resurrection hope often shows up in unexpected places—and it walks with us even when we don’t realize it.

Day 1: The Road Away

Scripture: Luke 24:13-14

“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.”

Reflection:
Sometimes, the road away from something painful feels like the only way forward. These two disciples were walking away from the place where their hopes had died. Jerusalem held the memory of the cross. Have you ever felt like that? Like you just needed to leave—physically, emotionally, spiritually—because staying meant facing too much disappointment?

But even on the road away, Jesus shows up. He doesn’t wait for them to come back first.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You meet me even when I’m walking away discouraged. Help me see You, even when I feel like I’ve lost hope.

Journal Prompt:
Where in your life do you feel like you’re “walking away”? What does Emmaus represent for you right now?

Day 2: Honest Conversations

Scripture: Luke 24:17-18

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast.”

Reflection:
Jesus invites us to talk. He already knows what’s in our hearts, but He gives us space to say it anyway. The disciples didn’t hide their sadness. They were downcast, confused, and disappointed. Sometimes, we think we need to have polished prayers or perfect words, but Jesus is drawn to honest conversation—especially when we’re hurting.

Prayer:
Lord, help me bring my true thoughts to You. I don’t want to hide my confusion or pretend I have it all together. Meet me in my honesty.

Journal Prompt:
What’s something you haven’t said out loud to God yet—but need to?

Day 3: We Had Hoped

Scripture: Luke 24:21a

“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…”

Reflection:
These are some of the saddest and most relatable words in the Bible: We had hoped.
Hope unfulfilled is deeply painful. Maybe you had hoped the relationship would last, the healing would come, the door would open. The disciples felt the same. But Jesus didn’t rebuke them. He listened.

Even when we don’t see Him clearly, He’s walking with us in the ache of had hoped.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for walking with me in my “had hoped” places. Teach me to grieve honestly, and to trust You even when I don’t understand.

Journal Prompt:
Finish this sentence as honestly as you can: “I had hoped that…”

Day 4: Seeing the Wrong Story

Scripture: Luke 24:22-24

“In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body… but him they did not see.”

Reflection:
The disciples had all the evidence that Jesus was alive—but they still didn’t believe. Why? Because disappointment can cloud our vision. Sometimes we miss what God is doing right in front of us because it doesn’t look how we expected.

Jesus was alive. Hope wasn’t dead—it had just taken a different shape.

Prayer:
Father, open my eyes. Help me see what You’re doing, even when it’s not what I expected. Don’t let disappointment blind me to resurrection.

Journal Prompt:
Is there a situation where you might be interpreting things through disappointment instead of faith?

Day 5: Hope Walking With You

Scripture: Luke 24:15

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.”

Reflection:
They didn’t recognize Him at first, but Jesus was right there. Not judging. Not rushing. Just walking with them. That’s the beauty of our Savior—He meets us on the road, even when we’re going the wrong direction. His presence is proof that hope is not lost.

You may feel like you’re in a season of confusion or sorrow, but you’re not alone. Hope has a name—and He walks with you.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for never leaving me. Help me recognize You on the road, even when I least expect it. Walk with me and remind me that hope is alive.

Journal Prompt:
Looking back, where can you see Jesus walking with you, even in the hard places?