Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 45-minute lesson plan to fill out the class “Cities of the Bible: The Village of Emmaus,” that covers the lesson objective, “Learn of the historical backings to the life of Jesus, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Jesus, God’s Son-2a)
Read “Cities of the Bible: The Village of Emmaus.”
Check out the possible location of the village of Emmaus on a map. The village no longer exits, but some believe it might have been located where it is shown on this map.
Look up Luke 24:13–35.
Read Luke 24, verses 13–16.
Ask your child for ideas of why these two disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Some possibilities could be:
• They knew He had died, so it didn’t occur to them that this could actually be Jesus, Himself.
• They were not among His closest 12 disciples and perhaps didn’t see Him up close or long enough to remember how He looked.
• In those days, there was no video or even photographs to help become familiar with how someone looked.
Read Luke 24, verses 17–24.
Imagine with your child the pain and disappointment Jesus’ followers must have experienced when He died, and how their hopes had been dashed for the country of Israel to be restored by Jesus. Then imagine with your child the added confusion His disciples might have experienced when His body had disappeared, thinking it might have been stolen.
Read Luke 24, verses 25–27.
Follow up by reading “Messianic Prophecies and Their Fulfillment, Part 1,” and “Messianic Prophecies and Their Fulfillment, Part 2.”
Read Luke 24, verses 28–35.
Imagine with your child the disciples’ surprise and joy as they suddenly recognized Jesus when He blessed and broke the bread.
View “Road to Emmaus.”
Reflect how God can use a small village for such a wonderful story. He can do mighty things with each of us, no matter how insignificant we might feel at times.
Additional material:
Compiled by My Wonder Studio staff.
Copyright © 2019 by The Family International