By the Rev. Micah Krey
Revised Common Lectionary reflection, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A
April 19, 2026
Key Verse: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” -Luke 24:32
The road to Emmaus in Luke is one of the most quietly powerful resurrection stories in the Gospel. Two disciples walk away from Jerusalem – away from the place where their hopes seem to have collapsed. The one they believed would redeem Israel has been crucified. Confusion, grief, and disappointment weigh heavily on them.
Then Jesus appears beside them, but they do not recognize him.
The risen Christ walks with them, listens to their story, and begins to interpret the scriptures along the road. Only later, when they sit at table and Jesus breaks bread, do their eyes open. In that simple moment of hospitality and shared meal, they finally recognize who has been with them all along.
This story offers a profound stewardship insight: discipleship often begins with learning to recognize Christ already present in our lives.
Stewardship is sometimes framed as something we initiate, our giving, our volunteering, our efforts to serve God. But the Emmaus story reminds us that before we respond, Christ is already walking beside us. The risen Christ meets us in ordinary places: along the road, in conversation, and around the table.
Recognition changes everything.
When the disciples finally realize who has been with them, their response is immediate. Even though it is late and the road back to Jerusalem is long, they get up and go. They return to the community of disciples to share what they have experienced: Christ is alive.
Their encounter becomes their witness.
That same pattern appears in the other readings for the day. In Acts 2, Peter proclaims the resurrection boldly, inviting listeners into repentance and new life. Thousands respond, and a new community begins to form. The resurrection is not simply an event to remember; it becomes the foundation for a transformed way of living together.
Likewise, Psalm 116 responds to God’s deliverance with gratitude and commitment: “What shall I return to the Lord for all God’s bounty to me?” The psalmist’s question echoes the heart of stewardship. When we recognize the gifts we have received (life, grace, forgiveness) our response is thanksgiving expressed through our lives.
Even 1 Peter speaks of this transformation, calling believers to live with reverence and love, recognizing that their lives have been redeemed not by wealth or status but by something far more precious.
Taken together, these readings show us that stewardship often begins with recognition. When our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ in our lives, our priorities shift. Gratitude replaces despair. Generosity replaces fear. Community replaces isolation.
As preachers, we can lift up that new reality. The Emmaus story reminds us that stewardship is not first about obligation but about revelation. When people recognize Christ already walking beside them (in ordinary moments, shared meals, and unexpected companions) their lives naturally turn outward. Preaching can invite congregations to notice where Christ is already present in their daily lives and to respond with lives shaped by gratitude, generosity, and witness.
Like the disciples on the Emmaus road, we often discover Christ in hindsight, in the conversations, meals, and relationships that shaped our journey. The good news is that the risen Christ continues to meet us there.
And when our eyes are opened, we too are sent back into the world with burning hearts, ready to share the good news of resurrection life.
In Worship
The Emmaus story lends itself naturally to worship centered around word and table, the very places where the disciples recognize Christ.
Consider emphasizing the theme of recognition throughout the service. Hymns such as “Open Our Eyes, Lord,” “Stay with Us Till Nightfall,” or “Now the Green Blade Rises” echo the Easter theme of Christ revealed among us.
During the sermon, a simple visual (such as a walking stick, pair of shoes, or small travel bag) could symbolize the journey of faith. Worship leaders might briefly invite the congregation to reflect on moments when they recognized God’s presence in unexpected ways.
The Eucharist is, of course, a particularly meaningful connection to this text. Just as the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, the meal becomes a reminder that the risen Christ continues to meet us today. Slowing down in the moment and emphasizing the bread and cup can center us on this moment of recognition. Don’t be quick to pass it by.
A sending blessing might echo the Emmaus response: inviting the congregation to go back into their daily lives with “burning hearts,” ready to share the good news they have encountered.
With Youth
Ask youth to think about a time when they didn’t realize the importance of a moment until later. Maybe it was advice from a teacher, a conversation with a friend, or an experience that made more sense in hindsight.
Then share the story of the Emmaus road. The disciples spent hours walking and talking with Jesus, but they didn’t realize it was him until the meal at the end.
Invite youth to talk about where they might encounter God in everyday life. Is it in friendships? In acts of kindness? In moments when someone listens or helps them?
Stewardship can be framed here as paying attention to how God is already active around us. When we notice God’s presence, we become part of the story too.
As a simple activity, ask youth to write down one place this week where they will intentionally look for signs of God’s presence (at school, in their family, or in their community).
With Children
For a children’s message, bring a simple bread loaf or dinner roll.
Ask the children if they have ever had a moment when they suddenly realized something they didn’t notice before, like finding something that was right in front of them the whole time.
Tell them that in today’s Bible story, two friends were walking down a road feeling sad. Jesus came and walked with them, but they didn’t realize it was him.
Later, when they sat down to eat and Jesus broke bread, suddenly they recognized him.
Explain that Jesus is still with us today, even when we don’t always notice. We can see Jesus in people who help us, in friends who care about us, and in the love we share with others. We can see Jesus each time we come to the table and received the bread.
Encourage the children to look for ways Jesus might show up in their week, in kindness, friendship, and moments of sharing.
Close with a short prayer thanking God for walking with us wherever we go.
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