SEVEN DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO DISCOVERY | PART 7
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
April 5, 2026

Easter doesn’t begin with celebration—it begins with disappointment. Two followers of Jesus walked away from His grave convinced the story was over, their hopes shattered and their future uncertain. But what they didn’t realize was that Jesus was walking with them the entire time. In the same way, God meets us in our confusion, speaks into our pain, and reveals Himself when we least expect it. Because Easter reminds us that God does His greatest work on the day we think it’s over.

Discussion Questions

A. Observation (What does the text say?)

In Luke 24, what emotions and assumptions are driving the two disciples as they walk to Emmaus?

What are the specific ways Jesus engages with them before revealing His identity?

According to the passage, when do the disciples finally recognize Jesus—and why might that moment matter?

What changes immediately in the disciples after they recognize Him?

B. Interpretation (What does it mean?)

Why do you think the disciples were unable to recognize Jesus at first?

What does this story teach us about the relationship between Scripture and understanding Jesus?

How does the idea of the “third day” pattern help us interpret the resurrection?

What is the difference between hoping for something and putting hope in someone?

C. Reflection (Where does this meet your life?)

Can you identify a time when life didn’t turn out the way you planned? How did it affect your faith?

Where in your life right now do you feel like “it’s over”?

Have you ever sensed that God was present with you only after the fact—not in the moment?

What keeps you from recognizing God’s presence in difficult seasons?

D. Application (What needs to change?)

What would it look like for you to “invite Jesus to stay” in a practical, daily sense?

Is there something you need to open up about (to God or others) in order to move forward?

How can you shift your hope from circumstances to the character of God?

Who is someone in your life that needs to hear the hope of Easter—and how can you share it?