The Road Beyond the Cross: Hearts Set on Fire
Walking the Road Beyond the Cross: A Reflection on Emmaus
This Sunday at Myrtle House Community Church, Martin O’Brien led us on a deeply reflective journey through Luke 24, exploring what happens after the cross—on the road to Emmaus.
With powerful spoken word and heartfelt teaching, Martin helped us discover that the resurrection story isn't just something we look back on—it's something we live out. The road to Emmaus, found only in the Gospel of Luke, is more than a location. It’s a picture of the journey we take with Jesus after the resurrection.
Here are five truths we uncovered as we walked this road together:
1. Emmaus Is Where We Walk and Talk Together
(Luke 24:13–15)
The two disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, possibly returning to their lodgings after the whirlwind of the crucifixion. The name Emmaus means “hot springs”—a place of healing and rest. In the same way, we’re not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. Jesus joins us on the road, often unrecognised at first, but always present. And He calls us into community—to walk and talk with one another, sharing our struggles and our stories.
“Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.” (v.15)
2. Emmaus Is Where We Bring Our Questions
(Luke 24:17)
Confusion. Disappointment. Doubt. The disciples had all of it—and they expressed it honestly. Martin reminded us that faith is not the absence of questions—it’s the invitation to ask them with Jesus beside us. Scripture is full of questions, and it’s through these questions that our understanding of God grows deeper.
“What are you discussing together as you walk along?” (v.17)
3. Emmaus Is Where We Open Scripture Together
(Luke 24:25–27)
Jesus revealed the truth about Himself through Scripture—starting with Moses and all the prophets. When we open the Bible with others, Jesus teaches us, the Spirit illuminates truth, and we begin to see how the whole story points to Him. There’s power and unity in reading Scripture together.
“He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (v.27)
4. Emmaus Is Where We See Jesus
(Luke 24:30–31)
As they broke bread together, their eyes were opened and they recognised Jesus. Revelation often happens in the simple, ordinary moments—when we least expect it. We were challenged to consider: Do we see Jesus for who He truly is? Do we recognise Him walking beside us today?
“Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him.” (v.31)
5. Emmaus Is Where Our Hearts Are Set on Fire
(Luke 24:32)
Something shifted in the disciples. Their hearts “burned within them” as Jesus spoke. The Greek word here implies being set ablaze. When we encounter Jesus—when He opens Scripture to us, when we recognise His presence—our hearts come alive. That fire is not just for ourselves, but to share with others.
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road?” (v.32)
A Heart on Fire Leads to a Life on Mission
The resurrection isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new way of living. Jesus is alive. He walks with us. He speaks to us through Scripture. He reveals Himself. And He sets our hearts on fire.
Let’s be people who walk together, who ask the hard questions, who open Scripture in community, who see Jesus clearly, and who live with hearts ablaze with His presence.
Let’s walk the road beyond the cross—with hearts set on fire.
