SERMON TITLE: Eyes Opened to Christ
SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-35 (ESV)
SPEAKER: Chandler Turpin
DATE: 11-1-26
Good evening, Gateway Church! My name’s Chandler Turpin, and I’m one of the Pastoral Residents here on staff. Whether you’re here at our County Road 9 Campus or joining us online, welcome! I’m so glad to be in God’s Word with you all tonight.
Tonight we’re stepping away from our series in Malachi and turning toward the end of Luke’s Gospel. Now, by the time we arrive at Luke chapter 24, everything that Jesus’ disciples thought was going to happen seems to have fallen apart. Jesus has been crucified — he’s been buried — and now his tomb’s been found empty. That’s where we meet two disciples walking toward a village called Emmaus — about seven miles outside of Jerusalem.
They’re walking, talking, questioning, and trying to make sense of everything that’s just happened. They know that Jesus was crucified, and they’ve heard reports that his tomb was found empty. They have all of the “facts” right, but they still don’t understand what all of those facts mean.
And Luke gives us a picture of what’s happening inside of them. We’ll see in verse 17, they stop and stand there “looking sad.” Then in verse 21, they say these heartbreaking words — ”We had hoped.”
You could say they have “burdened hearts.” Their expectations came crashing down. Their Savior’s just been crucified. They can’t see what God’s doing. But by the end of this story — those with burdened hearts — will become burning hearts — as Jesus unfolds the message of the law and prophets. And then their eyes will be opened — and they’ll recognize the risen Christ who’s been with them all along.
That’s how our passage moves tonight — burdened hearts — burning hearts — and opened eyes.
And in every moment — Jesus is the one who acts. When we struggle to understand what God is doing — the risen Christ meets us in our burdens, opens his Word to us, and opens our eyes to the hope — found in him.
So tonight we’re gonna follow that movement together.
Burdened hearts — the Savior they couldn’t see.
Burning hearts — Christ interprets the Scriptures.
And opened eyes — Christ revealed at the table.
If you have your Bibles with you, turn with me to Luke chapter 24, verses 13 through 35. Again, that's Luke chapter 24, starting in verse 13…
Luke 24:13–35 ESV
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
What an incredible scene Luke sets for us. Did you hear the movement in our passage? They began sad and disappointed — then their hearts burn as Christ interprets the Scriptures — then their eyes are opened, and they recognize him — and once they see him — they get up and go tell the others in Jerusalem. So let's begin where they began — with burdened hearts.
Let’s look again at verses 13 through 21. Starting with verse 13, we read…
Luke 24:13–21 ESV
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
Sometimes when I watch a new movie, it’s hard to follow where the movie’s going. Why’s this happening? What’s going to happen to this person or that person? Scenes can seem meaningless and insignificant — until we get to the end — that’s where all’s revealed. My wife and I look at each other in amazement, sometimes doing the ole’ “I told you so” thing.
The disciples here in Luke seem to be interpreting Friday — the day that Jesus was crucified — before knowing what God’s truly done on Sunday — the day Jesus is resurrected. They’ve all the “facts” of the crucifixion — but they don’t yet understand the story that those facts belong to.
Verse 15 tells us that while they’re talking, “Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” Then verse 16 says, “But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” Notice that Luke doesn’t just say that they failed to recognize Jesus — but that their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Yes, their grief’s real, but Luke doesn’t say that it’s their grief that's blinded them — recognition will come when God gives it. For now — Jesus walks with them without revealing who he is.
Jesus asks what they’re talking about — and verse 17 tells us they stop and stand there “looking sad.” Then Cleopas begins explaining everything that’s happened — to Jesus — who obviously already knows.
And eventually he says the words that tell of the burden they’re carrying.
Luke 24:21 ESV
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel…
We — had — hoped. You can hear the disappointment in their words. They thought Jesus was the promised Messiah — but then — he was crucified. Even now — with reports of an empty tomb — they can’t make sense of what’s happened. As far as they can tell — the cross has shattered the future — they thought Jesus — was going to bring.
But the irony is — the risen Christ is standing right beside them while they explain why they’ve lost hope in Christ — in him. He hears their questions — he hears their disappointment — he hears their grief. And before correcting them — he walks with them.
And if you’re a Christian, you can find comfort here. There will be moments when we don’t understand what God’s doing. Why can’t I find a job? Why can’t we have a child? Why’d I get this diagnosis? Why hasn’t God answered this prayer — the way that I thought he would?
We know what Scripture says — but in the middle of pain — it can be difficult to see how any of it fits together. Jesus never promised his people a life without suffering. In John 16:33 he tells his disciples…
John 16:33 ESV
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Our hope isn’t found in our attempts to avoid the dark roads. Our hope’s found in Christ who rose and has overcome the world — and doesn’t abandon his people on those roads. So when your heart’s burdened — don’t interpret God’s faithfulness only by what you can see in the moment.
These disciples thought the cross meant that the promises had failed — in reality, the cross was the very means by which God was fulfilling them.
And if you’re here tonight and you wouldn’t call yourself a Christian — notice the patience of Christ in our passage. These disciples misunderstand him — but he doesn’t walk away. He speaks truth to them — he interprets the Scriptures for them — and he brings them to see who he is.
The invitation of the gospel doesn’t mean you don't have questions or carry burdens — but to bring those burdens under the Word of God and look to the risen Christ. What I mean by this is instead of carrying stress, fear, or grief entirely on your own, look to the Word, and put your trust in Jesus Christ.
Now notice what Jesus does next. He doesn’t immediately make everything easier for the disciples. He doesn’t begin by immediately revealing himself or by changing their circumstances. Instead — he interprets the Scriptures for them. He reveals what the Bible’s really about — and who the Bible’s really about. This is where our story turns — the burdened heart — begins to become — a burning heart. Let's turn back to our text starting in verse 22…
Luke 24:22–27 ESV
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
When I was a kid — I used to love working on puzzles. At my great-grandmother's house in Georgia, anytime we would visit, there was always a massive jigsaw puzzle that was ongoing. We even had a dedicated table just for puzzles. My grandmother loved puzzles so much that I’m pretty sure there were framed puzzles on the walls.
Now once you got stuck, which was no doubt going to happen, the picture on the box would show you how all of the different pieces of the puzzle fit together into one beautiful (and apparently even frame-able) puzzle. The picture showed you how all those scattered pieces fit together.
That’s something like what Jesus does for these disciples. They likely knew many of the pieces — they knew the Passover — they knew King David — they knew the prophets — they knew the Suffering Servant — they knew the promises of a kingdom and a coming Messiah.
But they couldn’t see how all of those pieces fit together with a crucified Christ. Then — Jesus gives them — the picture.
And before we move past verse 26, I want us to take notice of one word — necessary. Jesus asks…
Luke 24:26 ESV
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
That word is important. The disciples are looking at the cross as evidence that something’s gone terribly wrong — and Jesus tells them the exact opposite. The cross — wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t God scrambling to respond to an unexpected turn of events — it was necessary. The suffering of Christ was part of God’s redemptive plan all along. Remember what they said back in verse 21…
Luke 24:21 ESV
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
They’re speaking as though the cross had destroyed their hope — but Jesus shows them that the very event that they thought had ended all hope was actually the means God was using to accomplish their redemption. They saw the cross and thought — it’s over. But Jesus interprets the Scriptures for them and shows them that this is exactly where the story’s been going all along. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus shows them how all of these pieces fit together in him.
Maybe he showed them the Passover lamb, whose blood meant judgment passed over God’s people. Maybe he took them to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 52 and 53. Maybe he showed them Psalm 22, where the righteous sufferer’s mocked and afflicted — yet the Psalm ends with the nations worshipping the Lord.
We don’t know exactly which Scriptures Jesus used — Luke doesn’t tell us. But Luke does tell us the point.
Luke 24:27 ESV
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
All Scripture leads to Christ. Now that doesn’t mean every verse is some kind of secret code about Jesus, and our job’s to somehow force Jesus into every sentence in the Bible. It means that every part of Scripture belongs to one redemptive story — and that story reaches its fulfillment in Christ.
Without Christ, the Bible can feel like a collection of disconnected stories. Creation — Abraham — Moses — David — the prophets — exile — return. But — Jesus shows us that these aren’t just random pieces of a disconnected story. God’s been telling one story of redemption, and Christ stands at its center.
And look what happens to these disciples as Jesus goes through the Word with them. Later in verse 32 we see this…
Luke 24:32 ESV
32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
They began the road with burdened hearts — now, through the opening of God’s Word to them — those hearts are burning. And that’s what we want when we come to Scripture — yes, we want to understand the text correctly — yes, doctrine matters — yes, we should know what the Bible teaches. But the goal isn’t just that we walk away with more information or facts in our heads — we want the Holy Spirit — through the Word of God — to show us the beauty and sufficiency of the Son of God.
And that means this sermon tonight isn’t asking you to make up some emotional experience. A burning heart isn’t about chasing a feeling — it’s the response of faith as Christ, by his Spirit, uses his Word to show us who he is and what he’s done.
So when you open your Bible tomorrow morning, don’t just ask — what facts or information could I learn today? Ask, what does this show me about God? What does this expose in my heart? How does this lead me to Christ? What would change if — I really believed it. We come to the Word expecting God — by his Spirit — to use his Word to shape what we believe and how we live.
The Word’s begun its work in these disciples. Their hearts are burning, but their eyes aren’t open yet — and that — brings us to the table. Let's read again starting in verse 28…
Luke 24:28–35 ESV
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
As they reach Emmaus, Jesus acts as though he’s going on — but the disciples urge him — saying…
Luke 24:29 ESV
…“Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.”
They still don’t know who he is — but after walking with him and hearing him unfold the Scriptures to them, they know they don’t want him to leave. So Jesus goes in with them.
I’ve had friends pass through town who I hadn’t seen in a long time — and what begins as, “I’ll stop by for a few minutes,” becomes “Why don’t you stay for dinner?” And before long, everyone’s sitting around the table telling stories — laughing — reminiscing — and just enjoying being together. There’s something wonderfully ordinary about a table — and that's where Luke places this extraordinary moment. Verse 30 says…
Luke 24:30 ESV
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
And then verse 31…
Luke 24:31 ESV
31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…
Notice that language again — their eyes were opened. Just as they had been kept from recognizing him earlier — now recognition’s given to them. They finally see the one who’s been with them the entire time on the road. Luke’s used similar language before — Jesus taking bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it. We hear echoes of other meals in Jesus’ ministry.
But here — the result’s recognition. The guest at the table has become the host — and suddenly everything comes together. The stranger who walked in with them is Jesus. The one who listened to their grief is Jesus. The one who interpreted for them Moses and the Prophets is Jesus. The one breaking bread in front of them is Jesus.
Their burdened hearts have become burning hearts — and now their eyes are opened. And notice how ordinary the setting is — there’s no crowd — no thunder — no spectacle — they’re sitting around a table.
We often expect to meet Christ in the big — extraordinary moments of life. But God nourishes the faith of his people through ordinary means — his Word — prayer — worship — and the sacraments he’s given his church.
Now we should be careful not to call this meal at Emmaus something Luke doesn’t explicitly call it — but it does prepare us to think about the table we’re going to come to together tonight. When we come to the Lord’s table, we come by faith.
The bread and the cup don’t repeat the cross — Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all. They direct our faith back to the finished work of Christ — his body given for us — his blood shed for us — and the Savior who was crucified — but’s now risen.
The same gospel we hear proclaimed in the Word’s set before our eyes in these visible signs. So there’s something especially fitting about this passage for us tonight. Christ addresses burdened hearts through his Word — and then he gives his church a meal that directs our faith again to him.
But notice that once these disciples recognize Jesus, they don’t stay at the table. Verse 33 says…
Luke 24:33 ESV
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem.
That same hour. They had already arrived for the evening — they could’ve waited until morning. But opened eyes caused them to move quickly — they had to go back to Jerusalem and announce what had happened. The good news is too good to keep to themselves.
Jesus doesn’t just comfort burdened hearts — he doesn’t just warm hearts through the Word. He opens eyes to the risen Christ — and those opened eyes send his people out as witnesses.
These disciples began the road to Emmaus with burdened hearts. Remember the words they said — ”we had hoped.” They couldn’t understand how the cross could possibly fit with the promises of God. Then — interpreted the Scriptures — and their burdened hearts became burning hearts.
Then at the table — their eyes were opened. They saw Christ, and once they saw him, they got up and went. That’s the journey Luke’s given us tonight — burdened hearts — burning hearts — opened eyes. And maybe tonight you came into this room with a burdened heart. Maybe something hasn’t gone the way you thought it would. Maybe you’re disappointed — maybe you’re grieving — maybe you’re confused — maybe you’re just tired.
Maybe — like these disciples — you know many of the right truths, but you’re having trouble seeing how those truths fit with what you’re living through right now. Don’t assume that because you can’t see what Christ is doing that Christ is absent. Go to his Word — ask him to turn burdened hearts into burning hearts as the Scriptures lead you again to the crucified and risen Savior.
And ask him to open your eyes — not so that you can chase some extraordinary experience — but so that you can recognize the grace he’s already placed before you through the ordinary means he’s given his church.
And then go — because when our eyes are opened to the risen Christ, we have news worth sharing. Christ was crucified, Christ was buried, Christ has risen, and Christ is alive tonight.
Let's pray,
Father, as we come to the table tonight, I pray you would meet us in our burdens. Spirit, make our hearts burn as you open your Word. Open our eyes to see Christ. And send us out with the good news that the Lord’s risen indeed. Amen.
Friends, this is the joyful table of God’s people. Scripture tells us that in the kingdom of God, people will come from every direction — from east and west, north and south — to gather at the table of the Lord.
Luke also reminds us that after Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, he shared a meal with his disciples. As they sat together, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized that the risen Christ was with them.
Hear the words of Luke—
Luke 22:19–20 ESV
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
We’re the friends and disciples of Jesus tonight. He invites us to break bread together, to remember him and to pray that God’s Kingdom will come.
We bring this bread and cup to the table of Jesus. With them we bring ourselves, all that we’re and all that we own. May the ordinary become holy, and may heaven be opened to the people of God.
Leader: May God be blessed forever!
Together: May God be blessed forever!
At this time — those who will be serving communion can make their way to the tables. In a moment, ushers will dismiss you by rows so you can come forward to receive the bread and the cup. Take both before returning to your seats. Baskets are available for you to place your empty cups in. We also have a gluten-free wafer option for those who need it. If you’re unable to come forward — raise your hand and let the usher know as they dismiss your row — and someone will come and serve you in your seat.
And — if you're not coming forward for communion — know that no one’s judging you for staying in your seat. We would appreciate it if you could help those coming forward make their way past you.
I’d like to invite you now to come forward and feast on Christ, at the table he’s set for you.
May you go this week knowing that Christ is with you. When your heart is heavy, trust him — When you open his Word, look for him — And wherever he sends you, go with the hope of the risen Jesus.
Amen. You are sent.
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