When Jesus Walks With You

Every Sunday at The Gathering, we stand for the reading of God’s Word—not out of ritual, but out of honor. Scripture is life. And in Luke 24, we find a story that speaks directly to the moments when life feels confusing, disappointing, or overwhelming.

It’s the story of two disciples walking the seven-mile road to Emmaus, talking through the heartbreak of the crucifixion. Jesus Himself comes alongside them, but the Bible says, “their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” He wasn’t hiding. Their hearts were.

And if we’re honest, we’ve all been there.

1. Pain Can Close Your Eyes

These disciples had watched the worst happen. They saw their Savior beaten, tortured, crucified. Pain wasn’t just something they felt—it became the lens through which they saw everything.

Pain has a way of distorting reality.Pain can make you think God left when He’s actually walking right beside you.

If you’re carrying grief, disappointment, betrayal, or loss—you might struggle to feel Jesus right now. But your feelings aren’t the truth.

He is still with you, even when you can’t see Him.

2. Preconceptions Can Blind You

The disciples believed Jesus came to overthrow Rome and establish an earthly kingdom. So when things didn’t go the way they expected, they assumed the story was over.

Many of us do the same.When God doesn’t move how or when we thought He should, we silently conclude: “This isn’t God.”“This can’t be right.”“He must not be here.”

But sometimes our expectations keep us from recognizing Jesus in the very place He’s working.

3. Perspective Shapes Everything

The disciples saw tragedy.Jesus saw fulfillment. They saw an ending.Jesus saw the beginning of redemption. The cross didn’t look like victory to them—but it was the greatest victory heaven had ever seen. Your current season may not look victorious either, but God’s perspective is not yours. What feels like loss to you may be the setup for breakthrough in Him.

The Moment Their Eyes Opened

After walking with Jesus for miles, after hours of explanation and teaching, they still didn’t recognize Him—until He broke bread at the table. In a single moment of encounter, what explanation could not reveal, His presence made undeniable. And Scripture says Jesus followed a divine pattern: He took.He blessed.He broke.He gave. This isn’t just bread.This is God’s pattern for every believer. Think of Moses, Joseph, David—even Jesus Himself.Each one was taken, blessed, broken, then given to the world. And so are you.

Whatever Season You’re In—You’re in the Order of God

Maybe God is taking you—calling you out of the life you’ve known.Maybe He’s blessing you—doors opening, favor increasing.Maybe He’s breaking you—shaking loose what can’t stay.Maybe He’s giving you—positioning you to impact others. But if you belong to Him, you are not out of order.You are right where God is working. And whether you feel Him or not, whether you see Him or not—Jesus is walking with you.