Hearts Afire
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Jesus sets two disciples' hearts afire with His exposition of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Text: Luke 24:28-32
Date: 05/10/2026, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 231
Description:
As Luke's narrative of the Road to Emmaus comes to its dramatic conclusion, the traveling companions consisting of Jesus and two disciples reach their destination. Along the way Jesus has perfectly exposited the Old Testament Scriptures to reveal why it was necessary that the Messiah suffer. Even though the two men still do not recognize Jesus, they almost forcefully insist that He stay with them awhile and enjoy a meal together. During the traditional breaking of the bread, the minds and hearts of the men are opened and they recognize Jesus as the Resurrected Christ. Immediately, He vanished from their sight-- leaving their hearts aflame with the power of His perfect exposition. We will analyze this incredible scene, noticing the many principles and lessons it contains. But ultimately, we will ask ourselves what sets our own hearts afire. And if it is not the Word of God as illuminated by the Holy Spirit-- why not?
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 24:28-32.
A. Context, Luke 24:21.
B. The revelation in Emmaus.
1. Arriving at Emmaus, vs. 28.
a. Visualizing the scene.
b. On sovereignty and human responsibility.
2. Urging Jesus to stay, vs. 29.
a. The nature of the request.
i. A strong request, Acts 16:15; Gen. 19:3,9; Matt. 11:12.
ii. Forming a bond, John 4:40.
iii. The reason given.
b. Jesus relents.
i. Fulfilling a Scripture-wide promise, Rev. 3:20; Jer. 30:22.
ii. Noticing the desired relationship.
c. Analyzing the lesson.
i. The proper response from the disciples.
ii. Hunger in many parts of the world.
iii. Not so much in our culture.
3. Breaking bread, vs. 30.
a. The significance of the Breaking of Bread.
i. A job for the host, Luke 24:35.
ii. What it does not mean.
iii. Focus on the disciples.
b. Making some connections.
i. The feeding of the five thousand, Luke 9:14-17.
ii. The Passover, Luke 22:14,19.
c. Finding the significance.
4. The revelation, vs. 31.
a. Eyes that finally see.
i. An analogy.
ii. How the eyes were blinded.
1) Eyes that were "kept" from seeing, Luke 24:16.
2) The problem is the "processor".
3) The problem with the disciples' processor.
4) The problem with our processors.
iii. How eyes are made to see.
b. Understanding the disappearance.
i. How He vanished.
ii. Why He vanished.
1) The example of Mary Magdalene, John 20:16-17.
2) Making the connection.
5. Hearts on fire! vs. 32.
a. Burning hearts.
i. Defining "hearts afire".
ii. An amazing transformation.
b. The supremacy of the Word.
III. Application
A. Do you insist that Jesus "stay with you"?
B. Are you distributing bread?
C. Is there something blocking your spiritual discernment?
D. Is your heart afire with the Word of God?
IV. Conclusion
