Emmaus Walk Activity

Two Truths and a Lie

For this part, we will play Two Truths and a Lie. Explain to the group that each person will think of three short statements about themselves. Two of them should be true, and one should be made up. When it’s their turn, they will share all three statements in any order. The rest of the group will guess which one is the made-up statement. Give an example or two before starting to help everyone understand how it works. Keep the game moving so everyone has a turn and the energy stays high.

That was a lot of fun! I hope you learned something new about the people around you. Sometimes we think we already know each other well, but a simple game can show us that there’s always more to discover. Just like in our faith, there’s always more to learn and notice when we take the time to listen.

On the road to Emmaus, the disciples spent time walking and talking. They didn’t realize it was Jesus with them, but their conversation opened the door for Him to speak into their hearts. What we just did is a small reminder that conversations can connect us in surprising ways. We start with simple things, but those can lead to deeper sharing.

Now we’re going to hear that story from Luke’s Gospel. As you listen, think about the times you may have walked through life not realizing that Jesus was right there with you. Think about how the disciples felt when they finally understood who He was.

Follow-up questions:

• Did anything someone shared in the game surprise you?
• How does it feel to learn new things about people you’ve known for a while?
• Can you think of a time when a small conversation led to something meaningful?

Read Luke 24:13-35, the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A:

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”

They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”

And he replied to them, “What sort of things?”

They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.

Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”

And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”

Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

Luke 24:13-35

Let’s take some time to really think about what we just heard in the story from Luke 24:13–35. Two disciples were walking to a village called Emmaus. They were confused, maybe even a little discouraged, because so much had happened in the last few days. They had seen Jesus die on the cross. They had heard that His tomb was empty, but they didn’t know what to make of it. Then, a man began walking with them. They didn’t know it was Jesus. He asked questions, listened to their story, and then explained the Scriptures to them. It wasn’t until later, when they shared a meal, that they recognized Him.

This story reminds us of something important. Faith isn’t just something we do on Sundays when we go to Mass. It’s something we live every day. Jesus didn’t meet the disciples in a church building or during a formal prayer service. He met them while they were walking on a dusty road, talking about their day. That tells us that Jesus is with us in our everyday life—when we’re at school, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, or even when we’re by ourselves. He doesn’t just want to be part of our Sunday routine. He wants to walk with us through the whole week.

Another thing we see in this story is that faith can grow in different ways. Sometimes it happens in big, exciting moments—like when the disciples suddenly realized, “It’s Jesus!” Those moments are amazing. They make our hearts feel full and our minds clear. But other times, faith grows slowly, in quiet ways we don’t notice right away. It might be a small moment when you feel peace during prayer. Or maybe it’s a kind word from a friend that reminds you you’re not alone. Sometimes you look back later and realize God was working all along, even if you didn’t see it at the time.

Think about the disciples again. They walked with Jesus for a while before they knew who He was. But even before they recognized Him, He was teaching them, encouraging them, and opening their hearts. In the same way, Jesus is working in your life right now, whether you notice it or not. He might be speaking through your family, your friends, your teachers, or even through something you read or hear.

Now I want you to think about your own life. When have you felt close to God? Was it during a big event, like a retreat or a special Mass? Or was it during an ordinary day, when something small made you feel His presence? There’s no wrong answer. God shows up in different ways for each of us.

Have you ever seen a prayer answered? It doesn’t have to be something huge. Maybe you prayed for someone who was sick, and they got better. Maybe you prayed for help on a hard day, and you felt a little more strength to get through it. Sometimes God’s answers are clear, and other times they come in ways we don’t expect.

Who has been a role model of faith in your life? This could be a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a friend, or even someone you’ve never met in person but whose story inspires you. Think about what makes their faith real to you. Is it the way they pray? The way they treat people? The way they trust God, even in hard times?

When we share these kinds of stories, it encourages others. The disciples couldn’t wait to run back and tell the others what had happened on the road and at the table. When we tell people how we’ve seen God at work, it helps them see Him too. And when we listen to their stories, it reminds us that we are not walking this road alone.

So today, as we talk about these questions, be honest and open. You don’t have to have a dramatic story or perfect words. Just share what’s real for you. That’s how faith grows—through small steps, honest conversations, and moments when our eyes are opened to see that Jesus has been walking with us all along.

When you break into small groups, remind everyone that this is a time to listen and share respectfully. Encourage participants to speak from their own experience and to keep what is shared in the group private unless they have permission to share it elsewhere. Make sure everyone gets a chance to talk, but let them choose if they want to pass on a question. Keep the tone friendly and open, and allow space for quiet moments as people think about their answers.

• What was your favorite part of the Emmaus Walk and why?
• How did it feel to share your story with your partner?
• Did you hear something from your partner that encouraged or inspired you?
• How did it feel to pray for someone quietly while walking with them?
• Was there a moment today when you became more aware of God’s presence?
• What is one thing you can do this week to help someone else grow in their faith?

Today we spent time building community, growing in our faith, and learning how to share the ways God is working in our lives. We heard each other’s stories, prayed for one another, and remembered that Jesus walks with us every day. I want to challenge you this week to keep the conversation going. Share something about your faith with a friend or family member. It doesn’t have to be a big speech—just a moment where you talk about how you’ve seen God at work.

Here are a few ideas for living out what we learned. Take a few minutes each day to thank God for one thing, no matter how small. Reach out to someone who might need encouragement—a text, a kind word, or an invitation to hang out. Pray for your friends by name, asking God to guide them and bless them. These simple steps can make a real difference and help you keep walking the road with Jesus and each other.

Also suggest upcoming parish youth events, Bible studies, or service opportunities.

Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and focus on God. Close your eyes if you want, and take a deep breath.

Jesus, thank You for being with us today. Thank You for the conversations we had and for the friends who walked with us. We are grateful for the ways You speak to us through each other’s stories. Help us remember that You are with us every step of the way, even when we don’t see You right away.

Lord, give us courage to share our faith with others this week. Help us to listen with love, to encourage those who are struggling, and to notice the ways You are working around us.

We ask You to bless each person here. Keep us safe, guide our choices, and fill our hearts with Your peace and joy. We pray all this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Themes

• Recognizing Jesus’ presence: Jesus walked with the disciples before they knew it was Him. This shows us that He is often with us in ways we do not notice right away. We are called to pay attention and look for Him in our daily lives.
• Living faith daily: Faith is not just for Sundays or church. It is something we carry into school, home, and all parts of life. Every choice and action can reflect our trust in God.
• Listening to others: The disciples listened to each other as they walked. Listening shows respect and helps us understand one another better. It is a way to love others as Jesus loves us.
• Sharing our story: The disciples told what had happened on the road. We can also share how God has worked in our lives. This encourages others and strengthens our own faith.
• Prayer in many forms: The disciples recognized Jesus when He broke bread. Prayer can be spoken, silent, or through Scripture. All ways of praying bring us closer to God.
• Encouraging one another: Jesus encouraged the disciples when they were confused. We can offer hope and support to friends who are struggling. This is part of living as followers of Christ.
• Learning from Scripture: Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples. Reading and reflecting on the Bible helps us understand God’s plan. It also teaches us how to live as His people.
• Walking together in faith: The road to Emmaus was a shared journey. We are meant to walk with others, not face life alone. The Church is our community for support and growth.
• Recognizing God’s timing: The disciples understood who Jesus was at the right moment. Sometimes we see God’s work only after time has passed. We can trust that He works in His own time.
• Growing in gratitude: The disciples were filled with joy after meeting Jesus. We can thank God for the ways He shows Himself to us. Gratitude helps our faith grow stronger.
• Seeing Christ in others: Jesus came to the disciples as a fellow traveler. He can come to us through people we meet. Treating others with kindness and respect honors Him.

Background Material

The story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13–35 is a beautiful example of how Jesus walks with us in our daily lives. Two disciples were leaving Jerusalem, feeling sad and confused. They had seen Jesus crucified, and they did not understand what had happened. As they walked, a man joined them and began to talk with them. They did not know it was Jesus. He listened to their story, explained the Scriptures, and later revealed Himself when He broke bread with them. This moment opened their eyes, and they realized He had been with them the whole time.

The Emmaus story shows how Jesus is with us in many ways—in Scripture, in fellowship, and in our shared faith. Catholic teaching tells us that Jesus is truly present through words, sacraments, and community. For example, the Catechism says, “He is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.” (CCC 1088)

When the disciples walked and talked with Jesus, He opened the Scriptures to them. That mirrors how the Word is proclaimed and explained in the Mass—Jesus is present through the reading. Then, when they broke bread, they recognized Him. That moment reflects how we meet Him in the Eucharist, where He is present in a special way. Together, these gifts remind us that Christ walks with us in both study and celebration of faith.

The Emmaus story also teaches us about Christian community. The disciples were walking together, talking about their experiences, and encouraging each other. Catholic teaching reminds us that faith is not lived alone. We are part of the Body of Christ, the Church, and we are called to walk the journey of faith together. This is why youth ministry, parish life, and small faith groups are so important. They give us a place to share our stories and listen to the experiences of others.

Another key lesson is that Jesus comes to us in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. For the disciples, He appeared as a fellow traveler on the road. They did not see Him at first, but later realized He had been present all along. This reminds us to look for Christ in the people around us and in the daily events of our lives. Matthew 25:40 tells us that when we care for others, we care for Christ Himself: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Finally, this passage shows us the importance of sharing our faith. Once the disciples realized it was Jesus, they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others. They could not keep the good news to themselves. We are also called to share how we see God working in our lives. This does not require perfect words or deep knowledge. It simply means speaking honestly about what we have experienced.

The Emmaus Walk youth ministry lesson plan reflects all of these truths. It gives young people a way to listen, share, pray, and recognize that Jesus is walking with them. It is a reminder that He meets us where we are, opens our hearts, and sends us out to share the good news with others.

Music Suggestions

• Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
• Christ Is Risen by Matt Maher
• On the Journey to Emmaus by Marty Haugen