Introduction: Stephanie’s Background
Stephanie is married to Pastor Trevor (former interim pastor at Good Shepherd).
They lived in California during her Master’s in Philosophy (Biola University).
Now based in Maryland, visiting and sharing for Mother’s Day.
Mother to two children and pregnant with a third (due in August).
Offers a philosopher’s perspective on Scripture.
Context of the Emmaus Road (Luke 24)
Friday: Jesus crucified (Day of Preparation).
Saturday: Sabbath (day of rest).
Sunday: Women visit the tomb, find it empty, see angels.
Angels: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
Disciples initially dismiss the women’s story as an “idle tale.”
Peter investigates and finds the tomb empty.
The Sadness of the Disciples
Two disciples walking to Emmaus feel disappointed and hopeless.
They had “hoped” Jesus would redeem Israel—past tense implies lost faith.
Augustine's insight: They were walking with Life itself (Jesus), yet still spiritually dead.
Reflection question: Has life been restored in your heart?
Reflection on Our Own Lives
Do we live aware that Christ is always with us?
Common moments of doubt or despair:
Overwhelmed by daily chores or work.
Financial anxiety.
Sleepless worry or existential questions.
Are we missing Christ’s presence in the mundane?
Eyes to See: Spiritual Sight
It’s not just about believing in God’s existence but experiencing His presence.
We often live unaware of Christ walking beside us.
Need to cultivate our inner vision—spiritual sight.
The Busyness of Life
Culture of busyness keeps us from stillness and God’s presence.
We fear what stillness might bring—doubts, emotions, fears.
We avoid true rest, even though it brings peace and soul restoration.
Double-Mindedness
Humans can hold conflicting beliefs (James 1:8).
Know rest is good, but don’t pursue it.
Believe in God’s promises, yet still doubt.
We sometimes see God’s commands as idealistic or only for the “super spiritual.”
“Did Not Our Hearts Burn?”
Disciples later recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread.
They knew something was special (burning hearts), but doubt still dominated.
Physical sight ≠ spiritual recognition.
What Blocks Our Vision?
Lies, half-truths, and sin distort our ability to recognize Christ.
The devil's strategy:
Steal, kill, destroy.
Plant doubts about God’s goodness (just like in Eden).
These lies shape our soul and perception of reality.
Jesus’s Way of Revealing Himself
Walks with the disciples – even when they’re disillusioned.
Opens Scripture – preparing their hearts with truth.
Responds to invitation – disciples urge Him to stay.
Breaks bread – eyes are opened through sacramental act.
Communion as Revelation
It's in the act of communion, obedience, and remembrance that their eyes open.
Jesus doesn’t remain visibly present—He leaves them with faith.
Response to Revelation
Disciples immediately return to Jerusalem (~7-mile journey) to share the news.
Their encounter changes their direction and mission.
Stephanie’s Personal Journey
Believed helping people “think well” would lead them to Jesus (hence studying philosophy).
Learned that body, emotion, and spirit also affect how we understand truth.
Pandemic revealed how physical discomfort, trauma, and emotional blocks impact faith.
Embodied Faith
Humans aren’t just “brains on sticks.”
We must involve our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—in knowing and worshiping God.
Faith should permeate every part of life, including the physical and emotional.
Milk & Honey Movements
Stephanie and Trevor are working on a ministry that integrates:
Physical life
Emotional healing
Spiritual formation
Discernment and holy intentionality
Purpose: To help people fully live into God's presence in their everyday, embodied lives.
Final Reflection Questions
What keeps you from recognizing Jesus walking with you?
What lies might you be believing that distort your spiritual sight?
Are you making space for Scripture, communion, and stillness?
How might your whole self—body, mind, and soul—be drawn into fuller worship and peace?