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‍ 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

  1. Walks with the disciples – even when they’re disillusioned.

  2. Opens Scripture – preparing their hearts with truth.

  3. Responds to invitation – disciples urge Him to stay.

  4. 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?