Recognizing Jesus in Everyday Life: Road to Emmaus for Kids

For children, understanding how to recognize Jesus in their daily lives can be both an enlightening and engaging journey. The story of the Road to Emmaus offers a relatable and profound way for kids to explore this concept.

This topic is crucial because it helps young minds connect their faith with everyday experiences. By learning to see Jesus in ordinary moments, children can cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality and empathy.

The Story of the Road to Emmaus

The story begins on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, with two of his followers walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. As they journeyed, they were deep in conversation, discussing the recent events that had left them bewildered and sorrowful. Their hopes had been dashed with the crucifixion of Jesus, and they struggled to make sense of the reports of his empty tomb.

As they walked, a stranger joined them on the road. This stranger, unbeknownst to them, was Jesus himself. He asked them what they were discussing, and they recounted the events of the past few days, expressing their confusion and disappointment. Jesus listened patiently, then began to explain the scriptures to them, showing how the events they had witnessed were part of a larger divine plan.

The travelers were so engrossed in the stranger’s words that they invited him to stay with them when they reached Emmaus. As they sat down to eat, the stranger took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him as Jesus. Just as suddenly, he vanished from their sight. Filled with awe and joy, they hurried back to Jerusalem to share the news with the other disciples.

Recognizing Jesus in Everyday Life

Children often navigate a world filled with distractions, making it challenging to notice spiritual moments. Yet, the story of the Road to Emmaus teaches that Jesus can be present in the most ordinary experiences. Recognizing such moments requires a sense of mindfulness and an open heart. By encouraging kids to pay attention to acts of kindness, shared joy, and moments of quiet reflection, they can begin to see the divine in their daily routines.

A simple smile from a friend or a comforting hug from a family member can remind children of Jesus’ love. These small gestures emulate the compassion and empathy that Jesus embodied. For example, when a child sees a classmate struggling and offers help, they are acting in a way that mirrors Jesus’ teachings. Such acts not only bring immediate comfort but also create a lasting impression of spiritual presence.

Everyday routines offer countless opportunities for kids to connect with the divine. Mealtime prayers, for instance, can be more than a ritual; they can become moments of genuine gratitude. When children express thanks for their food and the hands that prepared it, they cultivate an appreciation for the blessings in their lives. Similarly, bedtime prayers allow them to reflect on their day, recognizing moments where they felt guided or protected.

Engaging in community service is another powerful way for children to recognize Jesus in their lives. Whether it’s participating in a local food drive or helping clean up a park, these activities teach children to see Jesus in those they serve. They learn that every act of service is a reflection of their faith and a way to bring light into the world.

Activities to Illustrate the Story

Engaging children in activities that illustrate the story of the Road to Emmaus can help them internalize its lessons. These hands-on experiences make the abstract concept of recognizing Jesus in everyday life more tangible and relatable.

Blindfold Walk

In this activity, children are paired up, with one child blindfolded and the other acting as a guide. The guide leads the blindfolded child through a simple obstacle course or around a familiar area. This exercise emphasizes trust and reliance on others, mirroring how the disciples on the road to Emmaus had to trust and listen to the stranger who was Jesus. After the walk, children can discuss how it felt to trust their guide and relate it to trusting Jesus in their daily lives, even when they cannot see him directly.

Hidden Object Game

For this game, small objects representing aspects of Jesus’ life and teachings—such as a small cross, a heart, or a loaf of bread—are hidden around a room or outdoor area. Children are tasked with finding these objects. As they discover each item, they can discuss its significance and how it relates to recognizing Jesus in their lives. This activity helps children understand that Jesus’ presence can be found in various aspects of their surroundings, encouraging them to be more observant and mindful of spiritual symbols in their everyday environment.

Drawing the Journey

Providing children with art supplies, invite them to draw or paint the journey to Emmaus. They can illustrate the key moments of the story, such as the walk, the conversation with Jesus, and the breaking of bread. This creative exercise allows children to express their understanding of the story visually. As they draw, they can reflect on the emotions and lessons of the journey, deepening their connection to the narrative. Sharing their artwork with the group can also foster a sense of community and shared learning, as they see different interpretations and insights from their peers.

Discussion Questions for Children

To deepen understanding and engage young minds, sparking thoughtful discussion is essential. Start by asking children how they think the disciples felt while walking to Emmaus. Did they feel lost, confused, or hopeful? This can help children relate the emotions of the story to their own experiences, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the narrative. Follow this by exploring why the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus immediately. What might have prevented them from seeing who he was? This can lead to a conversation about how sometimes, we might not notice important things or people in our lives right away.

Encourage children to think about moments in their own lives when they felt guided or helped in unexpected ways. Did they ever receive support from someone when they least expected it? This can help them draw parallels between their experiences and the story, highlighting the idea that guidance and kindness can come from unexpected sources. Ask them to consider how they can be more attentive to these moments of grace and support in their everyday lives.

Connecting the Lesson to Modern Life

Bridging the story of the Road to Emmaus with contemporary life can make its lessons more relevant for children. By relating the narrative to their daily experiences, children can better understand how to recognize and embody the teachings of Jesus in their own lives. This connection helps them see that the same principles that guided the disciples can guide them today.

For instance, in a world where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, teaching children to recognize the value of face-to-face interactions becomes important. Encouraging kids to appreciate moments of genuine human connection, such as spending time with family or friends, helps them see the presence of Jesus in those interactions. Additionally, fostering a sense of community through activities like group projects or team sports can show children that working together and supporting one another is a way to live out their faith.