Luke 24:13-35

The Road to Emmaus Bible lesson for kids

A complete The Road to Emmaus lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will understand that Jesus is alive and stays near even when we do not recognize him.

Opening question

Have you ever seen someone but did not know who it was at first?

Tell the story

Two sad disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Jesus came near and walked with them, but they did not recognize him. Jesus helped them understand the Scriptures, and they invited him to stay. When Jesus broke the bread, they recognized him and joyfully returned to Jerusalem.

Hands-on activities

Walk, Listen, Recognize

Materials: A Bible, A piece of bread or a paper bread shape

  1. Read Luke 24:13-35 together in simple sections.
  2. Walk slowly around the room while pretending to be the disciples.
  3. Stop and cup your hands around your ears when Jesus explains the Scriptures.
  4. Sit together and hold up the bread.
  5. Say, Jesus is alive, when the disciples recognize him.
  6. Move quickly in place as the disciples return to Jerusalem.

Hidden Jesus Coloring Reveal

Materials: our free printable coloring page, Crayons, A sheet of paper

  1. Cover the picture of Jesus on our free printable coloring page with a sheet of paper.
  2. Color the rest of the page.
  3. Tell how the disciples could not recognize Jesus at first.
  4. Remove the paper and color Jesus.
  5. Say together, Jesus was with them.

Talk about it

  1. Who walked beside the two disciples?
  2. When did the disciples recognize Jesus?
  3. How can we listen to Jesus through the Bible?

Closing prayer

Jesus, help us listen to your Word and remember that you are alive and near us.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain how Scripture helped the disciples recognize that the risen Jesus had been walking with them.

Opening question

What clues help you recognize someone when you cannot see clearly?

Tell the story

Cleopas and another disciple walked about seven miles to Emmaus, talking sadly about Jesus. Jesus joined them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He explained how Moses and the prophets pointed to the Christ, and they invited him to stay because evening was near. When he blessed and broke bread, they recognized him, and they returned to Jerusalem to share the news.

Hands-on activities

Emmaus Story Path

Materials: A Bible, Scrap paper, Pencil, Tape

  1. Read Luke 24:13-35 together.
  2. Write Jerusalem, Stranger, Scriptures, Emmaus, Bread, and Return on separate papers.
  3. Tape the papers around the room to make a path.
  4. Walk from paper to paper.
  5. Pause at each paper and act out that part of the story.
  6. At Return, tell a partner, The Lord is risen indeed.

Recognition Clue Coloring

Materials: our free printable coloring page, Crayons or colored pencils, Small paper squares, Tape

  1. Look at our free printable coloring page without coloring it yet.
  2. Place paper squares over three important details.
  3. Color the uncovered parts.
  4. Remove one square at a time and explain how that detail fits the story.
  5. Finish coloring Jesus and the bread.
  6. Write Jesus is alive at the bottom.

Talk about it

  1. Why do you think the disciples felt sad and confused?
  2. How did Jesus use the Scriptures to help them understand?
  3. What good news about Jesus would you be excited to share?

Closing prayer

Jesus, open our minds to your Word and help us gladly share that you are risen.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Children will connect doubt, Scripture, hospitality, and courageous witness in the disciples’ meeting with the risen Jesus.

Opening question

When disappointment makes you doubt, what could help you see the situation differently?

Tell the story

Cleopas and another disciple left Jerusalem feeling heartbroken and confused after Jesus’ crucifixion. The risen Jesus walked beside them unnoticed, listened to their account, and showed from Moses and the prophets why the Christ had to suffer and enter his glory. They welcomed the stranger to stay, then recognized Jesus when he gave thanks and broke the bread. After he vanished, they returned to Jerusalem that very hour and told the others what had happened.

Hands-on activities

Heart and Head Road Map

Materials: A Bible, Paper, Markers or pencils

  1. Read Luke 24:13-35 together.
  2. Draw a road from Jerusalem to Emmaus and back.
  3. Add words showing how the disciples may have felt at each story moment.
  4. Add Scripture, hospitality, recognition, and witness beside the matching moments.
  5. Circle the moment when their understanding changed.
  6. Share one way Scripture can guide you during disappointment or doubt.

Hidden Details Investigation

Materials: our free printable coloring page, Colored pencils, Sticky notes or small paper pieces, Pencil

  1. Cover Jesus on our free printable coloring page with a sticky note.
  2. Study and color the other details.
  3. Write three clues from Luke 24:13-35 that reveal what is happening.
  4. Remove the note and color Jesus.
  5. Write one sentence explaining why recognition came after Jesus opened the Scriptures and broke bread.
  6. Compare your clues with a partner.

Talk about it

  1. Why might Jesus have listened to the disciples before correcting their understanding?
  2. How did inviting the stranger to stay create an opportunity for recognition?
  3. What could courageous witness look like at school or among friends when others are doubtful?

Closing prayer

Jesus, walk with us, teach us through Scripture, and give us courage to share that you are alive.

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