April 19, 2026 – Jesus Walks With Us

Two of Jesus’ followers were walking to a village called Emmaus after Jesus’ resurrection. They were sad and confused about what had happened. Jesus came and walked with them, but they did not recognize Him at first. As Jesus explained the Scriptures, their hearts began to understand. Later, when they shared a meal, they finally realized it was Jesus. This story reminds us that Jesus is always with us and helps us understand God’s truth. Core Teaching Theme This lesson helps children see that Jesus is present in our lives even when we do not immediately recognize Him. The story of the road to Emmaus shows how Jesus patiently walked with His followers, listened to their worries, and helped them understand God’s plan through Scripture. Children will learn that when they feel confused, sad, or unsure, Jesus is still near. As we read the Bible, pray, and learn together, Jesus helps our hearts understand and grow in faith. Lesson Length Approximately 25–30 minutes total Suggested pacing: Leader Prep / Introduction – 3–5 minutes

LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) The story of the road to Emmaus is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is often closer than we realize. Two followers of Jesus were walking away from Jerusalem feeling confused and disappointed. They believed Jesus was the one who would save Israel, yet they had just witnessed His death. While they were walking and talking about their worries, Jesus Himself came alongside them. Even though they did not recognize Him right away, He patiently listened to their questions and explained the Scriptures to them. This story shows us that Jesus meets us right in the middle of our confusion. Many times in our own lives, we may feel like those travelers on the road. We might wonder what God is doing or why certain things happen. Yet the Emmaus story reminds us that Jesus is not distant from those moments. Instead, He walks with us through them. Sometimes we only realize later that Jesus has been guiding us, teaching us, and strengthening our hearts all along. Notice how the disciples later said their hearts were “burning within them” while Jesus explained the Scriptures. That moment reminds us that when God’s truth becomes clear, something changes inside us. Understanding grows, hope returns, and faith becomes stronger. As you prepare to teach this lesson, remember that the Holy Spirit is also at work in the hearts of the children you teach. Your role as a leader is much like Jesus’ role on the road that day. You walk alongside children, listen to their questions, and help them understand God’s Word. You may never know all the ways your teaching shapes their faith, but God uses simple moments of learning, conversation, and kindness to help young hearts recognize Him. As you prepare for this lesson, take comfort in knowing that Jesus walks with you too. The same Savior who guided the travelers to Emmaus is present with you as you teach, encourage, and share His story. Leader Prayer Lord Jesus, Thank You for walking with Your followers on the road to Emmaus and helping them understand Your truth. As I prepare to teach today, help me listen well, speak clearly, and show Your love to the children in my care. Open our hearts and minds so we may recognize You in Your Word and in our lives. Use this lesson to help these children grow in faith and understanding. Amen.

Bible Background (Understanding the Story)

This story takes place shortly after Jesus rose from the dead. Two of His followers were traveling from Jerusalem to a nearby village called Emmaus. They were talking about everything that had happened—the crucifixion of Jesus and the confusing reports that His tomb was empty. They felt uncertain and discouraged because they did not yet understand that Jesus had truly risen. As they walked, Jesus Himself joined them on the road, but they did not recognize Him. He asked them what they were discussing, and they shared their sadness and confusion. Jesus then explained how the Scriptures had always pointed to God’s plan for the Messiah to suffer and rise again. Later, when they stopped to eat together, Jesus broke bread with them, and suddenly they recognized who He was. This story matters because it teaches that Jesus is present even when people do not realize it. He listens to our worries and helps us understand God’s truth through Scripture. The key message children should understand is that Jesus walks with us in everyday life and helps our hearts grow in faith as we learn about Him.

Key Vocabulary

Emmaus – A village where two of Jesus’ followers were traveling after His resurrection. Scriptures – The writings of the Bible that teach us about God and His promises. Recognize – To realize or understand who someone is. Resurrection – When Jesus came back to life after dying on the cross. Disciples – People who follow Jesus and learn from His teachings.

Supply Checklist

Bible Printed copy of the lesson plan Paper or construction paper Crayons or markers Pencils Optional: simple snack or bread for discussion illustration Optional: small printable “road” or path worksheet for activity Prep Time Approximately 10–15 minutes to review the lesson plan, gather supplies, and read through the Scripture passage before teaching.

Welcome Question (displayed): Have you ever walked somewhere with someone and later realized it was someone special?

Before Kids Arrive

Write the welcome question on a whiteboard, poster board, or display it on a screen if available. Arrange chairs or carpet spots in a circle or semi-circle so children can see each other easily. No materials are required for the activity, but make sure the space allows children to stand and move briefly during the activity. Prayer Over the Space (Pray quietly before kids arrive): Jesus, thank You for being with us even when we don’t realize it. As the children come today, help them feel welcomed, safe, and loved. Open their hearts to learn something new about You. Help us all understand Your Word together. Amen.

Leader Tip

Younger children (K–2) may answer with simple stories about family or friends walking with them. Older children (3–5) may think more deeply about recognizing someone or realizing something important later in a conversation or experience.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

“Hi everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. Come on in and find a seat.” “While everyone is getting settled, I want to ask you a question. Look at the board.” ‘Have you ever walked somewhere with someone and later realized it was someone special?’ “Maybe it was a friend you didn’t see at first, a teacher, or someone who surprised you.” “Have you ever waved at someone before realizing who they were?” Gentle prompts if needed: “Has someone ever surprised you by showing up somewhere you didn’t expect?” “What helped you finally recognize them?” “Those are great answers! Sometimes we don’t recognize someone right away, even if they are right beside us.”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Alright everyone, let’s gather together.”

“Have you ever been confused about something that happened and wished someone could explain it to you?” “Sometimes when things happen that we don’t understand, we feel sad or confused. In today’s Bible story, two of Jesus’ followers were walking along a road and talking about everything that had happened. They were confused and upset.” “But something amazing happened while they were walking… someone joined them on the road.” “Let’s play a quick game that helps us think about recognizing someone.” Curiosity Activity – Game or Object Lesson: “Who’s Walking With Me?”

Leader Instruction

This quick activity helps children experience what it feels like to realize someone is beside you. It connects to the story where Jesus walked with the disciples, even though they did not recognize Him at first. Step-by-Step:

1. Ask all children to stand in a circle.
2. Choose one volunteer to stand in the center with their eyes gently closed (or facing away from the circle).
3. Quietly tap one child in the circle to walk around and gently tap the center child on the shoulder.
4. The tapped child opens their eyes and tries to guess who walked around them.
5. Play 2–3 quick rounds with different volunteers.

After the final round say: “Sometimes it’s hard to know who is near us without seeing them clearly!” Keep rounds quick so several children get a turn. Leader Tips for Management: Remind children to walk quietly and respectfully. Encourage kind guesses and celebrate participation rather than correctness.

Transition (Leader Script)

“In our game, it was sometimes hard to recognize who was walking around you.”

“In today’s Bible story, two of Jesus’ followers were walking down a road when someone joined them. They talked together for a long time… but the two followers didn’t realize who it was.” “Let’s open our Bible story and discover who was walking with them.”

Leader Instruction

This is the moment when children hear and experience the Bible story. The goal is not to lecture but to help the children imagine walking along the road with the disciples. Tell the story slowly and warmly. Encourage children to participate with small movements and reflection questions so they feel part of the journey. Tell the story calmly and pause often so children can picture what is happening. Teaching Tips for Volunteers: Encourage children to act out simple movements like walking or sitting.

Ask reflection questions and allow a few children to answer.

Keep your tone curious and inviting rather than rushed. Remind children that the story comes directly from the Bible. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): Dear God, thank You for giving us Your Word. Help our hearts and minds listen carefully as we hear the story of Jesus. Help us understand what You want to teach us today. Amen. Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Open up the Bible wide (hold hands open like a book) God’s Word is our special guide (point upward) Listen closely and hear the story inside! (cup hands around ears) Storytelling (Leader Script): Today, we are going to imagine that we are walking on a road. Everyone, stand up for a moment and pretend to walk slowly in place. After Jesus rose from the dead, two of His followers were walking along a road to a village called Emmaus. They were talking about everything that had happened. They were sad and confused. (Pause) While they were walking and talking, someone came and started walking with them. It was Jesus. But the followers did not recognize Him. Let’s keep walking together for a moment. The stranger asked them, “What are you talking about while you walk?” The two followers stopped and explained everything that had happened to Jesus. They told Him how Jesus had died and how they did not understand what it all meant. (Pause) Then Jesus began to explain the Scriptures to them. He helped them understand what God had said all along.

Ask the children

“How do you think the disciples felt while listening to Him?” (Pause for answers) When they reached the village, the followers invited the stranger to stay and eat with them. Everyone pretend to sit down at a table. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, and broke it. And suddenly… They recognized Him! It was Jesus! At that moment, Jesus disappeared from their sight. The two followers looked at each other and said something amazing. They said, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road?”

Ask the children

“Why do you think their hearts felt excited when Jesus spoke?” (Pause for answers) The followers immediately got up and hurried back to tell the other disciples the good news. Jesus was alive. And He had been walking with them the whole time.

Ask children to pretend to walk during the beginning of the story.

Engagement Tips: Have them sit down when the disciples share the meal. Invite children to whisper “Jesus was with them!” when the moment of recognition happens. Encourage children to place their hand on their heart when hearing “our hearts burning within us.” Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): In this story, the disciples did not recognize Jesus at first. But Jesus was still walking with them. He listened to them. He helped them understand God’s Word. Sometimes we may feel confused or unsure too. But Jesus is still with us, guiding our hearts and helping us understand. Let’s say our Wonder Truth together: “Jesus walks with us and helps us understand who He is.” (Have children repeat.) Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” — Luke 24:32 Motions for the Verse: “Were not our hearts burning within us” (place hands over heart) “while he was talking to us on the road” (make walking motions with fingers) “while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (open hands like a book) Practice the verse:

1. Whisper the verse together.
2. Say the verse in a normal voice with motions.
3. Say the verse loudly and confidently with motions.

Optional Engagement Game: Heart Spark Game Tell children that when Jesus explained the Scriptures, the disciples felt their hearts “burning within them.” Have children stand in a circle. When the leader says, “Walking on the road,” children slowly walk in place. When the leader says, “Hearts burning!” children place their hands on their hearts and jump once. After a few rounds, ask: “What made their hearts feel excited?” Answer together: “Jesus helped them understand!”

Leader Instruction

This part of the lesson helps children think about how the story of Jesus walking with the disciples applies to their own lives. The goal is to help children see that Jesus is present with them in everyday moments—especially when they feel confused, sad, or unsure about what to do. Encourage children to share their thoughts and experiences. Some children may speak a lot, while others may be quiet. Invite participation gently and affirm every response with kindness. There are no wrong answers during this conversation. The purpose is simply to help children begin practicing trust in Jesus in their daily lives. Volunteer Tips: Give children time to think before answering. Silence is okay. Thank children for sharing and affirm their ideas warmly. If a child struggles to answer, gently help by offering examples. Keep the tone relaxed and conversational so children feel safe sharing.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2):

1. What were the two followers of Jesus doing at the beginning of the story?

(Guide: They were walking on the road to Emmaus.)

1. Who started walking with them, even though they didn’t recognize Him?

(Guide: Jesus.)

1. How did Jesus help the disciples understand what had happened?

(Guide: He explained the Scriptures and talked with them.)

1. Who helps you when you feel confused, sad, or worried?

(Guide: Parents, teachers, friends, and Jesus.)

1. What is something you might need help with this week?

(Guide: School work, being kind to others, making good choices, being brave.) Older (3–5):

1. Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first? What might that teach us about noticing God in our lives?
2. The disciples felt sad and confused before they understood what God was doing. How can our feelings sometimes make it hard to trust God?
3. Jesus patiently listened to the disciples and helped them understand the Scriptures. What does this tell us about how Jesus treats people who have questions?
4. Think about something in your life this week that might feel difficult or confusing. How could trusting Jesus help you in that situation?

Remind children that everyone’s answers may be different, and all honest reflections are welcome. Faith Practice Moment (Optional but Encouraged) Leader Script: Let’s take a quiet moment to remember that Jesus walks with us every day.

Ask children to place their hands over their hearts.

Leader says: “Jesus, you are with us.”

Children repeat: “Jesus, you are with us.”

Leader says: “Help our hearts understand.”

Children repeat: “Help our hearts understand.”

Leader says: “Teach us to trust you.”

Children repeat: “Teach us to trust you.”

Leader says: “Thank you for walking with us.”

Children repeat: “Thank you for walking with us.” Take one quiet breath together before continuing.

Transition (Leader Script)

The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first, but when they understood who He was, their hearts were filled with joy. In our lives, we are still learning to trust Jesus and remember that He walks with us every day. Now, let’s move to our next activity and think about what it means to belong to Jesus and follow Him.

Craft Activity – “Walking With Jesus Footprints” Supplies: Paper (one sheet per child) Crayons or markers Optional: small footprint template, or children may trace their shoe

Leader Instruction

In today’s story, two followers of Jesus were walking down the road to Emmaus when Jesus came and walked beside them. At first, they did not recognize Him, but Jesus was with them the whole time. This reminds us that Jesus walks with us, too, even when we do not always realize it. This activity helps children remember that their identity as followers of Jesus means they are never alone. Just like the disciples on the road, Jesus walks with us in our daily lives—at home, at school, and when we feel happy, confused, or sad. The footprints represent the path we walk each day with Jesus beside us. By creating footprints and writing or drawing inside them, children can visually remember that they belong to Jesus and that He is always with them on their journey. Younger Kids (K–2): Have children trace their shoe or draw two large footprints on their paper. Inside one footprint, they can draw themselves, and inside the other footprint, they can draw Jesus walking beside them. Encourage them to color the picture and add things they like to do (school, playing, family) to show where Jesus walks with them. Older Kids (3–5): Have children draw two footprints on their paper. Inside one footprint, they write “Me,” and inside the other, they write “Jesus.” Underneath the footprints, they can write or complete the sentence: “Jesus walks with me when I ______.” Examples might include: when I feel sad, when I go to school, when I pray, or when I am scared. Pre-draw footprint shapes on paper if time is limited. Classroom Management Tips: Encourage creativity—kids can decorate footprints with colors or patterns. Walk around the room and ask children where they think Jesus walks with them during the week. Instructions:

1. Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers.
2. Ask children to trace their shoe or draw two footprints on their paper.
3. Explain that one footprint represents them, and the other represents Jesus walking beside them.
4. Younger children draw pictures inside their footprints.
5. Older children write a sentence about when Jesus walks with them.
6. Allow children to decorate their footprints with colors or small drawings.
7. Invite a few children to share what they drew or wrote.

Leader Script (Identity Connection): “Today we learned that Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, even when they didn’t realize it at first. In the same way, Jesus walks with us every day. When we follow Jesus, we are never alone. These footprints remind us that wherever we go—school, home, or anywhere else—Jesus walks beside us. Our identity is that we belong to Jesus, and He is always with us.”

Review the Wonder Truth Today, we learned that Jesus walks with us and helps us understand who He is, even when we do not recognize Him at first. The two followers walking to Emmaus were sad and confused. They didn’t realize that Jesus was right there with them on the road. But Jesus patiently listened, talked with them, and helped them understand the Scriptures. When they finally recognized Him, their hearts were filled with joy. Just like those followers, Jesus is with us in our everyday lives—when we are happy, when we are confused, and even when we feel sad. As we read the Bible, pray, and learn about Jesus, He helps our hearts understand more about God’s love. Closing Questions

1. Where were the two followers walking when Jesus joined them?
2. Why didn’t the followers recognize Jesus right away?
3. How can we learn more about Jesus and understand God’s truth?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for walking with us every day. Help us remember that You are near even when we do not realize it. Teach us through Your Word and help our hearts understand Your love. Thank You for sending Jesus to guide us and care for us. Amen. Optional Sending Activity “Walk With Jesus” Reminder Ask each child to take five slow steps before leaving the room. With each step, they say one word of this phrase together: “Jesus — walks — with — me — always.” Encourage children to remember this during the week whenever they are walking somewhere—at school, at home, or outside. It can remind them that Jesus is always with them, just like He was with the followers on the road to Emmaus.