Sermon Series: Burning Hearts (part 1) | Back to Jerusalem

A message from James Holloway, delivered on May 3, 2026.

In Luke 24:13-35, two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem after the crucifixion of Jesus, struggling to make sense of what they had witnessed. Along the road to Emmaus, Jesus meets them in their confusion, opens the Scriptures to them, and gradually reveals that God was still at work even when they did not yet understand what He was doing.

This message explores how disappointment can shape the way we interpret our circumstances, both personally and as a church. It also points to the hope found when Christ becomes clear again through the Word of God. As the disciples’ hearts began to burn within them, their direction changed. Instead of remaining distant and uncertain, they returned to Jerusalem ready to re-engage with the people and mission of God.

You can watch the full message below or visit our sermon archive to see other messages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Confusion and discouragement can cause believers to drift, not necessarily out of rebellion, but out of disorientation.
  • The disciples were not wrong about who Jesus was. They misunderstood what He was doing.
  • Jesus brought clarity by opening the Scriptures and showing that the story had always pointed to Him.
  • Burning hearts are not produced by emotional excitement alone, but by truth revealed and Christ made known.
  • A genuine encounter with Jesus moves people back into community, mission, and participation in what God is doing.

Scripture References:

Related Content