We celebrated Easter just two weeks ago, and last week we had a baptism and welcomed new members.  How many of us have already moved on and forgotten all about these huge events?  Take a moment, reflect on the past week and ask yourself:  "Am I really walking in 'newness of life'?"  And if you've been baptized, "Where do I need the Holy Spirit's grace and strength to 'live out the truth of my baptism'?"  Then, if you're in a group, discuss your responses with one another.

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Luke 24:13-35, paying attention to any word or phrases that stand out to you. 

 Easter and baptism both hinge on the death and resurrection of Christ, but we don't often see their effect in our daily living.  When you look at the Road to Emmaus passage in Luke 24, do you find yourself identifying more with the sad and confused disciples trudging toward Emmaus or with the same disciples running back to Jerusalem to tell the others they had seen Jesus?  (In other words, are you more sad and discouraged these days, or joyful and enthusiastic about your faith journey?)

Apart from his two followers mentioned here in Luke 24, Jesus also had his twelve disciples. And among them were 1) a man who belonged to the Zealot party (who believed in the violent overthrow of the Roman authorities) AND 2) another man who was a tax collector (who played right along with, and did the handiwork of those very same Roman authorities).  Surely they didn't just ignore the other and pretend he didn't exist.  How do you think they managed to get along together as they walked with Jesus?

As Christ-followers, we acknowledge Jesus as our King–all other authorities take a back seat to his authority.  Where do you find it most difficult to shove worldly matters aside and keep Jesus in his rightful place as King–as Lord of your life?

Acts 2:37-47 talks about the way the first believers behaved among themselves (that is, in the Church) and with all the other unchurched folks who lived around them.  As to our life in the Church, is there anything in particular you need to repent of or ask forgiveness?  Also, in what practical way can you love, serve, encourage, or build up a brother or sister in Christ this week?

 Staying with the Acts 2 passage, how can you practice "breaking bread at home and eating your food with a glad and generous heart, praising God"?  Consider who you might be able to invite to share a meal or a cup of coffee with this week.