This sermon explores the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus who, grieving and confused, fail to recognize the risen Jesus walking beside them. Labeled “slow of heart” by Jesus, they embody the honest struggle many of us face in moments of doubt, disappointment, and delayed understanding. Yet their story is one of hope—of faith that emerges not all at once, but through a patient unfolding of scripture, hospitality, and shared experience.Through their journey, we discover that being slow to believe is not a failure, but part of the path toward deeper faith. Jesus meets us where we are, walks with us in our confusion, and reveals himself in the breaking of bread and the burning of our hearts. This sermon invites us to trust that resurrection hope can still rise—even when we don’t yet see clearly.

The resurrection story invites us to confront the impossible in our lives with renewed hope. Just as the stone was rolled away from Jesus' tomb before the women arrived, God is already at work in our darkest moments, moving obstacles we thought immovable. This powerful message reminds us that transformation often begins in times of despair when all seems lost. The angels' question, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead?' challenges us to stop seeking life in places of death – old habits, addictions, or false securities. Instead, we're called to embrace the new reality Christ offers, one that transcends our limited expectations. As we face our own 'stones' – grief, fear, or seemingly insurmountable problems – we're encouraged to trust in the God who makes the impossible possible, rolling away barriers and bringing new life where we least expect it.

As we approach Palm Sunday, we're invited to look at the story through a unique lens. Luke's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem omits the iconic palm branches, focusing instead on a powerful symbol: the cloaks people laid down before Christ. These weren't just pieces of clothing, but items of great personal value and identity. By laying them down, the people demonstrated profound surrender and vulnerability. This challenges us to consider: what are our 'cloaks' today? What aspects of our identity, comfort, or security are we holding onto that could be laid down for Jesus? The Kingdom of God, we're reminded, often manifests in these small, seemingly insignificant acts of obedience and surrender. As we reflect on this, we're called to examine our own lives and ask what we might need to 'lay down' to make way for Christ's transformative presence in our world.