The Habits of Jesus | Travelling on Foot
Series: Simple. Quiet. Present. | Bible text: Luke 25:13–35
Jesus spent a great deal of time travelling on foot – and it was precisely whilst on the move that he created space for encounters with people and with God. The story of Emmaus highlights six steps that can also shape our spiritual lives: walking, conversation, reading the Bible, encountering God, a change of heart and mission. Anyone who consciously slows down and makes room for God can experience how Jesus walks alongside them, transforms their heart and gives them new perspectives on everyday life.
When we think of Jesus’ habits, many things spring to mind: praying, reading the Scriptures, observing the Sabbath, living simply, serving others, fasting. One of Jesus’ habits is often overlooked: Jesus travelled on foot.
The Gospels tell of countless paths. Jesus travels through Galilee. He wanders from village to village. He walks through the cornfields. He climbs mountains to pray. He sets out on the long journey to Jerusalem. Many of his sermons, conversations and encounters do not take place in buildings, but along the way. Perhaps this is no coincidence.
An ancient fable tells of travellers who, after a long march, suddenly came to a halt. They did not want to go any further. When asked why they had sat down, they replied: «We must wait until our souls have caught up with us.»
We live in an age where we often move faster than our souls can keep up with. We rush from one appointment to the next. Our mobile phones bring news from all over the world right into our pockets. We end up everywhere – but sometimes we no longer find ourselves. And sometimes we no longer find God either.
This spring, I had an experience that reminded me of this. I spent many hours walking, out in God’s wonderful creation. At first, my thoughts were still full of tasks, appointments and worries. But the longer I walked, the calmer I felt inside. My inner restlessness subsided. It was as though my heart, mind and soul were coming together again. And it was precisely in that stillness that I experienced Jesus anew.
I had a similar experience three years ago in Canada. There, too, walking long distances was a great help to me in feeling God’s presence. Not because walking in itself is anything special. But because walking creates space. Space to reflect. Space to pray. Space to listen. Space for God.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons why Jesus so often travelled on foot. And that is precisely what the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus tells us.
Two people are walking along a path. Along their path, we can identify six steps that are also important for our spiritual life.
Walking – God meets people on their journey
«On the same day, two of Jesus’ disciples were on their way to Emmaus, a village about eleven kilometres from Jerusalem» (Luke 24:13 NLB).
The story begins in a surprisingly unspectacular way. Two people are walking along a path. They are not sitting in a temple. They are not attending a service. They are not performing any religious rites. They leave. And that is exactly where God’s work begins.
The Bible is full of people who are on a journey with God. Abraham is on a journey. Jacob is on a journey. Moses is on a journey. Elijah is on a journey. The disciples are on a journey. Paul is on a journey. God often meets people along their journey.
Perhaps some of you have experienced this too. The first few minutes of a walk are often still filled with thoughts and distractions. But at some point, things quieten down. Your thoughts fall into place. Your mind finds peace. The chances of this happening on an eleven-kilometre walk are quite high. That’s how I experienced it this spring. It was only after a few kilometres that this deep sense of peace set in. And it was precisely there that I became particularly aware of God’s presence. Perhaps we do sometimes need to slow down so that we can be fully present.
Conversation – God listens before he speaks
«On the way, they talked about everything that had happened» (v. 14 NLB). The two men are weighed down by difficult questions. Their hopes have been dashed. They had believed that Jesus would redeem Israel. Now he has been crucified. They do not understand what has happened. That is why they are talking to one another.
It is interesting to see what Jesus does. He comes over and asks: «’What are you talking about?’ asked Jesus. ‘What’s on your minds?’ Then they stopped, filled with sorrow» (V.17 NLB). Although he knows everything, he lets her tell her story. He listens.
That is often how God deals with us too. He does not force us to come up with answers straight away. He invites us to speak about what is on our minds. Sometimes this works particularly well whilst we are walking. A prayer walk can become an opportunity to pour out our hearts. We tell Him about our worries, our disappointments, our questions and our joys.
God listens before He speaks. God’s most important form of speech is silence – or, one might say, listening. We run the risk of never reaching the point where we can hear God speaking, because we cannot bear His silence. Walking helps us to cope better with the tension.
Reading the Bible – God’s Word sheds light on our history
«And he began with Moses and the Prophets, explaining to them everything written about him in the Scriptures» (V.27 NLB).
Now Jesus begins to speak. But he does not begin with a miracle. He begins with the Bible, and in doing so helps them to see things in a new light. For up until now, the men have viewed everything through the lens of their disappointment. Now Jesus helps them to see events through the lens of God’s Word. That makes all the difference.
We all interpret our lives. The question is: on what basis? On the basis of our feelings? On the basis of the news? On the basis of our experiences? Or on the basis of God’s Word?
The disciples on the road to Emmaus learn that it is not circumstances that explain the Bible; rather, the Bible explains circumstances. That is why reading the Bible and reflecting on God’s Word are among the most important spiritual habits of all.
An Encounter with God – Jesus is closer than we think
«And it came to pass that, whilst they were talking and asking one another questions, Jesus himself came up and walked with them» (v. 15 LUT).
The amazing thing is: whilst they are talking, Jesus is already there. Whilst they are doubting, Jesus is already there. Whilst they are sad, Jesus is already there. They just don’t recognise him. Isn’t that often our experience too?
We ask: Where is God? Why is he silent? Why can’t I see him? And perhaps he is closer than we think.
The main message of this story is: it is not the disciples who find Jesus. «Then Jesus himself came up and walked with them.» The risen Lord sets out to meet them. He seeks them out. He walks with them. He walks alongside them. And he continues to do so to this day.
A Change of Heart – When Jesus Touches Our Hearts
«They said to one another, ‘Didn’t our hearts swell with warmth whilst he was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’» (V.32 NLB).
It is worth noting that, at first, their external circumstances had not changed at all. The past remains the same. The crucifixion has not been undone. The difficulties have not disappeared. But her heart has changed. Disappointment turns to hope. Confusion turns to clarity. Sadness turns to joy. This is often God’s first work. He changes our hearts first.
Perhaps we are all familiar with moments like these: a passage from the Bible suddenly strikes a chord with us in a new way. A prayer takes on new depth. An encounter with God brings peace. It’s not that the situation is different. It’s that we are different. And that is exactly what the disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced.
Programme – Those who encounter Jesus go on their way differently
«And immediately they set out and returned to Jerusalem, where the eleven disciples and those who were with them had gathered» (V.33 NLB).
They had actually intended to leave Jerusalem behind. They were disappointed. Discouraged. With no prospects. But now they’re turning back. That very same evening. They’re walking the whole way back. Why?
Because an encounter with Jesus never fails to have an impact. Anyone who encounters Jesus finds a new direction. Those who turn away become witnesses. The discouraged become messengers. Listeners become emissaries.
The aim of spiritual exercises is therefore never the exercise itself. Not the act of walking. Not the pilgrimage. Not the walk. Not even the tranquillity. The aim is always to encounter Jesus Christ.
And this encounter sends us back to our everyday lives, to our families, to our workplaces and to the people God has entrusted to us.
The story of Emmaus describes a journey:
- Walking.
- Conversation.
- Reading the Bible.
- An encounter with God.
- A change of heart.
- Programme.
Perhaps there is an invitation for us in this, too. Not everyone will undertake a pilgrimage to Santiago. Not everyone will spend hours hiking through the mountains. But each of us can carve out moments when our hearts, minds and souls can find peace once more. Moments when we walk with Jesus. Perhaps whilst out for a walk. Perhaps along a country lane. Perhaps in the woods. Perhaps simply out in God’s creation.
For sometimes we need to slow down so that our soul can catch up. And perhaps then – like the disciples on the road to Emmaus – we will say in amazement: «Didn’t it warm our hearts in a strange way when he spoke to us as we were on our way […]» (V.32 NLB).
Possible questions for the small group
Read the Bible passage: Luke 24:13–35
- In which areas of your daily life do you feel that your life is moving faster than your soul? What might help you to consciously slow down and make room for God?
- The disciples on the road to Emmaus met Jesus along the way. Have you ever had any experiences where you felt God was particularly close to you outside of a church service – for example, whilst out for a walk, on a hike or in your everyday life?
- Jesus listened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus before he spoke to them. How could you make more room for silence and listening in your personal time with God?
- Which of the six steps (walking, conversation, reading the Bible, encountering God, a change of heart or mission) appeals to you most at the moment – and why?
- What specific step would you like to take in the coming week to consciously spend time with Jesus as you go about your day? How can you encourage one another in your small group as you do this?
