May 3rd - Small Group Guide

The question 'NOW WHAT?' in bold white letters against a blue brick wall. 'NOW' is highlighted in orange, and a white logo sits below the text.

SMALL GROUP GUIDE WEEK 2

WHEN YOU FEEL BEHIND

Luke 24:13–35

OPENING

What’s something in your life where you’ve thought: “I should be further along by now”?

(Career, faith, family, knowledge, clarity, savings etc.) That feeling—“I’m behind”—is exactly where this story begins.

READ Luke 24:13–35

INTRO

What stands out to you most in this passage? 

Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first? 

Key Observation: They were walking with Jesus… and still felt lost.

  1. YOU CAN WALK WITH JESUS AND STILL FEEL LOST

Scripture: Luke 24:15–16

Discuss: Have you ever felt spiritually confused even while following God?  What does “feeling behind” look like in your life right now? 

Truth: Confusion is not the absence of God—it’s often where He’s already at work.

Insight: Challenge the assumption that clarity = closeness to God.

    2. MISUNDERSTANDING DOESN’T MEAN ABANDONMENT

Scripture Focus: Luke 24:17–27

Discuss: What do the words “We had hoped…” reveal about their mindset?  How do you typically respond when God doesn’t meet your expectations? 

Key Thought:  They were wrong about Jesus… but Jesus stayed with them anyway. God is not scared off by your confusion.

Application: Where might God be trying to reshape your perspective instead of just changing your situation?

    3. JESUS IS REVEALED IN THE JOURNEY

Scripture Focus: Luke 24:28–32

Discuss: Why do you think they recognized Jesus in such an ordinary moment (breaking bread)?  Can you think of a time you only saw God clearly after the fact? 

God often reveals Himself gradually, not instantly. “Were not our hearts burning within us…”

Discuss: Have you ever sensed God was doing something—but didn’t fully understand it at the time? 

GROUP TAKEAWAYS:  Just because I don’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not there.

APPLICATION: WHEN YOU FEEL BEHIND:

1. KEEP WALKING Don’t stop just because you don’t understand. Where are you tempted to quit right now? 

2. KEEP LISTENING God may already be speaking. How can you create space this week to listen for God? 

3. KEEP INVITING “Stay with us.” What would it look like to intentionally invite God into your current situation? 

REFLECTION: Where do I feel behind right now?  What would it look like to trust that God is still walking with me there?Just because you don’t see Him doesn’t mean He’s not there. You may feel behind—but God is still walking with you.

Practice:

At the end of each day, ask: “Where might God have been present today that I didn’t notice at first?”