What Things? | Finding Jesus on the Road of Life

Holy Ground Sermon Series | Noel United Methodist Church | Santa Claus, Indiana

---

Have You Ever Felt Like You’re Walking in the Wrong Direction?

Life has a way of surprising us. One day everything feels steady, full of hope, and the next, it feels like we’re carrying disappointment, confusion, and questions that don’t have easy answers. Sometimes we feel like we’re doing all the “right” things—praying, showing up, serving—and yet, it still feels like God is silent.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. In fact, that’s exactly the feeling two disciples had in Luke 24:13-19, a passage Pastor Cory Gieselman unpacked in this week’s message at Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana.

The disciples were walking from Jerusalem to a small village called Emmaus. Their hearts were heavy. Their expectations had been shattered. Just days earlier, Jesus—the one they believed would redeem Israel—was crucified. Everything they thought would change the world came crashing down.

They were walking away. Not just from Jerusalem. Not just from a city. But walking away from hope itself.

---

The Unexpected Companion

As the disciples are deep in conversation, trying to make sense of everything, a stranger starts walking alongside them. Of course, we—the readers—know this stranger is Jesus. But the disciples don’t recognize Him.

And Jesus asks them the most peculiar question:

“What are you discussing as you walk along?”

They stop. Their faces fall. One of them, Cleopas, responds with almost a tone of disbelief:

“Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened here in these days?”

And then comes the question that echoes through the centuries:

“What things?”

---

A Question of Invitation, Not Information

At first glance, it seems silly. Of course Jesus knows what things. He’s the central figure in those events. He’s the one who was crucified. He’s the one whose tomb is now empty.

But Pastor Cory pointed out something powerful here: Jesus isn’t asking because He doesn’t know. He’s asking because He wants them to speak. He’s inviting them into an honest conversation about what’s in their hearts—their pain, their disappointment, their confusion, and even their fading hope.

---

The Road to Emmaus Is Our Road Too

This isn’t just a story about two men 2,000 years ago. It’s a story about us.

How many times have we found ourselves walking away from the center of our faith, not even realizing it?

• We know the resurrection is real… but sometimes we still live like it’s the crucifixion.

• We talk about grace… but walk in guilt.

• We believe in hope… but carry disappointment like a heavy backpack.

The disciples had heard the tomb was empty. They’d heard the reports. But they hadn’t seen Jesus yet. And so they didn’t know how to process it.

Isn’t that us too? We know the right answers. We’ve heard the sermons. We’ve sung the songs. But sometimes, when life gets heavy, the distance between what we believe and what we feel feels enormous.

---

Holy Ground Happens on the Road

The beauty of this story is that Jesus doesn’t wait for the disciples to come back to Jerusalem. He doesn’t wait for them to show up at the temple. He meets them right where they are—on the road, walking away from hope.

Holy Ground isn’t always an altar. Sometimes, it’s a dirt road where you finally get honest with God.

When Jesus asks, “What things?”—He’s opening the door to the sacred. He’s saying, “Tell me. Be honest. Don’t filter it. Don’t pretty it up.”

---

What Would You Say If Jesus Asked You Today?

It’s a humbling question. If Jesus walked up beside you today and asked, “What things?”—how would you answer?

Would you say:

• “God, I’m tired.”

• “I feel like my prayers aren’t working.”

• “I’m scared about my job, my health, my future.”

• “I’ve tried, but I feel like I’m failing.”

• “I had hoped things would be different.”

Here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus already knows. But He still wants to hear it from you.

---

The Honesty of a Childlike Faith

Pastor Cory also made a powerful observation about kids—they have no filter. Kids will tell you if your shirt is weird, if your breath smells, or if the house is messy. They speak what’s on their mind without overthinking it.

That’s not immaturity. That’s honesty. That’s trust.

It’s why Jesus says in Matthew 18:3:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Not childish—but childlike. Honest. Unfiltered. Fully trusting.

---

The Invitation Is Ours Too

The question “What things?” isn’t just for Cleopas and his companion. It’s for you. For me. For all of us walking this road called life.

If we stay silent, if we stuff down the disappointment, if we pretend everything’s fine—we miss the presence of Jesus walking right beside us.

But when we speak… when we let it out… when we name our fears, our doubts, our hurts—that’s when holy ground appears. That’s when Jesus opens our eyes.

---

This Is What Noel UMC Is All About

If you’ve been searching for a church in Santa Claus, Indiana that feels real—not performative, not polished, but real—Noel United Methodist Church is that place.

We are a community that believes:

• Faith isn’t about having all the answers.

• Holy Ground is found in honest conversations with God and one another.

• Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—it’s part of the journey.

• Jesus meets us exactly where we are, not where we pretend to be.

---

Looking for a Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana?

Whether you’re a lifelong believer, someone returning to faith, or just starting to ask questions about Jesus, you are welcome here.

At Noel UMC, you’ll find:

• A community that welcomes questions.

• Messages that connect scripture to real life.

• Worship that feels meaningful, not stuffy.

• People who care more about walking with you than judging you.

---

Next Steps: Come Walk the Road with Us

We invite you to experience Holy Ground—not just on Sunday mornings, but every day you choose to walk with Jesus.

➡️ Join us in person at Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana.
➡️ Worship with us online from wherever you are.
➡️ Visit our website for service times, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.