The Turning Point Most People Miss
In the powerful story of the road to Emmaus, there’s a moment most people overlook. After walking with Jesus for miles (without recognizing Him), the disciples made a simple request that changed everything:
“Stay with us.”
That’s it. Three words. One invitation. And it unlocked a divine encounter that transformed their lives forever.
Do You Want More Jesus?
Here’s the question for all of us: Do you want more of Jesus in your life?
Then stay with Him.
Stop walking away. Stop saying, “I’m going to live my own life. I’m going to do my own thing.” Stop drifting from the very source of life, hope, and transformation.
The answer isn’t complicated. It’s an invitation: Jesus, stay with me.
It Takes an Invitation
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re learning what it means to be the change as Jesus has changed us. Our mission centers on “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve.
But it all starts with that simple invitation to Jesus: Stay.
When you invite Jesus to stay:
- He reveals Himself more fully
- Your eyes are opened to spiritual truth
- Your life becomes a testimony worth sharing
Luke 24:29 shows us the disciples “urged him strongly” to stay. This wasn’t a casual, half-hearted request. They insisted. They pleaded. They wanted more of this stranger who had ignited their hearts with truth.
Faith Is Being Sure
The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
I am certain that Jesus is alive. I am certain He lives in my life. I am certain He works in my life. And He gives me hope—not because I deserve it, but because He loved me that much.
You can have that same hope today. But it requires a decision.
The Trapped Dinner Table Strategy
Here’s a practical application: Maybe you need to invite a friend over for dinner. Sit them down at your table. And guess what? They’re trapped. Now you can talk to them about Jesus.
This is what Share—the second part of our “Just 3” mission—lookslike in action. We share to know and love others, and that means creating opportunities to tell people about the Jesus who is alive and active today.
Don’t keep the greatest story to yourself. He’s alive. It’s real. And people need to hear it from you.
Make the Decision Today
Maybe you’ve been walking away from God. Perhaps you’ve been doing your own thing, living life on your terms, keeping Jesus at arm’s length.
Today is your opportunity to make a different choice.
Invite Him in. Ask Him to stay. Stop running and start resting in His presence.
Romans 10:9 promises, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The Only Reason You Need
Jesus loved you enough to die for you. He loved you enough to rise from the dead. He loves you enough to walk with you today, even when you don’t recognize Him.
That’s the only reason you need to give Him your whole life.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’ve discovered that being the change means first being changed. And that transformation happens when we stay close to Jesus—through studying His Word, sharing His love with others, and serving as love in action.
Your Next Step
Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Make the decision today:
- Invite Jesus to stay – Make Him Lord of your life
- Stay in His Word – Let Scripture guide your daily decisions
- Stay connected – Join a community of believers who will walk with you
- Stay faithful – Keep showing up, even when it’s hard
The disciples’ simple invitation—”Stay with us”—led to the most incredible encounter of their lives. When Jesus broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they finally saw Him for who He really was.
What would happen if you invited Jesus to stay today?
Your life would never be the same. Your heart would burn with passion for Him. Your story would become a testimony that points others to the living Savior.
