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B.L.E.S.S. — Listen Like Jesus, Bless Like Jesus

Luke 24:13–35

Loren Stark — January 18, 2026

Tagline

Jesus blesses by listening deeply—first to the Father, then to people, and finally by speaking hope into their lives.

Sermon Summary

In this message, Loren reminds us that blessing others begins not with speaking, but with listening. Drawing on the familiar story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he shows how Jesus patiently walked alongside confused and discouraged followers, listening to their story before revealing truth. The difference between merely hearing and truly listening becomes the heart of the message: listening is an active, attentive posture that seeks understanding, connection, and trust.

Throughout the sermon, we see that Jesus listened with his whole being—ears, eyes, and heart. He listened to the Father in prayer, to people’s stories without interruption, and to deeper needs beneath spoken words. By doing so, Jesus brought encouragement, clarity, and ultimately hope. When we learn to listen like Jesus, we create space for hearts to burn again with recognition of Christ, and we discover that listening itself becomes a powerful way to bless the world.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: Have you ever completely misunderstood something someone said—and only realized it later? What happened?
  • Meaningful: Who is someone in your life who made you feel truly listened to? What did that mean to you?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Luke 24:13–35 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

God Revealed

What does this passage and sermon reveal about Jesus’ heart and character, especially in how he listens before he teaches or corrects?

Humanity Mirrored

The Emmaus disciples reflect something deeply human—our tendency to talk through disappointment without understanding what God is doing. Where do you recognize this pattern in your own life, or in people around you, of confusion, grief, or unmet expectations shaping how we see God?

Gospel-Centered Vision

We are saved because Jesus listened to us—he heard our cries, walked with us in our confusion, and revealed himself in patience and love. How does that change the way you see the act of listening as a gospel-shaped practice rather than just a communication skill?

Transformed Living

What might change in your daily life if you practiced listening more like Jesus—with full attention, patience, and openness to the Spirit?

Sharing and Witness

Who have you had a chance to BLESS through listening lately? Was there someone you listened to that clearly needed it?

For Further Study

  1. Luke 24:25–27 (ESV) — Jesus reveals himself by opening the Scriptures, showing that understanding comes through patient instruction.
  2. Mark 10:46–52 (ESV) — Jesus listens to Bartimaeus’ cries despite the crowd, honoring persistent faith.
  3. John 4:7–26 (ESV) — Jesus listens to the Samaritan woman’s story and gently leads her to truth.
  4. Luke 8:43–48 (ESV) — Jesus perceives an unspoken need and listens beyond words to bring healing.
  5. Matthew 16:13–17 (ESV) — Jesus listens to his disciples’ understanding before revealing deeper truth.
  6. Luke 13:10–17 (ESV) — Jesus sees and responds to suffering while listening through resistance and objection.
  7. Luke 18:18–30 (ESV) — Jesus’ listening questions expose the heart of the rich young ruler.
  8. James 1:19–20 (ESV) — Scripture calls believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
  9. Proverbs 18:13 (ESV) — Speaking before listening leads to folly and shame.
  10. John 10:27 (ESV) — Jesus describes a relationship where his sheep listen and recognize his voice.
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