Conference Talk of the Week

Overview

Elder Gerrit W. Gong uses the road to Emmaus to teach a covenant pattern for recognizing the living Christ: He walks with us even when we don’t notice, His words in scripture can make our hearts burn, and His ordinances, especially the sacrament, help open our eyes to Him. Drawing on John 14–15, he explains Christ’s promise to “abide” with us through the Holy Ghost and through Christ’s own manifestation, as we keep His words and stay connected to Him like branches to a vine. He closes with Easter witness, gratitude for the solemn assembly and Church leadership, and a direct invitation to notice and walk with those who feel alone.

Three Key Takeaways

• 1On our “dusty roads to Emmaus,” Jesus Christ may already be walking with us; scripture study and the sacrament can help us recognize Him.
• 2In John 14, Christ promises two Comforters: the Holy Ghost who teaches and brings remembrance, and the Savior Himself who will come and “make our abode” with those who love Him and keep His words.
• 3Abiding in Christ (John 15) is not passive: staying connected to the “vine” brings lasting fruit and fuller joy, and it includes belonging and covenant faithfulness in the community of His restored Church.

Reflection Questions

• When have I felt alone, unseen, or misunderstood on my own “road to Emmaus,” and what helped me sense the Lord walking with me anyway?
• As I take the sacrament, what specific part of my covenant (take His name, always remember Him, keep His commandments) do I most need to strengthen so I can “abide” more fully in Him?
• In my recent discipleship, how has the Holy Ghost taught or brought remembrance, and what would it look like for me to keep the Savior’s words so His promised “abode” can be more real in my life?