Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold on to me, for I haven’t yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, ‘I’m going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20.17 CEB)
Tag Archives: resurrection
go ahead, quote me today
This coming Sunday, by your decision as to whether or not to continue to gather with the body of Christ, you will give clear witness to all as to whether or not you really do believe what you professed on Easter Sunday, namely, that Jesus Christ is bodily risen from the dead.
picture Bible commentary
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. (John 20.19-20 CEB)
filled with joy!
NOTE: He is risen! Following is a copy of the discussion guide that will be used in MoSt Church’s LIFE groups tomorrow, Easter Sunday, Apr. 8. This guide will enable your follow-up of my sermon (Filled With Joy!) that morning. The primary text for this sermon is John 20.19-23. You’ll find these LIFE group discussion guides categorized each week here on my site under the category title “LIFE group guides.”
Aim
To drive home the deep meaning of Jesus’ resurrection for us as his disciples.
Word
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” (John 20.19-23 CEB)
Open
Icebreaker questions are meant to help us all start talking. Choose one of the following to discuss as a group.
1. Tell us about a truly victorious or especially joyful moment in your life, be it big or small.
2. If you were to die, come back from the dead, and speak to your loved ones, what would be the first thing you’d say to them?
3. Tell us what Easter Sunday was like for you when you were a wee one.
Dig
These questions are meant to help us grapple with Scripture related to this morning’s sermon. Choose some.
1. According to this passage (John 20.19-23), how much time passed between Jesus’ resurrection and his appearance to his disciples?
2. What did Jesus mean when he said “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you?”
3. How would you say the reception of the Holy Spirit is tied to our grasp of Jesus’ resurrection, our life in light of his resurrection, and the mission he’s given us?
4. How does Jesus’ resurrection affect our understanding of forgiveness (vs. 23)?
5. One-third of this text is what the risen Christ said. Sum up his words in your own words.
Reflect
These questions facilitate our sharing what we sense God’s Spirit is doing with us thru his word. Choose some.
1. How has human history been affected by the fact Jesus’ body has never been found?
2. If archaeologists discovered the body of Jesus tomorrow, how would your life change?
3. What has the resurrection of Jesus done for your fears?
4. What sort of peace do you have in your life because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
5. What joy do you have in life because of Christ’s resurrection?
6. Given the resurrection of Jesus, what would you say is your mission in life?
7. What can you do to help others to see and hear, as it were, the risen Christ today?
