WELCOME ICEBREAKER

When something upsets you, who is the first person you tell?

WORSHIP

Choose songs that deal with the theme of the resurrection.

WORD

The purpose of Christ’s suffering was to purchase our freedom. As we read in Psalm 124:7-8, calling on the name of the Lord has rescued us like a bird from the fowler. Jesus clearly comes to seek and to save those who are lost. We see the compassion of our Lord in John 20 just after the resurrection. He revealed Himself to the disciples in order to move them to a place of power and purpose by keeping His promises.

Read John 20:1-30 as a group.

• What do you think caused Mary to brave the dark and unknown to go to the grave?
• How would you describe Mary’s behavior until Jesus appeared to her?
• What do you think the disciples said when she told them that someone had taken Jesus out of the tomb?
• How would they feel about Mary being there first?
• In verse 19, what were the disciples afraid of? Why did they lock the door?
• Why do you think Thomas was not with the rest of the disciples the night Jesus first appeared to them?
• In verse 25 Thomas states he will not believe unless he can see and touch Jesus. How did Jesus deal with Thomas’ attitude?
• Thomas had closed his mind unless he saw certain signs. What causes your friends to close their minds to things of God?
• Jesus tells Thomas in verse 27 “don’t be unbelieving but believing”. Faith never stands still. How would you describe your faith today?
• What did Jesus mean in verse 29?
• What is your proof that Jesus rose from the dead?

WORK

Home group leaders please remember that April 25 is water baptism. Review this with your groups and let the office know if there are any candidates. Keeping praying for growth and share vision with the group of the empty chair filled with a new person. We are keeping you in our prayers.

Has this lesson helped you? Please let us know! Email home group testimonies with this form!

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;
blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29 — NIV