Small Group Questions “The Facts of the Resurrection” John 20:1-31

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Small Group Questions “The Facts of the Resurrection” John 20:1-31 We realize you may not be able to discuss b. Is there someone you haven’t seen in a while all the questions. Pick the ones you like. that you would like to see again? Small Group Questions c. What a thrill it must have been for the disciples “The Facts of the Resurrection” to see Jesus alive again after he was laid in the John 20:1-31 tomb. What other religious leaders who have died have empty tombs? Previous message summary: Last week we studied the Discussion Questions miraculous healing of a lame man by the pool of Bethesda. When the man was healed, one would think Read John 20 that he would respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!” but 2. It has been said, he who has been forgiven much, instead he began to give excuses. Jesus went into the loves much. John 20:1 says that Mary went to the unclean area and saw the man as a pearl of great value. tomb early. What do we know about Mary Of all the crowd of broken humanity around the pool, the Magdalene? Read Luke 8:1-2. Father directed Jesus to this man who was stuck in his sin a. Why did she go to the tomb while it was still to help him get up, to bring healing and point him in the dark, and maybe even dangerous? What did right direction. Jesus loves everyone including the sick she expect to find? and lame, and continues to reach out to them for healing and salvation. b. What did she encounter when she arrived at the tomb? What was her reaction? What we learned: As in the situation with the lame man, c. In verse 2, what did Mary assume and tell Jesus wants to heal the weakness that continues to Peter? plague us. He wants to free us from the sin that paralyzes, so we can be made well. We can surrender it d. Put yourself in the place of Mary—what is your all to him and be free from the bondage of fear and emotional state so far? unbelief (1 John 4:16). So, we have come to know and 3. When Peter hears the report from Mary, what does believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and he do, and who follows? Who arrived at the tomb whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in first? Who entered the tomb first? Read verses 3-9. him. Typically, corpses were wrapped with one piece of cloth and the head was wrapped separately, with a Introduction cloth twirled about it like a turban. 1. Have you ever unexpectedly encountered someone a. What did John see when he went inside that you love and were so surprised to see them? Maybe made him believe? it was an infatuation when you were young, or a b. At this point, do you think the disciples friend or relative you hadn’t seen in a while that understood what had happened? brought joy when you suddenly saw them. Tell about c. Later in this chapter, Jesus is able to enter a an experience like this you’ve had in the past. locked room. Why was the stone rolled away? a. What was it about reconnecting with this 4. Peter and John left the tomb, leaving Mary, who was person that made it so enjoyable? crying. When she looked into the tomb, who did she see? What question did Mary ask? Read verses 10- 7. What evidence do we have today that the 18. resurrection of Jesus Christ is real? a. What is she convinced has happened to Jesus’ a. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse body? 29, ... “blessed are those who have not seen b. When Mary hears Jesus’ voice, who does she and yet have believed”? think is talking to her? Why doesn’t she b. Have you ever believed something without recognize him at first? seeing it for yourself? In that situation, what c. What is significant about the fact that Jesus convinced you to believe? first appears to a woman? Challenge: This week, ask God to fill you with his Holy d. What word does Jesus use to describe his Spirit, so that you can see opportunities he has for you to disciples in verse 17? How is this different from share the truth of the resurrection, and to give you the before? What is new in their relationship from boldness to speak about it, no matter what the cost. Don’t now on? See John 15:15. When having your let the distractions of the world rob you of the joy that quiet time or devotions, how would you comes from sharing the Gospel. describe your relationship? Action: Read the Bible consistently every day, knowing 5. Read verses 18-23. That night the disciples had to that as you fill your spiritual tank you will be prepared to be discussing what Mary had told them about seeing speak and do what God has for you. Jesus. Why were the disciples fearful and hiding behind locked doors? Next Steps: a. Do you ever have a similar fear when facing an G I have doubts, but am willing to investigate further. opportunity to share your faith? How did the disciples change from being fearful to bold? G I believe, but need help with taking the next steps of What can we do to emulate the early church? faith. 6. Read verses 24-30. When Jesus appeared to the G I am firmly committed to Jesus as my Lord and disciples, who was missing? What was his reaction Savior. and why do you think he responded that way? a. If ten of your closest friends told you something unbelievable, would you have trouble believing? b. Does Thomas’ skepticism add credibility to the resurrection account? Why? c. Thomas waited a week before seeing Jesus. When he had the opportunity, did Thomas follow through with his requirements for authenticity? How did Thomas respond? .
Recommended publications
  • John 20:19-23
    Restoration Ministries Listening Prayer – An Experience of Lectio Divina www.restorationmn.org John 18:12-18 (NLT) So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. 13 First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.” 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. 16 Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. 17 The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.” 18 Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself. For Reflection and Prayer: Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation. What feelings – either comfortable or uncomfortable - are rising up in you as you listen to this story? Where do you feel what you feel? Refrain from judging the feeling and gently bring this awareness into your prayer with Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Group Questions “Trials & Denials” John 18:12-27
    We realize you may not be able to discuss c. Read 1 Timothy 1:6-7. From this passage, how is all the questions. Pick the ones you like. the Spirit of God working in Timothy’s life? How Small Group Questions does the Spirit help in times of fear? “Trials & Denials” d. How is the Spirit of God working to help you be John 18:12-27 the person God wants you to be? Does the Spirit help you overcome fear in your life? Previous message summary: John’s purpose for writing the Gospel of John is, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Discussion Questions Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life Read John 18:12-27 in his name” (John 20:31). John’s purpose is understood when we look at his account of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. 2. What do the band of soldiers and those who came to Jesus goes to the garden where he knows Judas will find him Jesus at night do to him? Why do they bind him? before he is betrayed and arrested. We also see in the arrest a. Where do the soldiers take Jesus? Why do they that it is Jesus who first approaches the “band” of soldiers (600 of them) and asks who they are looking for. It is also Jesus who take him to this person? speaks the name of God, and at this, the highly trained military b. Who is Caiaphas? What position does he hold? men fall to the ground.
    [Show full text]
  • John 20:10-18 Luke 8:1-3
    CALLED TO SUPPORT DEVOTIONAL READING: ROMANS 4:13-25 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: MARK 15:40; 16:1-9; LUKE 8:1-3; JOHN 20:10-18 LUKE 8:1-3 1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. MARK 15:40 40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome. JOHN 20:10-18 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
    [Show full text]
  • Gospel Reading John 20:19-23 Brief Commentary
    CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation Saturday, May 10: Ordinations to the Priesthood, Cathedral, 10:00 am May 11, 2008 Pentecost Day* (Cycle A) Gospel reading John 20:19-23 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” *Originally the Jewish feast to offer God the first fruits of the harvest. It was celebrated seven weeks after Passover; thus, the Greek name Pentekoste , meaning the 50th day. Brief commentary: The Gospel of John gives a unique account of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. At this first encounter of Jesus with the believing community, he breathed the Spirit* on the disciples and simultaneously sent them out as the Father had sent him. The mission of Jesus, the proclamation of the Reign of God, a reign of love, justice and peace, is now placed in the hands of the disciples. They must carry out the work of making God’s compassion and forgiveness known to all.
    [Show full text]
  • Jesus Before the Priests (John 18:12-24)
    Jesus Before the Priests (John 18:12-24) Scripture Text: 12. So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13. and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14. Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 15. Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16. but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17. Then the slave-girl who kept the door *said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He *said, “I am not.” 18. Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself. 19. The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 22.
    [Show full text]
  • Nicodemus: an Encounter
    Lumen et Vita ~ Vol. 3 ~ 2013 Nicodemus: An Encounter Joshua Johnson Boston College INTRODUCTION This paper offers an exegesis and interpretation of John 3:1-15, Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, one of the gospel's most memorable characters. Central to this discussion will be the significance of the symbol of rebirth. I will conclude by synthesizing the themes that appear in the exegesis and interpretation section. We shall see that the Nicodemus story offers the reader a reconfiguration of reality as Nicodemus is invited to be born again by receiving Jesus. METHODOLOGY I will start by briefly discussing the methodology and philosophy behind my exegesis and LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ6SXUQLQJSKLORVRSK\PRVWRIWHQHQGVQRWLQ³QRSKLORVRSK\EXWXQFRQVFLRXV SKLORVRSK\DQGDOOWRRHDVLO\EDGSKLORVRSK\´1 Broadly, this reading is primarily literary and theological. That is, it reflects on how John's gospel reveals divine reality through the vehicle of narrative. This reading is more specifically hermeneutical, influenced by Paul Ricoeur and his interlocutors. Like Ricoeur, I take Aristotle's understanding of narrative as foundational: it is mythos-mi mesi s. Mythos³WKHDFWLYHVHQVHRIRUJDQL]LQJHYHQWVLQWRDV\VWHP´2 Mimesis: not merely a replica of an action, but an active recreation that produces events by emplotment.3 Reading a text involves threHOHYHOVRIPRYHPHQWVRIPLPHVLVWKH³SUHILJXUDWLRQ´RIWKHUHDGHU ZKRKDVQRWHQWHUHGLQWRWKHWH[WWKH³FRQILJXUDWLRQ´WKDWWKHWH[WZRUNVRQWKHUHDGHUE\LWV HPSORWPHQWDQGWKH³UHILJXUDWLRQ´RIWKHUHDGHUZKRVHZRUOGLVFKDQJHGE\UHDGLQJWKHWH[W4 The aim of exegesis is to clarify the intended configurational sense of the text. The text's work of configuration is not complete until this move has happened. Its intelligibility lies in the real world, it creates a world of its own, and it makes claims on the reader in the real world.
    [Show full text]
  • (John 20:9): a Study in Narrative Time
    ITQ0010.1177/0021140013517530Irish Theological QuarterlyMoloney 517530research-article2014 Article Irish Theological Quarterly 2014, Vol. 79(2) 97 –111 ‘For As Yet They Did Not © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: Know the Scripture’ (John sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0021140013517530 20:9): A Study in Narrative itq.sagepub.com Time Francis J. Moloney, SDB, AM, FAHA Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, Australian Catholic University, Australia Abstract Reference to ‘the Scripture’ that Peter and the Beloved Disciple do not ‘yet’ understand in John 20:9 remains a problem for interpreters of John. Which passage from Israel’s Sacred Scriptures lies behind this conclusion to the episode of the two disciples at the empty tomb? This essay argues that John 20:9 is part of a larger narrative and theological strategy (see also 2:22; 12:16; 20:30–31) that presents the Gospel of John as ‘Scripture.’ The disciples, players in the story, do ‘not yet’ know this Scripture. A later generation, those who have the Gospel of John in hand, who have not seen yet believe (v. 29), have access to a Scripture ‘written’ that they may go on believing (vv. 30–31). Keywords believing without seeing, Beloved Disciple, Gospel of John, narrative time, ‘Scripture’, ‘written’ lmost a decade ago I published a study suggesting that the author of the Gospel of AJohn regarded his story of Jesus as ‘Scripture.’1 I returned to this question some years later, in a reflection that further suggested that the author of the Fourth Gospel 1 Francis J. Moloney, ‘The Gospel of John as Scripture’, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67 (2005): 454–68.
    [Show full text]
  • John 20:1-31 Resurrection!
    John 20:1-31 Resurrection! If someone wanted to disprove Christianity—to destroy the credibility of Christianity—what one thing would they seek to disprove? Jesus’ resurrection Why? If Christ is not raised, then all we have is another martyr dying for another cause. This would mean that Jesus is no different than any of the other great religious leaders. “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith….And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). All the Gospels honor Mary Magdalene by mentioning her as the first person to come to the tomb. What does that say about her? She had great courage, devotion, and love for Jesus because she had been forgiven much. She came prepared to anoint the dead body of Jesus. She did not come with the intention of becoming a witness to His resurrection, but that is precisely what happened. What do we know about Mary Magdalene? Mary Magdalene is the woman from whom Jesus had earlier cast out seven demons (Luke 8:1-3). From that point in time, she seems to have faithfully followed Jesus, along with other women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of their own means. Where did we last see Mary Magdalene? She was at the foot of the cross in John 19:25. In verse 7, what is the significance of the description of the burial cloth? The way the cloths were left indicate that Jesus’ departure from the tomb was orderly/unhurried.
    [Show full text]
  • Jesus Through the Eyes of Faith Jeremiah 31:1-6 John 20:1-18 “She Said to Them, 'They Have Taken Away My Lord, and I Do
    Jesus through the Eyes of Faith Jeremiah 31:1-6 John 20:1-18 “She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.” On this glad and holy morning when we greet one another with the words, “He is risen!” “He is risen indeed!” I suspect most of us in this sanctuary are saying more than we know. I think this because, on every other morning of our lives, what we know involves being able to see and hear and touch and test the object of our knowing. But when we say, “He is risen!” “He is risen indeed!” we are speaking as those who can only know and see him who was raised from the dead by faith. Now lest you think faith involves believing, with the White Queen of Alice through the Looking Glass, six impossible things before breakfast, let us agree that faith has nothing to do with believing even one impossible thing. Faith is a relationship of trust. It is the gift of a meeting,” Karl Barth says, “in which [we] are free to hear the word…God has spoken in Jesus Christ in such a way that, in spite of all that contradicts it, [we] may once for all, exclusively and entirely, hold to [God’s] promise and guidance.” To see Jesus through the eyes of faith is to put all your trust in the love that death cannot end.
    [Show full text]
  • John 21: a Johannine Model of Leadership
    JOHN 21: A JOHANNINE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP RANDY POON In John 21:1-25, the author, John, retells his personal account of an encounter between his fellow disciples and Jesus following His resurrection. Utilizing inner texture analysis in the socio-rhetorical tradition, I examine the text and look to John’s perspective of Jesus as a leader. My analysis also examines from the Johannine viewpoint Jesus’ role as change agent and guide with a focus on Jesus’ interaction with Peter. I compare and contrast this insight with current social theories and models of leadership, as well as outline the social and cultural dynamics of leadership. I: Inner Texture Analysis of John 21:1-25 The use of socio-rhetorical criticism, a multi-dimensional approach to textual analysis introduced by Robbins, allows us to use multiple layers or textures to interpret the text. While his approach involves several perspectives in which to explore the various textures, we focus on the first of these perspectives, the inner texture. He suggests that this involves looking at “the repetition of particular words, the creation of beginnings and endings, alternation of speech and storytelling, particular ways in which 1 the words present arguments, and the particular ‘feel’ or aesthetic of the text.” 1 Vernon K. Robbins, Exploring the Texture of Texts: A Guide to Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press, 1996), 3. Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership 1, no. 1 (Fall 2006), 49-70. © 2006 School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University JOURNAL OF BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES IN LEADERSHIP 50 Narratological Units In commencing this socio-rhetorical interpretation of John 21:1-25, it would appear there are three narratological units within the text, each beginning with a narrative account.
    [Show full text]
  • John 20:19-25
    John 20:19-25 – Peace be with you; A new world is dawning – Author: Evert Jan Hempenius © 2020 www.christianstudylibrary.org For any questions about this Scripture passage or the notes, please contact us through the Contact Us tab on the website. Introduction ❖ “Peace be with you.” Ademoyo wrote in 2006: “The world in general, and the continent of Africa in particular, needs to hear Jesus’ words ‘peace be with you’. Year after year, Africa remains a bleeding continent. If there is not war in the south, it is in the north; if not in the east, it is in the west, and in the central region too. May Jesus send peace to our continent! Yet when Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, he was focusing on peace of mind and heart. May that peace, too, be our experience in Africa as we wait for the peace in the external realm.”1 ❖ Not that much has changed since 2006. There are still wars going on. There is terrorism. There is oppression of minority groups. ❖ John 20:19-23 is a passage of hope and great expectation. Christ resurrected from the dead and he appeared to ten disciples. He greeted them with these words “Peace be with you” and instituted a new community, a new creation, a messianic community, a community empowered and filled by the Holy Spirit. ❖ “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This mission has not ended when the last disciple died. It is the mission of the messianic community, as a gift of God’s love to the world, following John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 1 Adeyemo, T.
    [Show full text]
  • The Resurrection in John 20 — a Series of Diverse Reactions
    Raymond E. Brown The Resurrection in John 20 — A Series of Diverse Reactions John is a gospel of encounters: Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, the cripple at Bethesda, the man born blind, Mary and Martha, and even Pilate. One after the other they have made their entrance onto the Johannine stage to encounter Jesus, the light come into the world; and in so doing they have judged them­ selves by whether or not they continue to come to the light or turn away and prefer darkness (Jn 3:19-21). It is not surprising, then, that the principal Johannine account of the appearances of the risen Jesus becomes a series of encounters illustrating different faith reactions. The following arrangement of four episodes can be observed: 1) 20:1-10: Reactions of Simon Peter and the Beloved Disciple 2) 20:11-18: Reaction of Mary Magdalene 3) 20:19-23: Reaction of Disciples 4) 20:24-29: Reaction of Thomas The first pair of episodes takes place in relation to the tomb, early on Easter Sunday morning; the second pair of episodes takes place where the disciples are gathered, first on Easter Sunday eve­ ning and then a week later. Although the respective characters in the episodes are interrelated, the reaction of one does not in­ fluence the reaction of the other. The total scenario reminds us that in the range of belief there are different degrees of readiness and different factors that cause people to come to faith. Fr Brown s.S. is Auburn Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary, New York.
    [Show full text]