We realize you may not be able to discuss impact in our lives. Talk about your father. What was all the questions. Pick the ones you like. he like? What kind of impact does he or did he have in your life? Small Group Questions “The Claims of Christ” a. In what ways are you like your father? In what John 5:16-30 ways are you different? b. What would the ideal earthly father be like? Previous message summary: The resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in the history of the world, so c. In what way is Jesus’ relationship with his far. There will be a day, yet to come, that trumps even the Father an example for us in our families? resurrection—when Jesus returns for his church. As we Discussion Questions looked at John chapter 20, we saw three facts of the Resurrection: Read John 5:16-30 ! The empty tomb. The stone was rolled away and 2. In the previous section, what had Jesus just done for inside lay the empty grave cloths. a man who was at the pool of Bethesda? Read John 5:5-8. How did the Jews react to what Jesus had ! The appearances of Jesus. Mary Magdalene and done? (Verse 16) ten of the disciples saw Jesus alive the same day a. Besides breaking the Sabbath by healing a that the tomb was found empty. man, what claim did Jesus make in verse 17, ! The presence of disbelief. Thomas did not believe that caused the Jews to want to kill him? and was left to wonder about the resurrection for an b. Would a good Jew say that God is “my entire week. When he does see Jesus, Thomas calls Father”? How did a good Jew refer to God as Jesus his Lord and God. Father? Because of these and many other historical facts, we can c. What was the real intent of the Jews in regard know that Jesus is risen from the dead and he will come to Jesus? (Verse 18) What two things did again. Jesus do that infuriated the Jews? Did Jesus have any right to do or say these things? Why What we learned: The resurrection of Jesus is or why not? surrounded by many facts that point to the reality that Jesus really did conquer the grave on that first 3. What does Jesus say about his ability to work resurrection morning. Regardless of where you are in independently from the Father? (Verses 19 & 30) examining the evidence and coming to your own a. What does this claim from Jesus communicate conclusion about the resurrection, may you know that about the relationship that Jesus has with his Jesus loves you so much that he not only died to save Father? you, but also rose again to be your living Lord and King. b. Can any man, other than Jesus, make this Introduction same claim about themself? What would a man be guilty of, if they claimed that they were 1. Our relationship with our earthly father may or may the Son of God and they were working in not bring good memories, but fathers can have an conjunction with God? 4. What claim does Jesus make about his ability to b. What are some ways that people in the New give life? (Verses 21, 25-26) What does the Old Testament show honor to Jesus? Read John Testament teach about where life comes from? 9:35-38; John 12:1-8; and Matthew 2:9-12. Read Genesis 1:20-27 and 1 Samuel 2:6. c. How can you show honor to Jesus in your life? a. What does the Gospel of John communicate 7. When did you realize for the first time that Jesus about Jesus’ ability to give life? Read John was equal to God and that his claims of divinity were 4:13-14; 10:10; 11:15-26. true? What was your response to Jesus when you b. In what way does this claim of Jesus help you came to this conclusion? understand who Jesus really is and what he Challenge: Jesus claims that he is equal to God in his came into our world to accomplish? work, his healing, his judgment and in the way that he c. Do people in our world need to hear about the gives life. Because of who Jesus is, choose to honor him life that is available to them through Jesus? in every area of your life this week. What are some ways that you as a small group Action: Think of one person who needs to understand can effectively communicate this message to that Jesus is equal to God in every way. Pray for them people that you interact with each day? and ask God to give you boldness and opportunity to 5. What does Jesus claim about himself in verses 22 share this passage of Scripture with them so that they too and 27-29? can experience life through Jesus. a. Who is the one in the Old Testament who executes judgment? Read Psalm 7:6-17; 9:7-8; Next Steps: and Joel 3:12. G I realize that since Jesus demonstrated his authority, b. How does Jesus get the authority to judge? if we honor him, we have no reason to fear What does this communicate about the judgement. relationship between the Father and Son? G I realize that since Jesus demonstrated his power c. What does Jesus say about those who believe over life and death, if we honor him, we do not have in Jesus? Should they fear judgment? (Verse to fear dying and can be confident in eternal life. 24) G Based on who Jesus is, I will strive to honor him in d. In what way does verse 24 give you peace and everything I do. hope for the future? G The one area which I can honor Jesus more is by 6. When the Jews begin to persecute Jesus for healing ______. on the Sabbath, and as they seek to kill him for making himself equal to God, at the heart of the issue, is there a lack of honor for Jesus? a. What is the proper response to God and his Son Jesus as the givers of life, the ones who heal, and the one who judges? Read verse 23.