Life Group Questions
Getting to Know You:
Digging Deeper:
Taking it Home:
- Think of the grief an empty chair represents when someone has died. How does the resurrection of Jesus offer hope in that kind of loss?
Digging Deeper:
- Read Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:13-31, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, and John 21:24, then discuss the vast array of given testimonies. How would these accounts of the resurrection stand up in a court of law? What could be inferred by the fact that neither Paul nor Jesus' brother James was a Christian when they saw the Lord?
- Read Acts 5:17-20, Acts 12:4-6, and Acts 7:54-60. There is clear evidence in the Bible and other secular writings that the early church was persecuted for its faith. Is there any benefit the disciples could receive from inventing the resurrection story? How does the disciples' willingness to die strengthen their testimony? There are believers and even martyrs from other religions. How is recognizing the disciples' eyewitness testimony different than blind faith?
- Read Matthew 27:62-28:15. Why is it significant that Jesus was killed, buried, and resurrected amid the hostile Jewish leaders in Jerusalem? What is being conceded by Christ's enemies when they claim the disciples stole his body? Women in the first century were not considered credible witnesses; yet, the Gospels record them as the first to see Him alive. How does this unbiased documentation lend credibility to their testimony?
Taking it Home:
- Read Philippians 3:10-11. How does knowing the risen Christ help you live in hope and build confidence in your future resurrection? How will you make time this week to meditate on the substantial evidence supporting your faith?