by Karen Dutton

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Easter 3B Gospel.

Text: Luke 24:36-49 for the Third Sunday of Easter, Lectionary Series B

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

  1. Know that Christ died, rose and was alive when He appeared to the disciples.
  2. Know the Holy Spirit continues today to open minds to understand the Scriptures.
  3. Know that God will provide all that is needed to be witnesses and share the Good News of salvation.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Large sheets of paper and markers

Food (see closing)

BUILDING COMMUNITY

  1. In the large group, before breaking into smaller groups, play “We’re going on a trip and this is what I’ll take.” (Each person says his/her name and something for the trip that begins with the first letter of their first name.
  2. Also in large group, event leader will share some information about a time when he/she went on a trip, camping, to school, etc. Share information about how you felt, where you went, what you needed to take along, something that happened—silly or serious! Also include how you made it through.

GROUP GUIDELINES

Now divide into small groups of 5-6 people. The leader in each small group is the one who has gone the farthest from home on a trip.

Guidelines for small group leaders:

  1. Be committed to getting your group to share throughout the study.
  2. Be concerned for all members of the group. Ask individuals their opinions—although you don’t want to put them on the spot.
  3. Be sure the group is comfortable, can hear easily and see each other. Seeing and hearing are important so the group can affirm each other as they go through the study.

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN SMALL GROUPS

Share your responses to the following statements:

  1. A time when I was little when I was most frightened was…
  2. I would be most startled by seeing ______________ when I opened by door.
  3. The one thing that has brought the most joy to my life is…
  4. When I talk to people I know well, I feel…
  5. When I talk to people I don’t know very well about my favorite things, I feel…

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

Read through Luke 24:36-49. After all are finished, go through section by section, using the following as guidelines.

  1. What five words in verses 36-41 describe how the disciples felt?
  2. What word in verse 36 states how Jesus wanted them to feel?
  3. Why did the disciples have the feelings they had?
  4. What two things did Jesus do in verses 39-43 to prove he was alive and not a ghost?
  5. In verses 44-46, what is the basis or backbone for the challenges that lie ahead for the disciples?
  6. What assignment did Jesus give His disciples in verses 47 and 48?
  7. What promise did Jesus give His followers in verse 49?
  8. Do we have the same feelings as the disciples?
  9. How do we have the same “assignment” as the disciples?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

Give each group two large sheets of paper and markers. Have everyone write their ideas of ways that people can witness today. Have a three minute time limit. After time is up, have each group share their best ideas. On the second sheet have them write in large letters down the middle of the paper the word WITNESS. In three minutes, write some words that witness means. After time is up, have each group share.

CLOSING

  1. Challenge participants to make plans to witness. have them set a time to complete plans.
  2. Pray with the class, thanking God for our redemption through Jesus and for the blessings we have. Ask for the Holy Spirit to equip the group to be able to share the joy of their salvation with others.
  3. Have food for physical nourishment—have refreshments on hand—just as Jesus needed physical nourishment, we do, too!

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 19, 1996.

Updated for youthESource in April  2015