Read: John 20:23, 3:16-17, 5:24, Matthew 18:18-29, 16:18-19
What did Jesus mean by saying “if you forgive sins they are forgiven”? Why was this important for them to get?
In what way does this relate to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel today? Be specific.
How does this challenge the way you talk about Jesus with non-believers? How will you change?
Read: John 20:22, 14:25-26, 16:6-11, 3:1-3, Luke 24:39-45, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Acts 2:1-14
Why did Jesus “breath” the Holy Spirit onto the disciples? What was this going to provide based on John 14:26?
In what way is the work of the Holy Spirit needed for non-believers to become Christians? (Hint: conviction)
How is this different than Acts 2:1-2? (Hint: Peter & The Gospel) How does this truth encourage you?
Read: John 20:21, 14:27, Matthew 28:19, Philippians 4:6-7
Given peace (shalom) refers to rest, prosperity, wholeness, etc., what was Jesus expressing to the Disciples?
In what way did this relate to “I am sending you”? Why is this important to recognize in sharing your faith?
Given all that is going on in the world today, why can Christians still experience peace? (i.e., supernatural)
Read: John 20:19-20, 1 Corinthians 15:4-7, Romans 1:20, Psalm 8
How did Jesus ultimately reveal Himself to the disciples? How does Romans 1:20 say God reveals Himself?
In what way is this the same truth with different context? How does this make everyone accountable to Jesus?
Why is this important when it comes to certain situations or locations? How does this truth encourage you?
Read: John 20:19-20, Luke 24:13-32
Why do you think Jesus prevented the two disciples from recognizing who He was? What ultimately happened?
In what way does this highlight the same truth when Jesus showed the Disciples his hands and feet?
Thinking back on your personal testimony, how did Jesus make it obvious for you to understand the Gospel?
Read: John 20:19-20, 14-16, Luke 24:8-11
How did the majority of the disciples respond to the women saying they’ve seen the resurrected Jesus? Why?
How did Jesus respond to their unbelief? What does this highlight about how God draws people to himself?
Why is this important to remember when sharing your faith with non-believers? Take some time to pray for them.
Read: John 20:11-17, 10:3, 1:47-48, Acts 9:4
Why did Mary’s perspective change when Jesus said her name? In what way was this a personal moment?
How did the same thing happen to Nathanael and Paul? What does this reveal about Jesus getting personal?
How did God get personal with you in order to become a Christian? How does this encourage you for others?
Read: John 20:11-17
Why do you think Mary did not recognize the angels or Jesus when she was talking to them?
What does this highlight about how our perspective can prevent seeing how God may be working? Give an example.
How might this be happening to you? Be specific. Take time now to pray about God changing your perspective.
Read: John 1:43-49, 20:8, Acts 9:1-9, Ephesians 3:20-21
Describe how Jesus called Philip, Nathanael, and Paul to follow Him. In what way were they different? Why?
How does this help you better understand God and how He works in the lives of unbelievers? Be specific.
In what way does this bring you hope with an unbeliever you know? How might God be working now?
Read: Acts 4:33, Romans 6:5, 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:19-21, 1 Peter 1:3
In your own words, why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to the Christian faith? Be specific.
What would happen if there wasn’t a resurrection? What does this highlight about presenting the Gospel?
In what way have you seen the resurrection understated when compared to the cross? How does this adjust you?
Read: John 19:40-42, 3:5, 4:23-24, 16:7-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 13:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
What did Jesus mean by telling Nicodemus he must be “born again”? How does this relate to becoming a Christian?
Why is this important when it comes to being a “true” Christian? How can this get confused today? Be specific.
If you use prayer, worship, and conviction of sin to measure your Christianity, what do you see to move forward?
Read: John 19:40-42, Matthew 10:27-28
Given the Romans would have just disregarded a crucified body, how did Joseph and Nicodemus show respect?
What does this highlight about how they viewed Jesus in terms of a family member or personal connection?
What does this also reveal about being a real Christian? (i.e., sheep, shepherd) How does this encourage you?
Read: John 19:39, 3:1-21, 7:40-52
Explain the progression you see in Nicodemus transitioning from being a seeker to a believer. (Hint: night vs. day)
What does Nicodemus bringing 75 lbs. of spices to anoint Jesus’ body, highlight about his devotion to Him?
How is this different from the first time he met Jesus? In what way do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?
Read: John 19:38, Matthew 13:18-23
Explain how Joseph’s request for Jesus’ body would have confirmed his faith in Jesus.
How might a non-believer have reacted? In what way does the parable of the soils highlight this same truth?
How can you be tempted to hide your faith? Why? How can you be bolder about Jesus today? Be specific.
Read: John 19:38, Mark 15:43, Matthew 27:57, Luke 23:50-51, Matthew 10:32-33, 5:14-16
Explain why Joseph may have been hesitant to be associated to Jesus. How did that change when Jesus died?
What was Joseph now willing to risk? What does this highlight about him being a true believer?
When you consider your faith in Jesus, what have you been willing to risk? How does this confirm or convict?
Read: John 19:31-37, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Numbers 9:11-12, Zechariah 12:10
Why does John once again refer to scripture when it comes to the crucifixion of Jesus? (c.f. John 19:24, 28)
How does this relate to credibility? In what way does John 19:35 also provide credibility?
How does this encourage you? How does this help you respond to those who would question the crucifixion?
Read: John 19:30, 2:4, 2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 18:30, Romans 11:33-36, Galatians 4:4-5
How does scripture describe God’s wisdom and understanding? How can this also relate to His leading and timing?
When you look at “when” God worked in the lives of O.T. patriarchs (Moses, Joseph, etc.), what strikes you?
In what way does this help you follow God and seeing Him work in your life? Where can you apply this truth today?
Read: John 19:29-30, Luke 2:11, Mark 10:45, 1 John 2:2, Genesis 2:15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
What did Jesus mean when he said, “it is finished”? How did this relate to the past, present, and future?
Why is this important to recognize when it comes to following God’s leading and His timing for resolve?
In what way can impatience cause you to miss God’s leading in your life? How does this help adjust you today?
