The Risen Christ (Easter)

THE RISEN CHRIST

(“I AM ASCENDING TO MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER”)

John 20:1-31 (Go to ESV Bible Verses)

Key Verse: 20: 17b, “But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

1. When did Mary Magdalene come to Jesus’ tomb and what did she find (1)? What did she assume and whom did she tell (2, 15b)? How did Peter and the other disciple respond (3-4)? What did Peter find in the tomb (5-7)? What did John see and believe (8)? Why didn’t they understand what they saw (9-10)? What is the meaning of the empty tomb?
2. What did Mary do outside the tomb, and whom did she see and hear (11-13)? Why was she weeping? How did Jesus first reveal himself to Mary (14-15)? When did Mary recognize Jesus, and how did she respond (16)? What did Jesus tell Mary to do (17-18)? What do Jesus’ words, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father” mean?
3. How did the risen Jesus meet with his disciples (19-20a)? What was their response, and why were they joyful (20b)? What mission and empowerment and authority did the risen Christ give them (21-23)? What do we learn about God’s heart for the lost world?
4. Who refused to believe that Jesus had risen and why (24-25)? How did Jesus plant faith in his heart (26-27)? What confession did Thomas make (28)? What did Jesus say to him (29)? Who are truly blessed?
5. What blessing does Jesus give to those who have not seen and yet have believed in Jesus’ name (30-31)? How can we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God without seeing him physically?