This Week’s Main Idea: “The Resurrection Makes all the Difference”

Big Idea: Easter is far more than an excuse for a holiday and some extra munching on chocolate. It
is a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died because he loved you and me so
much that he was willing to pay the price and serve the sentence for our crimes, even when the
sentence was death. When Jesus rose from the dead, he proved his word to be true, and he
accomplished so much more. In John chapter 21, we discover some of the practical ramifications of His return
to life.

Scripture
John 20:1-10; John 20:11-18; John 20:19-23; John 20:24-31

Connect
What childhood memories do you have of how your family celebrated Easter?

Explore
1. Read John 20:1-10. Jesus’s followers had trouble believing that Jesus had risen from the dead. Have
you ever struggled with believing that Jesus’s dead body came back to life on Easter morning? What
resolved your doubts?
2. Read John 20:11-18. How do you feel when you think about Jesus’s resurrection? Does it motivate
you? Does it bring you joy?
Why do you think Jesus showed himself to Mary Magdalene first among all his followers?
3. Read John 20:19-23. Jesus appeared to his followers after he rose. They went from despair to fear to
assurance in just a few days. We will also see the risen Christ one day. Do you ever think about what
that will be like? Do you ever dream about it?
4. Read John 20:24-31. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” What do you
see as the significance of that statement? What does it mean to us who are followers of Jesus in the
21 st Century?

Stretch
What is God saying to you from His Word right now? What are you going to do about it?

Pray