Scripture Guide

Easter: Living Proof

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you.’ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”—Luke 24:36–53 (NIV)

After celebrating Easter this weekend, don’t rush past the good news! Jesus lives, and because He lives, we get to walk in freedom and hope! In today’s passage, don’t skip over these realities:

  • Jesus fully died. He was in the grave, and then He walked out. His resurrection was physical! When He appeared to His disciples, He showed them His scars, invited them to touch His wounds, and ate real food in front of them. His sacrifice changes everything by bringing us closer to God, our Father and Creator. His sacrifice gives us new access that our sin always hindered in the past. Now, we can be adopted into God’s eternal family, receive our citizenship to the kingdom of heaven, and be restored from our brokenness.

  • When Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, He summarized them with this statement: “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” All of the stories in Scripture lead to this one. All of the writings point to Jesus as the Messiah, our desperate need for salvation, and the necessity of repentance. What does all of this say about God? It says He wants a relationship with us! He wants to be close to His creation, and He wasn’t going to let sin get in the way of that.

  • Jesus leaves with a calling and a command. He reminds them of their witness and of the gift that will be sent to them soon. Before Jesus was arrested, He spoke to His disciples about this gift: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would equip them to continue walking in truth, living out their calling, being obedient, and sharing the good news with others. Because of this good news and hope, they were able to return to Jerusalem with much joy and worship. They knew their new identity, their new calling, and their new gift! 

The beautiful thing about Easter is that it reminds us of our true identity, our ultimate calling, and our greatest gift!

  • True Identity: We’re beloved children of God, adopted into His family. We’ve become new creations, rescued and redeemed, and we’re ambassadors for Christ, representing Him wherever we go.

  • Ultimate Calling: We’re called to make disciples of all nations—teaching them the way of Jesus and baptizing them. We’re to love God and our neighbors, worshiping and enjoying Him forever.

Greatest Gift: As we find true belonging in the family of God, and the Holy Spirit begins to dwell within us, God will never leave our side. His presence equips us to walk in our identity and calling.

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures:
1 John 1:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Romans 8:15–17; John 14:16–17

Study Questions:

  • Why does the physical resurrection matter for our faith?
  • What does it mean that we’re reconciled to God and made ambassadors for Christ?
  • What does it mean to be adopted as a child of God?
  • What changed between their fear at the beginning of the passage and their joy at the end?
  • How does understanding your true identity, calling, and gift fuel consistent worship?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage?
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • Where do I most need the Spirit’s help to walk in repentance, obedience, and boldness?
  • What would it look like for me to live this week in resurrection joy rather than fear?

Application Challenge:
Jesus overflowed in love and grace for you, so you can do the same for others! Pray for opportunities this week to share love and grace with others, but pray for a joyful heart and peaceful spirit going into it. Whether it’s serving someone, being intentionally generous, or paying attention to someone, share Jesus with others this week.

Scripture to Pray:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”—1 Peter 1:3–5 (NIV)

Guided Prayer:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me.
Christ in every heart that thinks of me,
Christ in every mouth that speaks of me.
Amen.
— St. Patrick

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember that Jesus’ resurrection is real and changes everything! He gives you a new identity as God’s child, a clear calling to be His witness, and the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit to walk with you wherever you go.

  • What is one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others?
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week?

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • How would you have responded if you were in the room when Jesus appeared?
  • Why does it matter that Jesus physically rose from the dead?
    Jesus opened their minds to understand Scripture. How does understanding God’s Word strengthen our faith?
  • Why is it significant that Jesus took them through the Scriptures before ascending to heaven? What does this tell us about the importance of knowing His Word?
  • What makes someone an effective witness for Christ?
  • How do you depend on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and where do you need to trust Him more?
Group Leader Resources