Jesus is Alive! - Luke 23:50-24:12

By David Woods

Read Luke 23:50-56

Our scripture text begins with a secret disciple of Jesus who finally shed his secrecy and declared himself a follower of Jesus after Jesus' death.

Discussion: What are some reasons why a person tries to be a secret disciple?

Discussion: Can you be a secret disciple of Jesus? Why or why not?

Discussion: Was Joseph too late to serve God when he finally declared himself to be a disciple of Christ?

Discussion: Why did the women rest, instead of finishing the wrapping of spices and ornaments around Jesus' body?

Discussion: What does this teach us about our relationship to God and other people?

Read Luke 24:1-7

Discussion: Imagine yourself as one of the women. What were they thinking and talking about on the way to the tomb that morning?

Discussion: When they arrived at the tomb, the stone had been rolled away. Do you think the ladies considered the stone's removal an answer to prayer?

Discussion: Was it an answer to prayer?

The women wanted/needed the stone removed because it would be a hindrance in their task of embalming Jesus' body. Jesus removed the stone because he had risen.

Discussion: What can this teach us about God's will and answered prayer?

Discussion: Describe the facial reaction of the ladies to the empty tomb.

Discussion: Why were the women afraid when they saw the angels?

The angels told the women to "remember."

Discussion: Why were the disciples so "dull of hearing?"

Discussion: Are we also "dull of hearing" at times?

Discussion: What should we do about this frequent problem?

Read Luke 24:8-12

Discussion: Imagine Peter's thoughts at the tomb.

Discussion: How does the disciples' initial unbelief provide further reason to believe the Easter story?

Read "Working With The Word!"