Risen

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

What does a jury need to convict someone of a crime? Would you say that the resurrection of Jesus has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt? Why or why not? 

HEAR 

Read Luke 24:1-12

• Were women considered reliable witnesses in the first century? Why does this matter as it relates to the first-hand accounts of Jesus’ resurrection? 
• Compare the list of women mentioned in verse 10 with the list of women mentioned in Luke 8:1-3. Why do you believe Luke mentions these women by name? Based on our time in the Gospel of Luke (in sermons and in small groups), what have you observed about Luke’s treatment of women? Why does this matter? 
• Some have argued that the slight variations in the four Gospels’ resurrection accounts are evidence that the story was made up. Do you think this is a valid argument? Why or why not? How would you explain these differences to a critic? 

Read Luke 24:13-35

• Based on these verses, why should the two men have already known that Jesus would rise from the dead? 
• Why didn’t they recognize Jesus? What made them finally recognize Him? 
• Has personal disappointment ever prevented you from seeing God at work? 

Read Luke 24:36-53

• What did the disciples initially think when Jesus appeared to them (v. 39)? How did Jesus respond to this assumption? What difference does it make if Jesus’ resurrection had merely been of a spiritual as opposed to a physical nature? 
• What role did the scriptures play in Jesus’ resurrection appearances? Why does this matter? 
• What command does Jesus leave with His disciples? How does this command relate to the church today?  

HUDDLE

What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.