The Name and Fame of Jesus

#7 Jesus’ Resurrection and Appearance 

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice 

Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024

THE PASSAGE

John 20:1-31,ESV 

• Mary saw the Lord (vs.1-18)

• The disciples saw the Lord (vs.19-25)

• Thomas saw the Lord (vs.26-29)

THE POWER

The Resurrection Changes Everything 

• Mary is moved from tears to joy (vs.11,15-16)

• The disciples move from fear to courage (vs.19, 21-22, Acts 1:8,2:1-4)

• Thomas moved from doubt to assurance (vs.25, 27-28)

THE PLEA

Three Essentials of Our Faith Revealed at the Resurrection 

1. We must live by faith  - Thomas finally believed! 

(Romans 1:17, Hebrews 11:6, John 20:28-29)

2. We must always have hope. – The disciples had hope! 

(Psalms 42:11, Isaiah 40:31, John 20:4)

3. We must believe that we are loved by God. – Mary felt so loved by Jesus.  

(Romans 5:8, John 3:16, John 20:16, Matthew 10:29-30)

TALK IT OVER

Ice Breaker: Share a funny or memorable Easter memory or tradition you have experienced with your family or friends.

1. Take a minute to review the sermon outline and read the passage. John 20:1-31, ESV

2. How did Mary's encounter with the resurrected Jesus change her emotions from sorrow to joy? (John 20:11, 15-16)

3. Reflect on the disciples' transformation from fear to courage after seeing Jesus. How did Jesus' appearance affect their demeanor and actions? (John 20:19, 21-22, Acts 1:8, Acts 2)

4. Explore Thomas moving from doubt to assurance upon encountering Jesus. What changed Thomas' perspective, and how did he respond? (John 20:25, 27-28)

5. Reflect on how the resurrection of Jesus impacts our lives and faith today. (Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 15:20)

6. Consider the role of faith in our relationship with God. (Romans 1:17, Hebrews 11:6)

7. Discuss the concept of hope in light of the disciples' experience. (Psalms 42:11, Isaiah 40:31)

8. Reflect on how knowing we are loved by God impacts our lives and faith journey. (Romans 5:8, John 3:16)

9. Explore how belief in God's love influences our actions and attitudes towards others. (1 John 4:19, Matthew 22:37-39)

10. Discuss practical ways to live out our faith, hold onto hope, and embrace God's love in our daily lives. (James 2:14-17, Ephesians 3:17-19)