From Confusion to Joyfulness – Luke 24
Icebreaker:
Describe a time where you were initially confused and later became happy with the end results (i.e. puzzle, driving, etc.)
Introduction:
A couple of days earlier Jesus was crucified. It appears that Jesus’ disciples and followers were heart sick, disappointed, and confused.
Perplexed Hearts: (Confusion) Read: Luke 24:1-12
Narrative: On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, some women traveled to Jesus’ burial place and discovered the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. Subsequently they were asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” These women left the tomb and traveled to where the apostles were gathered together and described their morning experiences. The apostles did not believe them as their words seemed like nonsense. Peter ran to the tomb, and upon leaving the area wondered to himself as to what had happened.
- More than once, Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer, die and be raised from the dead (Luke 9:21-22,44-45; 18:31-34). What do think caused the women not to remember Jesus’ words regarding His death and resurrection? (vs. 6-8) What do think kept the disciples from remembering Jesus’ words regarding his death and resurrection? (vs. 11, vs. 37-42)
- How could you help others remember the words of Jesus when they are faced with the unknown, unexpected, and/or frightful events of life?
Discouraged Hearts – He Opens Their Eyes: (Communion) Read: Luke 24:13-35
Narrative: Later in the day, two of Jesus followers were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus (7-mile journey). Jesus came up and walked with them. The two men were kept from recognizing Jesus. They passed their time discussing the events of the last few days. They do not appear to be in a joyous mood. The subject of their discussions was Jesus whom they acknowledged to be a prophet, one who was powerful in word and deed, and the one who had been crucified in spite of their hopes that he would redeem Israel. They were of aware of some woman who journeyed to the tomb and then to the disciples. During their discussions, Jesus used some of their time to explain what was said in the Scriptures concerning Himself. After arriving at their destination, Jesus joined them for a dinner and after they recognized their visitor was in fact “Jesus,” they immediately left for Jerusalem where they found the disciples. (another 7-mile journey)
3. How long would it take you to walk 7 miles? And what can be said during that time?
Note: Luke 24:25 – The word “fool” in this passage represents weakness or dullness, it is not the same word used in Matthew 5:22. In addition, the terms “slow of heart to believe” is nearly equivalent to “an individual not easy persuaded of the truth, and regularly giving in to doubtfulness and distrust”.
4. Describe what you think could have been additional factors that kept them from recognizing Jesus. (vs. 32, and 38-39)
5. What are the factors that keep us from recognizing Jesus in our midst?
6. What did Jesus use to explain to them who He was? (vs. 27, 30)
7. Describe what caused the burning heart (greatly moved: Strong’s Concordance) in these two disciples? (vs. 32)
Note from Pastor Dave’s Sermon:
Outline Point 2. Were not our hearts burning within us as He opened the Scriptures?
“Your soul will respond to the written word of God. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Scriptures and how it applies to your life and circumstances. Without God’s Holy Spirit you are a wave tossed on the river, sometimes peaceful, other times terrified, and most times confused about the rapidly changing times in your life.
But for those who believe Jesus, those who have humbly given their lives and eternal destiny to him, God’s Holy Spirit makes his home in you to strengthen you, guide you through the Scriptures and bring peace in your painful times and confusing times. For those of us who at one time said yes to Jesus, we did so because our hearts were burning inside us, and we saw Jesus for who He was and said yes to Jesus.”
8. Can this “burning heart” condition be created in your heart? Discuss the process needed to reach this experience.
Troubled Hearts – He Opens Their Minds: (Confirmation) Read: Luke 24:36-46
Narrative: In Jerusalem the two disciples joined the Eleven and others to discuss the events of the day. (vs. 33-36) Jesus interrupted the group by appearing before them; and said, “Peace be with you.” Jesus asked them why they were troubled and raising doubts in their minds since He was there with them. Jesus showed them His hands and feet, ate a piece of broiled fish, and reminded them that everything written about Him in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.
9. What do you think was significant about (a) Jesus wounds, (b) his resurrected body, and (c) the ability to eat broiled fish?
10. The disciples had the evidence of the open tomb, the angels, the witnesses, the Scriptures, the opening of their minds, and the personal experience of being with the Lord. What do we have in common with the early disciples regarding the resurrected Jesus? (John 17:20)
11. Even so, the disciples were “slow in heart to believe”. How can we bridge the gap between experience and belief?
12. What can you do to encourage others regarding Jesus as it applies to their walk with the Lord? (I Peter 3:15)
13. Why is it important to know more about Jesus as He is described in the Law of Moses, Prophets, and the Psalms?
He Opens Their Lips: (Joyful Hearts) Read: Luke 24:46–53
Narrative: Jesus relayed to the group that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead, that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached worldwide and that they would be witnesses of these things. Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem until they have been clothed with power from on high. The disciples stayed at the temple, praising God.
14. How did the future mission of the disciples affect the world? (vs. 47-48)
15. How has the disciples’ mission changed your life? (Please explain how you have been impacted by their actions)
16. What are some things your circle group could do to be a part of the disciples’ continuing mission?