Bible Studies
Ses'khona #10We Are Here ... to Live in the Hope of Resurrection
Bongiwe Dumezwemi
Luke 24:13-49
AIDS Bible Studies
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Final Celebration Meal
Introduction
Have you thought much about your own death and what lies beyond death? Allow each group member to write a list of their personal doubts or questions about this. Then bring these lists to Jesus, asking Him to teach you more about death and the Resurrection today. In today's reading we meet Jesus in his resurrection body and we discover that he longs to meet and walk with each of us as the first resurrected Man.
Read Luke 24:13-49.
Verses 13-32 On the same day that Jesus' body is reported missing, two of his followers are walking to the village of Emmaus, about 10 kilometres from Jerusalem, and Jesus joins them.
1. a. Imagine that you are these two men. You are grieving the death of your friend and teacher who died young; his life has been cut short. What are you feeling? What questions are you asking?
b. Now Jesus comes along. In vs. 13-24 what does Jesus say and do with his two friends? What doesn't he say or do?
c. Why was it important for Jesus to listen to them before talking?
2. In vs. 25-32 Jesus begins explaining things to them and eventually their
eyes are opened and they recognize him.
a. Why did the two not recognize Jesus immediately?
b. Why did the Scriptures that Jesus shared with them not open their eyes to his true identity?
c. What do you think it was about the breaking of the bread that suddenly made them recognize Jesus? (v.30-31)
d. Is there a lesson to apply here about Christ's presence in Scripture and his presence in acts of kindness?
Verses 33-49 These two men cannot keep silent about their encounter with the resurrected Jesus, so they rush to tell the other followers. Then Jesus appears to all of them, but they are shocked and afraid.
3. a. Why is it so hard for these friends to believe that Jesus has come alive after being dead?
b. How does Jesus dispel their doubts?
c. What doubts do you have about life after death?
4. Think of your own "Emmaus Road" experience, a time in your life that might have been very sad or difficult, when Jesus surprised you by walking alongside you, convincing you that he is really alive and loves you. Write a short thank you note to Jesus for that experience.
You and Your Friend
Think of the person you have befriended who is dying of AIDS. Picture yourselves
coming alongside this friend while going for a walk in her or his neighborhood.
How will you bring hope to your friend by following Jesus' example on the Road
to Emmaus?
Jesus says in John 11:25-26 , "I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes
in me will never die." If you believe this, how will it affect the way
you live and die?
Individual Prayer
Now take the list you made at the beginning. Pray silently, asking God to use what you've just studied to speak to those doubts and questions and thank Him for what you have learnt.
Preparing to Reflect and Celebrate
Before next week's meeting spend at least 20 minutes just quietly looking back over the whole series of studies. Make a few notes to remind yourself:
- Have you learnt new insights?
- Which of your attitudes have changed?
- Has being in the group caused you to grow?
- What have you discovered through befriending a person with AIDS?
- Have any of your behaviours changed?
- Are you accepting something about yourself for the first time?
- Which new habits do you want to cultivate in your life and relationships?
- Has there been growth in forgiving?
- Have you received healing from Christ in any area of your life?
- Is there something you believe God is calling you to do?
Prepare to share and celebrate what you have learnt with your group.
Go to study number: 1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10
Final Celebration Meal
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