It is finished, and now there is hope at last (John 19-21)
Group Guides | Sharing the gospel, sharing our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
By way of introduction: If “familiarity breeds contempt”, why read and reflect upon the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, again?
Read John 19:17-42
In what ways can you see evidence that the way Jesus died fulfilled scriptural promises made in the Old Testament?
What difference does it make to the story of Jesus death has its connection to the Old Testament?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:20. Can you think of any the scriptural promises that have their YES in Jesus?
When Jesus exclaims “it is finished” what does he mean? Flick back to Jesus’ words to Peter in John 18:11.
Read John 20 - 21
5. When Simon Peter and the other disciple saw the burial clothes in the empty tomb they believed the evidence that Jesus had indeed risen. But not Mary. When Mary first saw the stone rolled away she assumed the body had been taken and even when she saw Jesus face to face she did not see it was him. How did Jesus loving lead her to believe in that moment?
6. Thomas also doubted. How did Jesus loving lead Thomas to belief?
7. Peter denied Jesus 3 times. How did Jesus lovingly provide Peter the opportunity to repent and express his belief?
8. This entire gospel narrative is "written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” How is Jesus lovingly leading people today to belief?
Pray for our friends and family to come and meet Jesus at his word, this Easter.