10.29.23 Huddle
Opening Discussion
- When you doubt something in life, what do you do to find clarity about the situation?
Read and Discuss
Luke 24:1-12
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.
9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
- Why had the women forgotten the words of Jesus?
- Why did the disciples not believe the women?
- What are some ways people might miss Jesus in day to day life?
- Why is it sometimes hard to remember the words of Jesus?
- What is something you could do this week to remember God’s promises to you?
Luke 24:13-20, 25-35
13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him…
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
- Why had these two men missed the message of Jesus’ resurrection?
- Why didn’t they believe the women who said Jesus was alive?
- What was the significance of Jesus breaking the bread that made them realize it was Jesus who was with them the whole time?
- Why didn’t Jesus let them know who He was while they were walking down the road?
- What are some things in your life that you had to figure out the truth on your own, even though people had told you the truth?
- What are some things you are skeptical of?
- When it comes to your faith, how do you deal with doubts or skepticism?
Luke 24:36-49
36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
- Why does Jesus lead the conversation with “peace to you?”
- Even after being told by the women, Peter, and the two men on the road that Jesus was alive, why were the disciples still doubtful?
- How did Jesus handle their doubts?
- Why did Jesus ask them for something to eat?
- Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. What are some ways we can understand the Bible today?
- What would it look like for Jesus to help you understand the scriptures?
- Why does Luke show us that there was so much doubt from Jesus’ closest friends surrounding His resurrection?
- What are some doubts or questions you have about Jesus?
Apply it!
- This week, what can you do to find information about your questions and doubts?
- Who will you talk to about these things?
Memorize it!
Luke 24:46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Prayer TACOS
Thanksgiving- What is something you can thank the Lord for today?
Adoration- Worship the Lord for rising from the dead
Confess those times when you haven’t taken God’s Word seriously
Others- Who can you tell about the love of Jesus this week? Pray for them and that opportunity.
Self- Ask the Lord to put someone in your life this week that you can share your faith with
Closing Thoughts
A few years ago a good friend of mine, and a student small group leader, came to me and said he had doubts about Jesus’ resurrection. He couldn’t grasp someone coming back from the dead. We talked about it some, and it didn’t come up much after that. But then one day he called and said he just couldn’t believe anymore. It felt disingenuous to him to show up at church, go through the motions, lead a small group, and not believe the one thing that made Christianity set apart from every other religion, Jesus’ resurrection.
We kept in touch for awhile after that, and I suggested some books and videos which I don’t know if he ever read. We still talk on occasion but it’s mainly about superficial things. After this week’s message I feel like I need to reach out to him again.
Growing up in the church and hearing often about Jesus coming back to life, sometimes makes it not seem as miraculous as it really was. Maybe you have a friend or two that struggles with the resurrection. What can you do to reach out to them and help them find a place to talk and wrestle with their doubts?