How do we find our way through grief, turmoil, and disapointment? How do we move from confusion and disilusionment with the way we were living into a new and better normal?
The Way of Jesus uniquely offers us a path out of sorrow and into new life by meeting us in the locked-up places of our hearts, healing and freeing us from the pain within, breathing new strength into us for today, and giving us purpose for the good of the world.
Personal Reflection
&
Small Group Discussion Questions
Readings:
Ps 111
John 20:19-23
•What do you think the disciples were mentally and emotionally processing while in hiding behind locked doors? What hopes were dashed in Jesus’ crucifixion? What positions were lost? How does the disciples situation compare to our Covid-19 isolation?
•What does it mean for you that Jesus would come and stand with you?
•Why does Jesus say, “Peace be with you”? What is the peace that He offers and where does it come from?
•What is the connection between the peace He is offering and the wounds on His hands and side?
•How is gladness found in seeing Jesus?
•What have you been looking to other than Jesus, hoping that it would give you gladness?
•Where should we be looking for Jesus in the midst of this pandemic?
•Why does Jesus say, “Peace be with you” a second time?
•Jesus sends His disciples in the same way the Father sent Him (Jn3:16). Do you feel ready to be sent as a son/daughter to bring salvation to the world? Why or why not?
•Do you view God’s sending of you to the world as having the same blessing, urgency, provision, promise, presence and authority that our Heavenly Father gave Jesus?
•Just as the Father gave the Spirit to Jesus at the commencement of His ministry Jesus now gives the Spirit to the disciples and to us. How explicitly dependent is your life and ministry upon the Holy Spirit? How do we make Him a priority?
•How do we not miss the forest for the trees in this last verse? What can we know for sure, that Jesus is inciting us to participate in, and what can we humbly say we don’t know or understand?
