Taking the Sermon Home

April 27, 2014

Sermon Text: John 20:19-31

Today we read about a resurrection appearance of Jesus to the disciples, though Thomas is not present.  Among other things, Jesus announces peace.  Thomas announces he will not believe until he can touch Jesus; later, Jesus appears again to Thomas and the others.  We are invited to consider the ways in which we are called to believe without seeing.

• When has Jesus come entered into your fears and uttered, peace be with you (vv. 19, 21, and 26)?
• What aspects of “believing without seeing” are hardest for you?
• What causes you to come to believe (v.29)?

Taking the Sermon Home

April 13, 2014
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week. At Christ the King we celebrate Palm Sunday today, and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem…but note that this is just the beginning of the end. We must witness the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples on Maundy Thursday, and journey to the cross on Good Friday, before beholding the empty tomb.

• Why do the crowds gather around Jesus and shout Hosanna? What are they looking for? 
• What do you notice about Jesus’ demeanor as he enters this city of hostility and eventual trial and conviction? 
• Matthew reports that the whole city was in turmoil, asking, Who is this? How might different people in Jerusalem answer that question? How do you answer that question? 

Taking the Sermon Home

April 6, 2014

The final extended story from John we are studying during Lent is “the raising of Lazarus” in Chapter 11.

·         How would you describe Martha’s emotions when she meets Jesus after her brother has died?

·         What do you learn about the nature and character of Jesus from this story?

·         Think of a time the Lord brought restoration and renewal in your life.  What blessings or unexpected events flowed from your awareness of God’s healing power?