Grow Guide | April 19, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, April 19, 2026
Series Theme: Continue to Believe
Reading: John 20:24-31
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Tell about a scar you have. What happened? What do you think about when you see it? What do you think Jesus’s scars tell us?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of life, we celebrate the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Make us confident in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
CONTEXT
Our sermon series will examine how the disciples and early believers CONTINUE TO BELIEVE. What did it mean for them and what can we learn from their experience of being sent into the world? As Christians, we carry the peace of Jesus in our hearts and are compelled to share it. We are to share Jesus with everyone! Through our kindness, to be bold in our knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, whether we've seen it not. We are to honor the many gifts we each have for the good of the kingdom. We are to stand side-by-side with those who are not like us. We are to lean into the holy spirit's guidance and CONTINUE TO BELIEVE!
From Dr Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:
In the second resurrection appearance, Jesus finds the disciples in a locked room in fear of a similar fate as Jesus, were they to be discovered by the Jewish authorities. Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you” would have recalled for the disciples Jesus’ words of peace in the Farewell Discourse. Jesus then shows them his hands and side and the disciples realize that the promises Jesus made are coming true. Absent, however, is Thomas. Jesus’ appearance to Thomas is then the third resurrection appearance. He meets Thomas where he’s at and the only thing Thomas needs is the experience that Mary Magdalene and his fellow disciples already had – to see the Lord. The fact that Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds emphasizes the incarnation, the Word made flesh, that Jesus has always offered himself fully to the disciples. We do not know if Thomas actually touched Jesus. In the end, it does not matter but that Thomas testifies to the fullness of Jesus’ identity, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus is Lord, his kingdom present among us as the Word made flesh. But, and to which John’s Gospel points without any hesitation, Jesus is God in the flesh. The God who made a covenant with God’s people and tabernacled with them in the wilderness is now here in Jesus.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
The author of the book, Stranger God, Richard Beck, invites us to pay attention this Easter season to how Jesus may show up to us in disguise. Where might have you seen Jesus in disguise so far? Richard Beck will be visiting Easter on April 22-26!
Open to John 20:24. What details does John include about Thomas.
Thomas asked questions and was considered a disciple. What might that truth communicate to us?
Compare John 20:19 and John 20:26. Two scenes back-to-back. What is happening?
Tell about a time you were afraid for a long time, like the disciples. How did you get over your fear?
What greeting is given in John 20:26 by Jesus? Is it a greeting or a command?
Why do you think Jesus says “peace” instead of “don’t be afraid” to Thomas?
What places are lacking peace in the world? In your own life?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church become a place for people to practice
peacemaking?
What do you make of John 20:30-31? What does “life in Jesus’s name" mean to you?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Name one thing that is life giving to you? What is lifegiving that you can share with someone else?
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.