Grow Guide | May 4, 2025
Text Study for Sunday, May 4, 2025
Series Theme: Called Together And Sent Out
Reading: Luke 24:36-43
Connecting Question
Do you prefer to be on the go? Or do you prefer lots of unscheduled time at this season of your life? Why?
Prayer for Illumination
Everlasting God, the whole universe sings a new song of praise: the rivers clap their hands, the hills ring out for joy. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us voices ready to cry out for justice and proclaim resurrection joy wherever your Spirit leads us. In Jesus' name we boldly pray. Amen.
CONTEXT
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! As Christians we are “Called Together and Sent Out!” This next sermon series will explore ways the earliest believers were both brought together throughout diverse settings and sent out into the world to share the good news. We will learn from stories that bridge differences and find common ground in faith. How can Easter learn from these stories to both build community and continue to always look beyond to love and serve?
From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:
Luke mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in connection to Jesus’ coming and his public ministry. The Spirit is active in the stories of Jesus’ and John’s births in Luke 1-2. Jesus’ ministry begins with announcements that the Spirit has ordained him to do the things he does (4:14-19). Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will assist his followers when they face accusations from authorities (12:11-12).
Look at the Book
· How is it with your spirit this week?
· Easter is a season of new life...in Christ. Where have you seen signs of new life this week?
· When people refer to the “The Greatest Commandment” of Jesus, how would you say it in your own words?
· When people refer to the “The Great Commission” of Jesus, how would you say it in your own words? Why is this important?
· Open to Luke 24: 36. What were the disciples talking about? Look back to verses 34-35.
· What is Jesus first words in his appearance? Why that word?
· How is the presence of Jesus unsettling in our lives? How is it comforting?
· In verse 38, Jesus continues to teach with questions. What are his questions? Which one resonates more with you today?
· What is Jesus’s proof?
· In verse 41, what are the two adjectives to describe the disciples? Are those bad or honest?
· Check out John 20:19-23. How does this story compare? Is there an element that speaks to you more?
· Why does Jesus need to eat in this story?
· What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Jesus appears suddenly. Who might need some of your presence this week? Can you send a text or card to encourage them?
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.