The Road to Life (Easter)
The resurrection of Jesus is the single most important event in human history. If Jesus is not raised from the dead, then none of us will be either. Without His resurrection, we’re held captive by sin and death. The resurrection makes real life possible. Jesus paints a simple picture about life in Him: Enter through a narrow gate and walk down the narrow path. Life begins when we find Jesus; life is experienced when we follow Him.
Discussion Questions
Read the resurrection account found in Luke 24:1-12. What details do you notice about Luke’s reporting of events? What do you see as the evidence that points to the resurrection of Jesus?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and 2 Peter 1:16. Why are eyewitness accounts so important in establishing the plausibility for the resurrection of Jesus?
Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14 help us understand how real life is found. In what sense is Jesus a narrow gate? What is the narrow way? How is destruction found in a wide gate and broad way? (For additional insights look at John 10:9-10)
How would you respond to someone who says that relying on Jesus alone to find salvation and life is restrictive and narrow? Why does the idea of “narrow” usually carry a negative connotation?
In John 6:60-61 Jesus acknowledged that his truth might be offensive. Have you ever been “offended” by Jesus? What examples of “hard truths” from Jesus can you think of?
Have you entered the narrow gate (found salvation in Jesus)? Describe that experience. Are you walking a narrow way (what are you doing to follow Jesus as a life-style)?
Hope Released
At Easter, God’s new creation work bursts out onto an unsuspecting world with new life and new possibilities for hope. We join that never-ending celebration of God’s faithfulness, compassion, and power by responding and living with confident hope. How does life change...
Hope Delivered
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT)hortly after having our third child, my husband took a huge leap of faith and left the corporate world to make a career switch. He had hoped this change...
Hope Deferred
For she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. Matthew 9:21-22 (ESV)o you want to be...