Easter Discussion Guide: “What Will You Do With the Evidence?”
Desired Takeaway:
Jesus’ resurrection invites us to respond—not with perfect faith, but with honest surrender. This guide explores how the resurrection challenges our doubts, fears, pride, and control, and calls us into a living relationship with a risen Savior.
Icebreaker
"If you could witness any moment in history firsthand, what would it be and why?"
1. Lean In – Get Everyone Talking
When have you felt like an outsider or underestimated—maybe because of your age, experience, or past mistakes? How did that moment shape you?
2. Look Down – Examine the Word
Read Luke 24:13-35. What do you notice about how Jesus reveals himself? How might this story reflect how God walks with us in our own confusion or disillusionment?
3. Look Out – Reflect on the World
We live in a culture that often says, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” How does that shape the way people respond to faith today? Why do you think some people still choose to believe in the resurrection?
4. Look In – Internalize the Message
The message said, “Faith isn’t just about evidence—it’s about what we do with it.” What barriers—like fear, pride, control, or shame—might keep someone from truly following Jesus? Which of those feels most real for you right now?
5. Live It Out – Imagine the Impact
If we lived as if the resurrection were fully true—that Jesus really conquered death and is with us—how would our lives look different? How would our relationships, our priorities, or our courage change?
Optional Exercises for the Week:
Prayer Prompt:
“Jesus, you rose from the dead and invited ordinary, broken people to follow you. Help me not to wait until I have it all figured out. I surrender my doubts, my fears, and my need to be in control. Teach me what it means to believe and to follow—even with a faith that’s still forming. Thank you for your resurrection life that brings hope, healing, and purpose. Amen.”
Suggested Resources for Further Study:
Jesus’ resurrection invites us to respond—not with perfect faith, but with honest surrender. This guide explores how the resurrection challenges our doubts, fears, pride, and control, and calls us into a living relationship with a risen Savior.
Icebreaker
"If you could witness any moment in history firsthand, what would it be and why?"
1. Lean In – Get Everyone Talking
When have you felt like an outsider or underestimated—maybe because of your age, experience, or past mistakes? How did that moment shape you?
2. Look Down – Examine the Word
Read Luke 24:13-35. What do you notice about how Jesus reveals himself? How might this story reflect how God walks with us in our own confusion or disillusionment?
3. Look Out – Reflect on the World
We live in a culture that often says, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” How does that shape the way people respond to faith today? Why do you think some people still choose to believe in the resurrection?
4. Look In – Internalize the Message
The message said, “Faith isn’t just about evidence—it’s about what we do with it.” What barriers—like fear, pride, control, or shame—might keep someone from truly following Jesus? Which of those feels most real for you right now?
5. Live It Out – Imagine the Impact
If we lived as if the resurrection were fully true—that Jesus really conquered death and is with us—how would our lives look different? How would our relationships, our priorities, or our courage change?
Optional Exercises for the Week:
- Resurrection Reflection: Read John 20:19–29 and journal how Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt. What does that say about how Jesus might meet you?
- Release a Barrier: Identify one fear, wound, or prideful place in your life that you feel is keeping you from surrender. Write a short prayer surrendering it to God daily this week.
- Tell Someone: Like the women at the tomb, share with someone what the resurrection means to you—especially if you're still wrestling with it. Faith grows when spoken out loud.
Prayer Prompt:
“Jesus, you rose from the dead and invited ordinary, broken people to follow you. Help me not to wait until I have it all figured out. I surrender my doubts, my fears, and my need to be in control. Teach me what it means to believe and to follow—even with a faith that’s still forming. Thank you for your resurrection life that brings hope, healing, and purpose. Amen.”
Suggested Resources for Further Study:
- Book: Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright – A deeper look at the meaning of resurrection for our lives today.
- Scripture Reading Plan: “He is Risen!” by YouVersion – A 5-day devotional focused on the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.