Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth

you are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles

the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice

that you are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection

that you have life everlasting.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

• Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from? Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times. What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
• What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

1Peter 1:17-21

• Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
• Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live. How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

Luke 24:13-35

• What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling? Revisit the memory. Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
• Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
• What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made Him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
• What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone? Explain.

• What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
• What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE He walked on the earth?
• Is there anything that confuses you? Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
• Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with? How do you feel when you have to leave them?
• Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships? With your spouse? Your children? Your peers? A stranger? 
• What do you hope for? What do you have hope in? Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
• How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while? Is there someone you should reach out to?
• What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?
• What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter? What do/can you do?
• Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw Him. This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to listen for Your voice.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to follow Your call.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the acceptance of Your embrace.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the promises of Your love.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to Your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

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