Final Answers

Finding Hope and Encouragement from the Last  Words of Christ 

...and Jesus showed up....

Monday, March 24                                                                                    Luke 24:13-17
What are the two disciples talking about as they walk along? What is their tone-what emotions do you hear in their conversation?

What are the things that trigger spiritual crisis and/or struggles in your life? How have you resolved those? How do you recognize Jesus when He "shows up" in the midst of those struggles? Spend some time today reflecting on His character and praising Him for His love and faithfulness.

Tuesday, March 25                                                                                    Luke 24:18-24
Clearly everyone had been talking about what had happened in Jerusalem. What is the disciples' own description of Jesus? How would (do) you describe Jesus to someone who asks?

What doubts do you have about the resurrection? What information have you gathered? If the resurrection is true, what are the implications? Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. How convinced does Paul sound? How does that strengthen your faith?
Wednesday, March 26                                                                                   Luke 24:25-27
What kinds of spiritual conversations do you find yourself having with people in your life? How do you approach those conversations? Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. What are Peter's instructions? How can you put this into practice?

Jesus clearly uses the Old Testament to explain His life and significance. How has the OT been helpful in your understanding of the Christian faith? Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. How does Jesus' life fit this passage? What impact do you suppose this passage had on the disciples as they walked along?
Thursday, March 27                                                                                   Luke 24:28-29
Why do you suppose Jesus acted as if He were going further? What did the disciples do? How good are you at urging Jesus strongly to stay with you in the everyday of your life?

Where have you had an "Emmaus Road" moment in your life recently-something or some event where Jesus surprised you? What happened? Did you "urge Him strongly" to stay? Why or why not?

Friday, March 28                                                                                         Luke 24:30-35
What do you think finally opened the eyes of the disciples to see that this was Jesus? Read Luke 22:19 compared to v. 30. How might this have played into their discovery?

Describe, in your own words, the level of excitement the disciples would have felt. What do they do? What are the other disciples discovering at that same time? Read Acts 2. How does all this change the behavior of the disciples? Does knowing that Jesus is alive make you bold-as bold as Peter in this chapter? Why or why not?

A Word for the Defeated
"Victory can be yours."

Monday, March 17                                                                                  John 19:28-30
The second thing Jesus says in this passage is our focus this week. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, "It is finished?" What is "it?" Why do you suppose the present tense is used (as in "is" - right now, at this moment)?

This cry has often referenced as a great shout of victory. How is that true? How have you experienced victory in the midst of struggle and tragedy in your life? How can this passage encourage you in these times?

Tuesday, March 18                                                                      Romans 8:31-37
List the things that Paul talks about here that can make us feel separated from Jesus. Which of those things is weighing on you today, perhaps making you feel a little defeated? How do these words speak into how you're feeling (or have felt)?

What does it mean that we are "more than conquerors?" How would you define that, in your own words? What have we conquered through Christ? How does that affect your life today?

Wednesday, March 19                                                      1 Corinthians 15:54-58
What are all the things that you would include in "death," as described here in this passage? What has Jesus defeated, as He stands in victory? How do we get to participate in that victory (as v.57) - not just in the future, but right now?

This passage says that we get to experience victory "through our Lord Jesus Christ." What does that mean to you? How would you describe that to someone who was feeling defeated?

Thursday, March 20                                                                    Job 19:25-27
Job has experienced a tremendous amount of adversity at this point, and yet this passage opens a window into his heart. What is Job feeling here? What does his description of God and his take on God show about his heart?

How often do you feel this way about God? How often do you see Jesus as the One who will defend you and redeem you in the face of all accusation? This view is certainly consistent with Paul's words in Romans 8 (from Tuesday). How would you describe the similarities in Paul and Job's language? Do you share their confidence? Why or why not?

Friday, March 21                                                                           Psalm 34:4-5
Memorize this passage. What does it say about how we should be oriented in our lives? What is the promise? How does this offer victory in the face of defeat?

What fears do you have right now? How are they keeping you from experiencing a sense of victory in your life? Confess those to God. Look to Him and share how you feel -= see if it doesn't change the way you feel today!

A Word for the Suffering:
"God Understands"

Monday, March 10                                                                          John 19:28-30
What do you consider "suffering?" When have you experienced a time of suffering and need? How did you handle it? How did you feel during that time? How was God present as you struggled to make sense of it?

What is significant in these words of Jesus? After reading this passage, how do you know that God understands suffering? How does that comfort you to know that He so intensely experienced the pain of life? Does it help as you struggle?

Tuesday, March 11                                                                         Psalm 34:1-8. 17-18
Why is it so easy to feel abandoned by God when we are going through suffering? What lies do we believe about God when we are in trying times? How does this psalm address those lies (specifically v. 8, 17, and 18)? Memorize verse 18.

How is it possible to live like this, praising in the Lord in times of trouble? What are the truths expressed in this psalm? How would reminding yourself of these truths in times of suffering help your faith? Read the first few verses of this psalm aloud a few times, emphasizing the word "will" wherever it appears. How does that change the tone and meaning?
Wednesday, March 12                                                                                    Isaiah 53
How does this psalm directly relate to what Jesus was experiencing during the passion? How does it shape your view of God to know that He experienced this in order to reconciled the world to Himself?

What is the promise of vs. 11-12? How does this passage offer real hope to the suffering? How has suffering made you a better person? What is gained?
Thursday, March 13                                                                       1 Peter 4:12-19
What is this passage saying about suffering? How do we "participate in the sufferings of Christ?" When or how have you experienced that? Does it encourage you to know that nothing "strange" is happening to you?

How does this challenge you, especially if you have a lack of suffering in your life? Living in America, its very easy to live a "comfortable Christianity." How does this idea of "sharing in the suffering of Christ" challenge that lifestyle?

Friday, March 14                                                                              Philippians 3:7-11
Restate what Paul is saying in this passage in your own words. What is his point? What is Paul describing when he says he wants to share in "the fellowship of His suffering?"

Notice how the idea of experiencing the power of resurrection is linked to sharing in Christ's suffering. Why do you think Paul put those two together? How consuming was this thought of being made like Jesus in these verses? How consuming is it in your life?

A Word for the Isolated: "Community is possible."

Monday, March 3                                                                                Matthew 27:45-54     When have you had a time where you felt like screaming out these words to God? What are the emotions that go along with these words of Jesus here? Why do you think Jesus screams these words from the cross?

What is so significant about this story? What do you think is the significance of verse 51? Why do you think people react the way they do in v.54? What do you think this passage says about the gravity of sin? About the heart of God?

Teusday, March 4                                                                           Psalm 22:1-18,24,30-31 Read through these verses. What are they describing? Which verses stand out as direct descriptions of Jesus' situation on the cross? Who is speaking in this psalm?

It was customary in Jewish tradition to reference a whole passage of the Scriptures by uttering the first line. How does this change your perspective on these words? If Jesus is referencing this Psalm, what significance do the very last words carry?

Wednesday, March 5                                                                            1 Peter1:17-23, 2:9 What is Peter saying, in your own words, here in v. 17-23? What does Jesus' death on the cross have to do with community, according to these verses(v. 22, in particular)?

In verse 9, Peter describes the community of faith. How does he describe that community? What binds us as followers together? How have you experienced the joys and benefits of being a part of the holy community? In light of everything written here, what is the purpose of the church(God's holy nation)?

Thursday, March 6                                                                                   Galations 3:26-4:7  Paul here says there are no longer "Jew or Greek ... male or female?" How are we all "one in Christ Jesus?" What is true about those who call themselves Christian?

How would this truth change the world if we really lived as brothers and sisters in the family of God---even just as the church? How would that sense of belonging change lives? How has it changed your life? Do you know that you belong?

Friday, March 7                                                                                                   Acts 2:42-47 What is appealing to you about this description of the first century church? What is challenging? Why? How would living like this (in real community) change the way people looked at the church? How would it affect the way you view the church?

Do you believe that this description is really what God has planned for His family on earth? What would have to change most in your life to make this more of a reality? What are the benefits? The drawbacks? If this is really God's intention, how can you begin to move in that direction?

A Word for the Family "Take Care of each other."

Monday, February 25                                                                             John 19:23-27
Hanging on the cross, Jesus still has the presence of mind to be concerned for His mother. What do you think Jesus is saying from the cross? What does this tell you about God's heart for family?

When you think about your own family, how did your family care for you? How do you currently show care and concern for your family? How does God's clearly elevated value for family challenge you?

Tuesday, February 26                                                                             Matthew 12:46-50
Jesus here establishes the truth that His followers form a "family" called the church. How has your experience of church been like a family? How has it not? What are the aspects of a biological family that should be present in the church?

Clearly the ideal for those who follow Jesus is to have a familial relationship. How do you see God's family (ie all who follow Jesus) differently than you would your biological family? What keeps us from living this out in the context of church? What keeps you from doing so?

Wednesday, February 27                                                                  Deuteronomy 6:1-7
It is undisputed that parenting is one of the biggest challenges in life. When you read this verse, what does it tell you are the primary responsibilities of a parent in God's estimation? How would you rate our culture at elevating those values? How about in your family? Read Proverbs 22:6.

One could argue (quite easily) that the lack of good parenting is one of the biggest challenges facing our country. What are the values that compete with God for your parenting focus and your children's time? How can you begin to address those competing factors?

Thursday, February 28                                                                         Colossians 3:12-16
What does this passage have to say about how we should live and care for one another? How do each of the qualities listed in v. 12 contribute to great relationships? How are you doing at treating people in this way?

Is it easier for you to live these values out with your biological family or your Christian family? Why? Is there someone within either family that could use a little "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness...patience" and/or forgiveness? How can you reach out to that person this week?

Friday, February 29                                                                                     1 Timothy 5:1-8
Here is another passage that shows how serious God is about family. How does this passage say we are to treat people within the body of Christ? How does it say we are to treat our biological family, especially in v. 8? How does this challenge you?

A Word for the Guilt Ridden You Can Have a Fresh Start

Monday,  February 18                                                     Luke 23:26-34a

In your opinion, what is so profound about Jesus' statement in v. 34? What was it that "they" were doing? If Jesus was able to make this pronouncement at this point in His life, what does that say about His ability to "handle" your sin and confession?

What does Jesus mean in verses 28-31? Verse 31? Why would Jesus have no one weep for Him?

Tuesday,  February 19                                                  Romans 7:15-8:1

What do you typically feel guilty about? How do you identify with Paul's rant here? In what arena of life do you most find yourself wrestling with sin?

What is Paul's conclusion in verse 24-25? When have you experienced the level of guilt he talks about in verse 24? To where does Paul turn? How does the first verse of chapter 8 speak to our sense of guilt? Spend time today  thanking God for His forgiveness and intentionally letting go of guilt.

Wednesday, February 20                                                      1 John 1:5-9

What does this passage say about the character and nature of God? About us? What allows us to experience freedom from guilt? What is our part in that? How have you experienced that freedom in your life?

What does it mean to "walk in the light?" What are the benefits of doing so? Is forgiveness dependant on obedience? What is God's promise to us here?                   

Thursday,  February 21                                    Psalm 103:8-13; 130:3-5

What does the first psalm have to say about God? About sin? When you think about God, are these the thoughts that come to mind? Why or why not? Why is it so hard sometimes to accept the forgiveness of God and see Him as a compassionate Father?

In the second psalm, what does the author say about the nature of our sin? About God? In the NLT, verse 5 says "I am counting on the Lord...I have put my hope in His word." What does it mean to "count" on the Lord? In regard to sin and forgiveness? How often do you count on the Lord for forgiveness?

Friday,  February  22                                                                       Isaiah 43:25-26

What is God saying in this passage about sin? About forgiveness? About us? Read on through chapter 44:5. What are the promises in this passage?

Even in our guilt, God is forgiving and helpful. He loves us unconditionally. Verse 5 says that some will say, "I belong to the Lord" in response to God's forgiveness. What about you? How does God's forgiveness and freedom from guilt motivate you?       

A Word for the Seeker

Monday, February 11                                                     Luke 23:35-43
What attitudes do you observe in the crowd in these verses? In the leaders? The criminals? The soldiers? In Jesus? What aspects of the Gospel message do you see in v. 40-43? What does this tell you about the heart of God?

Who do you identify with most in this story? When did the meaning of the death of Christ start making sense to you? How would you explain it to someone who is not yet a follower of Jesus? How do people today similarly reflect the profound misunderstanding of v. 35?

Tuesday, February 12                                                      Luke 15:11-32
What stages does the younger son go through on his pilgrimage? How have you experienced those in your life? How have you experienced God as similar to this father?

Compare yourself to the two brothers in the story...who are you most like? Why? What is Jesus' point in this parable? How has it been a significant truth in your life? Is it easy or hard for you to accept that God is this gracious? Why?

Wednesday, February 13                                                 2 Peter 3:8-13
What is Peter's point in this passage? What does he say about God and His motivation? What is the promise that God is keeping?

What is your answer to Peter's question in v. 11? There seems to be an urgency to Peter's words here...do you live your life with that sense of urgency, or not? Why?

Thursday, February 14                                                       Ephesians 2:1-9
This is an often quoted passage of Scripture. As you read it this time, what jumps out at you? Why? What is it saying about us? About God? About life? How are we to respond to a grace that Paul is describing here?

What does it mean to be "alive in Christ?" How have you experienced this in your life? How is that being challenged by the world you live in? How does this passage offer hope and a prescription?

Friday, February 15                                                                       Matthew 20:1-12
To what is the kingdom of God compared in this passage and why? Why are identical wages offered to the early and late arrivals? Who is discontent and why? Where would you be in this story? How would you react? Is this parable more about the landowner's generosity, the injustice to the early workers, or both? Why?

Given the truth of this passage-ie that both early and late converts both receive God's grace in equal measure-why would you advise people to come to faith early instead of late? What are the benefits of following Jesus all your life instead of a death-bed conversion?