Fear, Doubt & a Leadership crisis

Jesus offers proof of Love

Luke 24:36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?

Jesus offers proof of Life

Luke 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

ACTION:

*NEXT WEEK: Luke 24:44-49

Questions for the Community

Personal Reflection

1. What Shalom (peace from vs 36…meaning wholeness, prosperity) is Jesus speaking to you? What are the broken places in you that still need this?

2. Is there Shalom that you need to speak to someone today? What relationship is frayed and needing you to extend the gift ofpeace?

Group Discussion

3. As you re-read Luke 24:36-43, what most stands out to you from the text and from the sermon?

4. What fear & doubt do the disciples bring to this moment, how does Jesus meet them there? (HINT: consider all the OTHERways you’ve seen this moment [first meeting after a bitter failure of friendship] handled both TO you and BY you).

5. 1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. Is this true of you? If so what PROOF of love has Jesus offered and you received?

6. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a foundational truth of our faith. Why is this so important to get right? Why do you think God preserved this account of Jesus appealing to the disciples senses (see, touch) to satisfy their doubts as to him being really alive and really a body?

Plan of Action

7. When you have troubled faces and doubting hearts, bring those to Jesus in There will not be shame (how COULD you?) butgracious truth. Jesus doesn’t want you living in fear and doubt! “Why WOULD you?” He asks us…”when I’m alive, and we are good. I’ve done the work to forgive! Let’s trade, give me that fear, doubt, disappointment, habit, apathy and let me gift you love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, oh but wait there’s more…keep your arms open here comes faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

8. Follow Jesus’ lead and lead those in your life in his way of love.