Study Notes and Questions for Luke
Chapter 24 vs 36 – 48 19th May 2015
Jesus
appears once more to his followers after his resurrection, suddenly as if from
nowhere. He comes to prove, to reassure, to explain, and to empower – just as
he does today for those willing and humble enough to listen and to receive him.
It is almost impossible to imagine the Church without the resurrection and
Jesus’ appearances. There is much to teach us in these verses about the Church
and why Jesus founded it. Sadly, there have always been and still are those,
even within the Church, who would change the express purpose of the Church with
their own ideas and agendas. We see this happening already through some of the
early letters from the apostles to the young churches warning them not to be
duped. The passage shows how we are to understand and interpret the Old
Testament as revealing Jesus himself. We learn too of the purpose of Jesus
coming, of the only means to reconciliation with God, and of the part we as
Christians are called to play in God’s redeeming purposes for his world. It’s a
wonderful and inspiring passage!
Questions
1. What do
you understand by the phrase (v36) ‘Peace be with you’?
2. Fear and
doubt are two of the most effective things for undermining our faith. How do
they do this and what do you think is the antidote or cure?
3. In this
passage what are the stages through which Jesus leads them from fear and doubt
to confidence and joy?
4. (v45) Why
are the scriptures so vital for correct belief?
5. Why is
the Holy Spirit so vital for effective discipleship and ministry?
6. The
Church is sometimes to preach only forgiveness and either play down the need
for repentance or reinterpret what ‘sin’ is. Why is this?
7. What do
you find in this passage to inspire you or spur you on to ‘love your neighbour
as yourself’?
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