Date: April 12, 2020
The Truth of the Resurrection
The Point: The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact.
Get Into the Study
Use the following story and video clip to introduce today’s session.
Recently, a zookeeper in Australia shared his dance moves with viewers worldwide via the zoo’s live stream Giraffe Cam.
Show your group this video clip.
Consider the two different perspectives of those who “witnessed” his dancing. The people who were hoping to see the giraffes instead got to see the dancing zookeeper, something they weren’t expecting. The zoo patrons on the other side of the fence had no idea what was happening and their view was blocked. Additionally, they were distracted by other animals and exhibits.
Ask, “What is it like to witness something unexpected?” “What would feel like to find out you missed the show?” Use this conversation to transition to this week’s lesson on the resurrection.
Dr. Beth Masters is currently working as a hospital chaplain where she engages with families, patients, and hospital staff during critical life moments. She has a Ph.D. in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she teaches Collegiate Ministry. Beth loves young adults, baking, and coffee.
Get Into the Study (Young Adult Option)
Display this image of earth, then follow the directions provided in the Young Adult Leader Guide (p. 87).
Get Into the Study (Advanced Teacher Guide Option)
Display a photo of Abraham Lincoln and discuss Internet rumors as explained on page 35 of Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide.
Live It Out
Use the following to introduce the Live It Out section.
National and global news are currently dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic. Whether we know someone personally who has contracted the disease, we are all experiencing its effects. This is an unusual case where national and global news are more than just stories we are watching. These are events we are all experiencing. We can wonder how people will view this piece of history in a hundred years or how it will be depicted in textbooks. As the final impact of the coronavirus remains to be seen, it is impossible to predict how it will be remembered.
What might someone think about the coronavirus in 1000 or 2000 years? Will this pandemic be remembered at all? Few events are remembered throughout global history. However, when we zoom out to look at the history of the world, the resurrection of Christ remains. This historical event cannot be forgotten because the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ changed everything forever. What will you do with the truth of this event?
Direct group members to the Live It Out statements.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What was the most interesting news you’ve heard this week?
- How do you tell fact from fiction?
- What types of evidence provide the foundation for your knowledge and beliefs?
1 Corinthians 15:1-3
- When have you seen someone really take a stand for the gospel?
- What makes the death of Christ so significant to the Christian faith?
- When did you first hear the message of the gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:4
- How have you heard the resurrection of Jesus challenged?
- What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to you personally?
- What promises do we have in Christ’s resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:5-8
- What does Jesus’ death and resurrection mean to you personally?
- How has our group been a witness for others of Jesus’ resurrection?
- What obstacles sometimes keep us from sharing the gospel?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Besides Explore the Bible, are there any recommended online daily devotionals for the week of Easter? Thank you!
The Daily Discipleship Guide in Bible Studies for Life includes five daily devotions. It can be accessed for free at lifeway.com/coronavirus