Peter Explains Belief in Jesus

Bible Point: Jesus gives us hope.


Key Verse:
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we
know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).


Bible Exploration: 1 Peter 1:3-9


This week's lesson is about persecution and having hope. Have you ever felt hopeless? For the pessimists out there, you may often feel hopeless. For you optimists, maybe you think/feel like things will always get better, sick friends or relatives will be healed, you will miraculously have enough money, time, or energy to do something and it doesn't work out. Obviously, it isn't realistic to expect good things to happen all of the time. But what can you do to keep hoping that good things will happen eventually...here on earth and in heaven? Live without hope and I bet you have a very sad and pitiful existence. So what can you do to increase your own sense of hope?


Family Challenge:

• Make a list of things that you are happy about now, and save it in a place that you can take it out when you are feeling sad or hopeless.

Jesus Rises From the Dead

Key Point: Jesus is Alive

Key Verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”
(Galatians 2:20).

Bible Exploration: Matthew 27: 27-56, 28: 1-10

Think about the principal players in these stories, and what were their
reactions to what happened:

Jesus suffered but knew he had to for our sakes;

the priests were glad to be rid of Jesus and mocked him;

the soldiers also enjoyed mocking and torturing him;

Joseph took action to make sure Jesus was given a proper burial;

Pilate took care to make sure no one stole the body;

the guards were terrified at the appearance of the angel;

the women who followed Jesus were first overwhelmed with grief, then overwhelmed with joy and fear.

Why was the Resurrection such a significant moment for the
people in these passages? What did the Resurrection prove to
them?

To discuss:

Whose job or reaction did you most relate to? Would you be grieving, doubting or believing?

Family Challenge:

• Have family members imagine they were present at the
  Resurrection. Ask each person to share one personal
  reaction to seeing the empty tomb or being confronted by
  the risen Christ.

Crowds Welcome Jesus to Jerusalem

Bible Point:
Jesus, the Lamb of God, deserves our praise.


Key Verse:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and
wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory
and praise!” (Revelation 5:12b)

Bible Exploration: Read Matthew 21:1-11


It would have been great to be there as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
But we don’t have to go back in time to praise Jesus—it’s possible
to praise Jesus right now. Praising Jesus keeps us focused on him.
Without praise we become self-centered and forget what Jesus has
done in our lives. Let’s explore that now.

To think about:
Close your eyes and imaginethat you’re in the presence of Jesus. Take a few moments to think about what that would be like.
Were you standing or sitting in Jesus’ presence? Who was talking, Jesus or you? Did you feel anything? smell anything? What were the surroundings like? Was there singing or silence?

To discuss:
Are their specific times throughout the year or throughout life
when you praise God? What are some ways that you praise God for
all of the great things he has done for you.

Challenge:
Set a personal goal, either of how many times a day you’re
going to praise God or of praising God for so many new
things each day. Keep track of when you praise God, and
for what. At the end of the week, look over your list and
praise God for that, too!