Why do you think Jesus appeared to them? The two men soon learned that the stranger who walked with them knew all about the topic of their conversation. Jesus also spoke to them at length about the scriptures. Why?
During the night, something astonishing happened at the tomb. The large stone, which blocked the entrance, began to roll. How do you think the guards reacted? Who rolled the stone, and what are some reasons why this was done?
During the crucifixion, Jesus refused to drink the wine mixture that was offered to him. Why? What did Jesus mean when he asked God to forgive, saying, “For they know not what they do”? We may be assured that God forgives abundantly.
After praying in the garden, Jesus waited for Judas and the soldiers to come and arrest him. Upon their arrival, he asked, “Whom do you seek?” They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.” When Jesus answered, “I am he,” a strange thing happened. The soldiers near him fell backwards. Then, Judas stepped forward to betray Jesus with a kiss. When they began to arrest him, Peter drew his sword. But Jesus said to Peter, “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
Why do you think the soldiers fell backwards when Jesus answered, “I am he”? Jesus had suffered great anguish while praying in the garden, but now he was ready for his arrest. Why would he not allow the angels to rescue him?
On Thursday night, near the end of the Last Supper, Jesus said many important things to his disciples. One thing he said was, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” He also told them that the Father lovingly cares for the vine, and prunes the branches so they bear much fruit. Jesus tried to help them understand the meaning of this. He said, “Abide in me, and I in you.” He went on to say, “As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.”
Discussion Questions
This story teaches us that we can have a living connection to Jesus. His life and love can flow through us like the life of the vine flows into the branches. What kind of fruit are we supposed to bear? How can we abide in Jesus’ love?
Jesus and the apostles gathered in the upper room on Thursday evening. When Jesus sat down, he said, “I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” He took the first cup of wine, gave thanks and said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves.” Jesus wanted his apostles to realize this would be the last time they would eat and drink together on earth. Jesus assured them, however, that they would sit down in fellowship with him in the coming kingdom.
Discussion Questions
The Last Supper was a time of friendship and remembrance. But early in the evening, the apostles contended with each other about who was the greatest. What are some qualities of a great friend? What does it take to be truly great?
