You are the witnesses of these things (Luke 24q)

Luke 24:1-53

Key verse 48 You are witnesses of these things.

1.    [1-12] When the women went to the tomb, what did they find? (1-3) At that time, who appeared to them and what did they rebuke the women of? (5) Why?(6-7) When the women reported this to the eleven and others, why did they not believe? (11) What did Peter confirm? But why did he go away wondering?

2.    [13-24] When and who were going to where? (13) What did they talk about? (14) Why did they not recognize the risen Jesus? (15-16) What was their hope on Jesus? (19; 21a) How was their hope broken (20) and further crushed (21b-24)? Discuss what might be the source of their uncertainty and disappointment.

3.    [25-35] What did Jesus rebuke them for? (25) What was the key message of all the Scriptures that they failed to believe? (26-27) When and how did they finally recognize Jesus? (28-32; cf. 22:19) Why do you think that Jesus accompanied them in disguise? (16, ref. 32) As they returned to Jerusalem, what did they hear and share with the disciples? (34-35)

4.    [36-43] While they were talking, what happened? (36) Why were they startled and frightened? (37; cf. 34,35) What did Jesus rebuke them for? (38, cf. 5,11,25) Why? (cf. 39b)   What did Jesus do more to help them believe? (39-40,) Why did they not believe the risen Jesus?(41a) What did Jesus do additional things? (41b-43) Why?  Discuss what faith that Jesus wanted them to have. (ref. 34-35,  38, 41)

5.    [44-48] What did Jesus remind them of? (44) Why, at this time, was it so important for them to understand this? (6, 7, 26-27)  What did Jesus do to help them? (45; cf. 24:32; v45 KJV: Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, ) What is “everything” that must be fulfilled? (46-47) What’s its meaning?  What were they to serve in regard to Jesus’ resurrection? (48) What may be included in “these things” in v 48?

6.    [49-53] What was Jesus going to do? (49a) Why? (49b; cf. 48; Jn 14:26; 16:13) Where did Jesus lead them to? There, what did Jesus do for the disciples? (50) While Jesus was blessing them, what happened? (51) What did the disciples do? Why?  (52-53; ref. 49)

7.       Discuss what the belief that Jesus demanded from his disciples was and what it means for us to be witnesses for these things. (ref. Acts 3:12-16; 5:29-32; cf. Gen  21:22-23;  1 Cor 15:30-32a; Phil 3:9-10)