Sunday School Lesson April 4, 2021
Subject: The Resurrection of Jesus
The Point:. New life is possible when we trust in the risen Christ.
The Passages: John 20:3-9, 19-23, 27-29
Study The Bible: John 20:3-9
1). The empty tomb gave proof Jesus is alive.
- At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.
- The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.
- Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
- Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.
- The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself.
- The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed.
- For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.
Lasting truths from: John 20:3-9
* The two disciples, Peter and John, personally witnessed that Jesus’ tomb was empty.
* The risen Jesus left behind burial cloths as evidence of His resurrection.
* Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament.
2). Jesus proved He is alive.
John 20:19-23
- When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
- Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
- Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”
- After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
- If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Lasting truth from: John 20:19-23
* Jesus’ appearance to His disciples left no doubt He was alive.
* Jesus commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses.
* Jesus’ disciples have the Holy Spirit to empower them for their ministry.
3). We are blessed when we believe Jesus is alive.
John 20:27-29
- Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”
- Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”
- Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Lasting truth from: John 20:27-29
* The risen Jesus provided the evidence to believe.
* Jesus can overcome our doubts and struggles to believe.
* Eternal life begins when we accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this lesson, respond to the following questions:
- In what way is the resurrection of Jesus not only the central event of the Bible, but the defining moment of human history?
- Put yourself in the place of one or more of Jesus’ disciples. What insights do you gain from doing so?
- In What areas of life do you have doubts? Confess them to the Lord, and ask Him to help you resolve them.
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”