Study Guide

Begin your study be reviewing a couple of Sunday’s passages. Did Jesus have brothers and sisters? There is biblical evidence that he did! Two biblical references are found in Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55-56, which lists James as Jesus’ brother. There is also evidence that Jesus siblings did not believe in him before his death. Read John 7:2-9, in which Jesus’ brothers confront him. What might have been reasons why they didn’t believe in Jesus? How is your faith different from other family members? Is it unusual for family members to have different beliefs? Pray to God for any family members who struggle with faith in Jesus.

Thank God for this day and the time you have to spend with God. Read Acts 1:12-14. Listed with the disciples are Mary, Jesus’ mother and his brothers. Because they are listed with the disciples, this would imply that they believe in Jesus. Read 1 Corinthians 15:7, were Paul writes that Jesus appeared to James. Apparently, this made a difference in James faith! Pray today for those family members and friends who have modeled faith for you.

Pray to God, asking for insight and wisdom. Read Galatians 1:18-19. Paul indicates that he had contact with James after his conversion. He went to Jerusalem and met James. In this passage, Cephas refers to Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. Paul writes of James again in Galatians 2:11-12. Paul is disappointed in Peter’s behavior and James’ friends help with the situation. Notice James’ influence. Pray that you can have influence with close friends and family this week.

Quiet yourself before God. Let’s read more carefully what James believed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. This is a summary of what the early Christian disciples believed and might have been an early creed. How do these words line-up with your Christian faith? Pray these words aloud and ask God to use you as a witness for God’s kingdom here on earth.

Begin your study be reviewing the passage from Sunday, John 20:19-29. Think about the differences between Jesus’ two appearances: how John reacted vs. how Thomas reacted. Are you a person who needs evidence? Do you feel there is enough evidence in the Bible to verify Jesus’ life, death and resurrection? If you struggle with this, please call or talk to someone who you feel safe with.  

Take some time and thank God for this day and the time you have to spend with God. Read John 20:30-31. While just two verses, there’s a lot packed into these two sentences! Read verse 31 again. It goes back to what you thought about yesterday. Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that you have life in his name? Pray that you can really embody and believe this throughout your lifetime.

Quiet yourself before God. Contemplate the word “witness.” What does this word mean to you? What does being a witness of Jesus mean to you? Are there ways that you do this? Do you feel there are additional opportunities for you to be Jesus’ witness? Pray about this today.