The Good News of New Beginnings

After Jesus’ resurrection, John offer a series of encounters that Jesus has with real people. Each of these encounters sheds light on the way in which Jesus’ resurrection is good news: God’s presence in loss (Mary), God’s peace in fear (disciples in the upper room), God’s guidance in confusion (Thomas), and God’s restoration in failure (Peter).

Key Passage: John 20:11-21:25

SERMON OUTLINE

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

Mary: God’s presence in loss (John 20:11-18)

The Disciples: God’s peace in fear (John 20:19-23)

Thomas: God’s guidance in doubts (John 20:24-29)

Peter: God’s restoration in failure (John 21:15-22)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. After the account of Jesus’ resurrection, the Gospel of John enters into a series of uniquely personal interchanges between Jesus and others. As we continue to explore “The Good News of Jesus,” we will look at John 20:11-21:25. Ask in prayer for God to speak to you.
2. John 20:11-18 recounts Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus after the resurrection. What stands out to you about the beginning of their exchange in verses 11-15?
3. What do you think brings the sudden recognition of Jesus to Mary in verse 16?
4. Why would Jesus tell Mary, “do not hold on to me” (20:17)?
5. In John 20:19-21, we read that the disciples are gathered in a locked room in fear of the Jewish leaders (20:19). What do you think they are afraid of?
6. The phrase “peace be with you” was often a common greeting, but it conveyed something more solemn or important happening. What do you think Jesus was saying to these disciples?
7. The disciples “were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (20:20). Jesus had talked with them about this before His death in John 16:16-28. There, Jesus had said, “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Why were the disciples overjoyed? Why would Jesus say that no one would be able to take away their joy?
8. Jesus’ goal here was to give His followers new purpose. How did Jesus do that in verses 21-23? What is significant about this?
9. According to John 20:24, Thomas was left out of this last appearance of Jesus. What is the significance Thomas’ exclamation in verse 25?
10. What happens to Thomas when Jesus appears in verse 26-29?
11. Now, look at John 21. What do you notice about the disciples in the first four verses? What are they doing? Why might it be significant that no fish were caught at night?
12. Although they cannot see Him because of the distance from shore, when Jesus gives the disciples fishing advice, they immediately know who He is (vv. 5-7). Peter impulsively jumps out of the boat to reach shore. What was going on in Peter at this point, do you think?
13. In the background of Jesus’ three-part conversation with Peter is Peter’s three-part denial of Jesus. If you haven’t read that, take a moment to read John 18:1-27.
14. Jesus asks Peter a persistent question three times. Why do you think Peter was hurt by Jesus repetition? What do you think Jesus was doing with Peter through His questions?
15. Peter was given the task of shepherding Jesus’ sheep. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Luke 22:31-32. How did Peter’s experience of failure and restoration equip him for this task?
16. How might loss, fear, confusion, or failure be impacting your life right now? How might Jesus’ resurrection bring good news to your life in this season? Begin to have a conversation in prayer with Jesus like each of these characters did. Ask Him to speak into your life. If you are in a group, share your experiences together, taking time to pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write down some of the words God spoke to you.