December 29 | Discovery Questions

December 29: Discovery Questions (based on Luke 24:36-53)  

1. The disciples were surprised when Jesus suddenly and unexpectedly appeared among them. Have you ever had a surprise visit from someone that was totally unexpected? 

Ask two people to read aloud Luke 24:36-53, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage. 

2. Luke says the disciples were “startled and frightened” (24:37) when Jesus suddenly appeared before them. 

• Why do you suppose they were so startled and thought they saw a ghost? 

3. Upon appearing to the disciples, Jesus asked, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (24:38).

• Why are many people today “troubled” and beset with “doubts” about Jesus? 

• How would you respond to someone with troubles and doubts about Jesus? 

4. Jesus had to prove to the disciples (24:39-41) that he had risen from the dead, though he had told them he would rise again (see Matt. 16:21, 17:22-23,20:17-19,26:31-32). 

• In the timeline of Jesus’ life, when did he tell them he would rise again? 

• Why do you think the disciples so quickly and easily forgot about Jesus’ words? 

• What did Luke mean when he wrote, “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” (24:41)? 

5. To thoroughly convince the disciples of his resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” and taught them from “the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (24:44-46). 

• What does this tell us about the nature and purpose of Scripture? 

• What does this tell us about our need to study all of the Bible? 

6. As Jesus prepared to depart from the disciples, he promised them the Holy Spirit, said “You are witnesses of these things,” then sent them out to the world (see Acts 1:8). 

• What does the Holy Spirit mean for our lives today? 

• What is our obligation as Jesus’ disciples? 

7. Why do you think the disciples experienced “great joy” and continued “praising God” (24:51-53) after Jesus’ departure into heaven? What did Jesus’ departure mean for them? 

8. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .” 

This lesson segment concludes our study through the entire Bible. In January we will begin formatting the past six years of The Lookout lesson material (topically and as individual books of the Bible) in an updated lesson series, “1717 Studies: Your Word Is Truth.” The first in the new series, a study of Galatians, is available now for you to download and use at no cost. We hope you’ll join us in our effort to make the Word of God accessible, understandable, and appliable to groups and individuals.