S – Scripture 

Read aloud: John 20:11–18

Optional: Read Psalm 13; Psalm 34:18 and Isaiah 43:1 as well.

O – Observation

A – Application

P – Prayer

Invite group members to silently reflect on this question: “Jesus, where do I need resurrection in my life right now?”

Then: Pray for one another — especially for places of disappointment or grief.

Be honest, do you think you could land a plane?

What is your definition of faith? (After sharing, compare it to Hebrews 11:1)

Read Matthew 14:22-33, another story about doubt. How does this story compare to Thomas’ story of doubt? Are there any themes about doubt you notice?

How do you view doubt and faith? Are they opposites, compatible, or somewhere in between?

What are some doubts you struggle with or have struggled with? If it was in the past, how did that doubt resolve?

Is there a difference between healthy doubt or unhealthy doubt? How might we tell the difference?

What is your reaction to this quote from Fuller: Doubt isn’t toxic to faith, silence is.” How can we help people who are going through times of doubt?

Describe a time when you won something.

Describe a time when a valley came to an end for you.

This week Jeremey listed  ways God uses suffering in our lives (e.g., revealing our need for Him, shaping our character). Which of these purposes has felt most true in your story? Why?

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This passage focuses on mourning with hope. While this refers to mourning death we can also include mourning many other losses. How does this kind of hope change the way you respond to suffering or loss compared to those without it? How can we as followers of Jesus remain grounded in this kind of Hope even when the world around us does not?

Jeremey spoke about the differences between human hope and God’s hope, where do you find yourself most tempted to rely on human strength or control in life’s valleys? What helps you shift toward trusting God’s promises?

2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1-4 Each of these speak of a renewed creation in the future. How can “living in the future now” influence the way we handle present struggles and help others around you? What are practical ways to keep an eternal perspective in your daily life?

Icebreaker

Can you think of a time in your life when things felt disorienting—when you weren’t sure what was next or how to move forward? What was that experience like for you?

Explore it

Apply it

For discussion questions, click the button above.

For discussion questions, click the button above

– Have you ever had or thrown a surprise party? 

– In your opinion, what is the difference between the spiritual discipline of celebration and celebration in general? 

– What things get in the way of you being able to celebrate others? 

– Read Luke 7:44-46. What leads Simon and the woman to behave the way that they do? What does Jesus want to teach Simon? 

– What do you think prevents Simon from being able to see the woman like Jesus does? Where can this show up in your own life?

– What is one way you can celebrate more this week?

– Do you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree, and why? What’s your favorite Christmas tradition that brings you joy every year?

– Think of the most joyful person you know. What stands out about them?

– Can you share a time in your life when you felt deeply fulfilled or full of joy? What made that moment so meaningful?

– Isaiah talked about how joy is fulfilled through God’s greatest demonstration of love: salvation. How has understanding the gospel (the good news) brought you joy, even in challenging times?

– Simeon shared the good news of God’s fulfilled promise with others. How can you share joy in your own life so that others can see God’s work in you? What part of your story could encourage someone else?

– Describe a time when someone else’s joy made you joyful.

– Read Luke 2:1-20. At what point in the story does joy break in?

– What made the characters joyful? What reactions to this joy are listed in the text?

– How do we see different reactions to Jesus coming today?