What we see in the present-day foreground of life is scary, but there are divine spiritual realities and promises in the background that are meant to put all of it into the right perspective. Trusting in Jesus brings peace—not fear and not doubt—even in suffering.

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KEY VERSES

LUKE 24:36-49 (NASB)

Other Appearances

36 While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.41 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it before them.

44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

JOHN 14:27 (NASB)

27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

LUKE 24:44-49 (NASB)

44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

UNDERSTANDING

• How does the world define peace?

• Do you think peace is easy or difficult to attain? Explain. What are common culprits that steal your peace?

• Agree or disagree, and why: If you truly trust in Jesus, then you have peace, not fear and doubt, in every circumstance.

• When Jesus arrived the disciples were having a conversation. Glance back to verses 34-35. What were the disciples talking about when Jesus arrived?

• What is the first thing Jesus said to the disciples?

• How did Jesus differentiate Himself and the peace He offers from the world’s peace?

• What did Jesus say about your heart? In your current circumstance, is that even possible? Explain.

• How did Jesus reassure the disciples of His identity? What does this tell you about Him?

• What do you think caused the trust issues the disciples had going on here?

• What are obstacles that prevent us from fully trusting and experiencing the reality of the

  risen Christ?

• What was Jesus referring to when He said, “Everything about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled”?

• What is God opening your mind to understand in these days so that you might trust Him more (v. 45)?

• What title did Jesus assign to His disciples in verse 48? How does that relate to you now? How can you share Christ in these days with those who need His peace?

APPLICATION

• Trusting in Jesus brings peace, even in suffering. Trusting in Jesus brings peace, not fear. Trusting in Jesus brings peace, not doubt. Which of these three statements stands out to you the most right now? Why?

• What would change in your life this week if you were to truly trust Jesus and take Him at His Word? What steps do you need to take in order to trust Jesus?

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