Connect:4 {Study}

Inside Joke

This is the last week of Connect:4. We’ll be looking at the two “miraculous catch” stories. Reading these two together ALWAYS makes me laugh and cry.

#1 Read Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-14

Answer these questions:

1. Who is Jesus?

2. What is the gospel?

#2 Compare the texts

As you read these two stories, consider why Jesus would choose to recreate this moment.

• What are the apostles thinking the first time Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the other side? The second time?
• Why would this miracle be a good one to replicate? Why at this moment?

#3 Recreate a Memory

Okay. This may sound random, but it will definitely be fun: Recreate a powerful memory. It could be a date, watching a movie you saw with your best friend in high school, eating a dish you haven’t had since your grandmother died, anything you haven’t done in a long time that you remember with fondness.

Then, explore how you feel in the moment, knowing it’s akin to what the apostles felt in John 21. :)

Click here for an account of a moment I recently recreated.

Alive

This week (May 14th) we’ll study the resurrection in Luke 24 and John 20.

Consider it Easter: The Appendix. :)

#1 Read John 20 and Luke 24

1. Who is Jesus?

2. What is the gospel?

(You’re welcome to doodle your answers in colored markers. I’m so excited about them, that’s what I’m doing.)

#2 Reflect on the witnesses

Who sees the risen Christ first in John’s account? Luke’s? Are those answers significant in any way?

Does it matter that women first heard the good news?

How do Peter and John react? Is their reaction the same?

Considering everyone who hears, what is the general response to the news?

#3 Meditate on “Rabboni”

This is one of my all-time favorite songs to sing. It tells Mary’s story of finding Jesus at the tomb. Consider the lyrics and meditate on how you might have reacted had you stumbled upon the empty tomb that morning.

“Rabboni!” by Ken Young
You were there when the world had turned against me.
When the darkness had possessed my soul,
Your tender mercy made me whole.
When I followed You, my life was filled with meaning
From the morning to the evening.
I’ve seen the face of God.

Bridge:
When I close my eyes
I can hear Your voice so clearly saying,
“Father, please forgive them,
For they know not what they do.”
What good reason did they have to do
The things they did to You?

So I come once again bringing all I have to offer,
Just to find a dark and empty tomb,
Your holy frame somehow exhumed.
Then I hear someone say,
“Why are tears so freely falling?
Can’t You hear the voice that’s calling?
A voice that knows Your name.”

Chorus:
Rabboni! My Teacher and my God!
You’re alive and my burdens melt away.
Rabboni! Sweet Son of God Most High!
I know death has lost its power
And Your glory’s here to stay. (repeat).

You may want to contrast this reaction to Thomas’ in another Ken Young song, “Thomas’ Song.” You can find the lyrics here.