An after-Easter worship service: Now what

Group, Mar/Apr 2003 by Case, Steve

3. Play your choice for an opening song.

4. Read aloud Luke 24:13-32.

5. Say something like: The Scripture we just read says the two men were kept from recognizing Jesus. The Bible doesn't say if this was some supernatural thing or whether Jesus simply covered his head with his cloak. They certainly wouldn't have been expecting him to show up and walk with them. The Gospel of Mark says he appeared to the two men in .another form." Jesus was right there next to them and they didn't see him. Sometimes we do the same thing. As I say the following phrases, I want you to respond to each one by saying, Jesus was there."

When the blind were made to see...

When the broken stood and walked...

When the wandering found a path to follow..

When Mary and the women went to the tomb...

When the apostles gathered in the room...

When the disciples walked along the road...

6. Read aloud John 21:1-14.

7. Say something like: This is a great passage-Peter was the one who'd walked on the water, and now he's so excited to see Jesus he just jumps in and swims to shore. Think of how happy you'd be if you suddenly saw your long-lost best friend or someone you love dearly calling to you from a long way off. Would you believe or would you question your own eyes? As I say the following phrases, respond to each one by saying, Jesus was there again."

When the disciples tried to return to their jobs...

When Thomas doubted...

When Paul was knocked off his horse...

When John had his revelation...

8. Read aloud Luke 24:36-49.

9. Say something like: Jesus didn't appear to the disciples while they were worshiping. He didn't show up driving a flaming chariot or in a flash of light. He came to them where they were-as they walked along the road, did their jobs, and ate their meals. Jesus comes to us in the same way. Let's remember that truth by taking communion now.

10. Say something like: Jesus took the bread that was lying on the table and broke it. He gave it to each of them and said, "This is my body-take some and eat." (Break and pass your "bread" around the circle.) Then he took the cup and said to them, "This is my blood. It is a sign of the promise. Take it and drink some." (Share your "cup.") When Jesus finished the first communion service, he told his followers that he was now a part of them-he existed inside them. When we take communion, we're reminded of the same thing. Jesus is a part of who we are. When Jesus prayed for his disciples, he asked for them to be one with God. The Apostle Mark said Jesus appeared in "another form" to the men headed for Emmaus, and it's still true today. Jesus appears in another form... you and me. As I say the following phrases, respond to each one by saying, "Jesus is there."

When a child is born...

When the hungry are fed...

When we gather in his name...

When we celebrate Easter..

When we clean up the mess afterward...

When we stand in the rest stop [kitchen, parking lot] and read the Scriptures...

When we're at school...

When we talk with our friends...

When we live our lives...