Especially for Younger Students: Seeing is Believing

Learning Goal: Students will evaluate what Jesus’ resurrection means to them.

Remind students Jesus appeared before His disciples in the flesh to prove that He was alive and not lying dead in the tomb. Ask: What are some ways that people today can personally experience Jesus’ presence in their lives? (Students may describe times when they experienced Jesus’ presence during a retreat or youth conference setting, or they may share times when they felt Jesus’ presence during a personal time of prayer.) Ask: How can these types of experiences help us accept Jesus as God’s Son, the Messiah who suffered death on the cross only to be raised to life again?

Point out that believing in Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior is a personal decision that each of us must make for ourselves. Invite students to privately respond to these questions:

• What part of Jesus’ sacrifice is hardest for you to understand—His death or His resurrection?
• Why is Jesus’ resurrection the proof of His ability to pay the penalty for your sin?
• How has Jesus revealed Himself to you?
• How have you responded to the truth that Jesus is the Messiah who came to redeem all people?
• How have you responded to Jesus as your Redeemer?

Encourage students to talk with you or another adult after class if they have unanswered questions about the role that Jesus’ resurrection plays in any decisions they may have about their faith. Lead your students in prayer that they will come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, if they have not already, and that they will boldly share their faith with others.