By Michael C. Mack

Imagine your group must carry out a seemingly impossible task—something so big that you could not accomplish it with your own effort. Brainstorm everything you’d need to accomplish this mission. Who would do what? 

Read John 20:19-23. 

Why were the disciples afraid and hiding with the doors locked? What had happened over the previous days and how had they reacted? 

If you had been one of those disciples in the room when Jesus appeared, what would you have been thinking and feeling? How would you have responded to him?

These disciples had spent three years with Jesus, but just days before most had abandoned him. Now Jesus was sending them to continue what the Father had sent him into the world to accomplish. How confident would they have been in their abilities to carry out the mission? Why? 

Read Genesis 2:7. What are the similarities between this verse and John 20:22? How are they different? 

Read aloud Zechariah 4:6. Encourage each member to read this verse daily and memorize it. Determine now that as you face problems or are called by God to serve him, that you will do so with the strength and power of the Spirit. 

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).