Active Learning Bible Studies
Holy Week:
Jesus, Victorious
These weekly active learning studies aim for growth in leaders and learners alike. Each onscreen study has a link beneath it to a printable version, leaving these flexible for in-person studies, groups studying remotely, or people studying solo.
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"'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'" ―Luke 19:40
Palm Sunday
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This week we study praise that Jesus rightly claims: praise confronting us with the mystery of his incarnation.
Read this passage; use it to answer these questions.
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Notice the phrase "our God" in verse 5. Who is on the throne? Compare verse 4 with Revelation 5:1–6 and 22:3. It's possible the speaker is ______ himself!
(Marvel also at Luke 1:30–35, Hebrews 1:8–9, and John 20:17!) -
Finally, compare Revelation 19:5 with Psalm 8:2. What does this teach you about Yahweh's delight in your praise? In what ways do you honor him?
Keep Psalm 118 open; use it to answer these questions.
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Which phrases in this psalm draw a picture of Palm Sunday?
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Read Luke 19:35–40. Did the crowds' praises, quoting Ps 118:26, emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both?
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What connection is there between Ps 118:27 and Ex 12:3? (A chronology helps to answer this; find "10th of Abib.") Does this emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both?
Read Psalm 8 (recall that Hebrew reads right to left). Answer these questions.
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List the things this psalm says God purposely did (vv 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6).
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Read Matthew 21:1–17. In verse 16, Jesus says he himself is the "you" of Psalm 8. Therefore, what divine personal name is Jesus' own? (Ps 8:1,9)
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Read Hebrews 2:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:27. These passages powerfully attest that ___ verses of Psalm 8 are Messianic.
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Does Psalm 8 emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both? BONUS: Refer to your list from Q1. Which work(s) of God are Psalm 8's focus?
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Maundy Thursday
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" ...we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."
―Romans 7:6
"Maundy" Thursday's name focuses on one of many significant things Jesus accomplished that eventful night. Between sundown and sunrise, what all did our Christ do? (See M.9 through N.10 in this gospel harmony.)
Ponder the types of things Jesus took care of that final night before his execution. Why would he spend so much precious time doing those?
Some of Jesus' words and actions that night are special treasures we tuck in our hearts' memories for times we need them.
Did Jesus do or say something on Maundy Thursday that is particularly meaningful to you? Share it ...and why it matters so much.
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Good Friday
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" ...we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom... "
―1 Corinthians 1:23–25
"Cross Medley" performed by Anthem Lights
"Jesus Paid It All": Elvina Hall (text), John T. Grape (tune)
"The Old Rugged Cross": George Bennard (text and tune)
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Resurrection
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" ...if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ...If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." ―from 1 Corinthians 15
"'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee, "The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again."'"
―two angels to the women at the empty tomb
(Luke 24:5–7; see Matthew 16:21)
" ...he appeared... " (1Co 15:3–8)
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How many people does Scripture record Jesus appearing to after his resurrection? Count them in:
" ...Jesus ...gave many convincing proofs that he was alive... " (Ac 1:1–3)
Many different proofs are recorded in the passages just read. Does one particularly impress you? Why?
Little children should simply trust their Father—but we are weak and naive, often not knowing whom to believe. Jesus lovingly, purposely, repeatedly provided proof that he lives. How is this personally helpful to you?