Encounters with Jesus - 4-Week Easter Series

Encounters with Jesus is a 4-week Easter series. The Gospels are full of stories that show us the miraculous power of Jesus, but there are some that show us even more. In this series, we’ll look at some amazing stories from the Gospels where ordinary people had extraordinary encounters with the Jesus. Each encounter will help them see more of who Jesus is and why He came to earth. Encounters with Jesus is the perfect Easter series because week 3 focuses on Jesus’ death on the cross and week 4 on his resurrection. ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS OVERVIEW  LESSON 1: THE WIDOW OF NAIN Bible: Luke 7:11-17 Bottom Line: Jesus has power over death. Description: In this week’s lesson, we’ll look at the encounter of Jesus and the Widow of Nain. She had lost her husband and now her son, but on the way to the graveyard she met Jesus. In Jesus’ actions, we see that He has compassion for broken hearts. But even more importantly, we see that He has power over death. LESSON 2: JESUS CASTS OUT THE DEMONS Bible: Mark 5:1-20 Bottom Line: Jesus has power over sin. Description: Jesus came to bring redemption and salvation people who are caught in sin. In Jesus’ ministry, we see several encounters that display His power over sin. None of these stories present this power so vividly and memorably than His encounter with the demon-possessed man. This wild encounter with Jesus clearly illustrates His power over sin. LESSON 3: JESUS’ DEATH & BURIAL  Bible: John 16:16-18; Matthew 27:27-31, 59-61 Bottom Line: It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!  Description: On the day of Jesus’ death, all hope seemed lost. For that moment, it seemed like sin and death had won. The people were expecting a powerful king to lead them into a mighty kingdom, but now their king was dead. They had no idea that Jesus’ death was just temporary, and that his resurrection would give them access to such a greater Kingdom. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! LESSON 4: ROAD TO EMMAUS Bible: Luke 24:13-35  Bottom Line: Jesus is alive and He has freed us from sin! Description: On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, there was still much confusion about what had happened. Two of His followers debated what they had heard as they walked along the road outside Jerusalem. Suddenly, Jesus appeared to them and explained God’s plan of redemption from beginning to end. They didn’t recognize Jesus at first. But when their eyes were opened, they realized it was Jesus and that He is ALIVE.