Opening Discussion

• What’s something you enjoy doing in the springtime?

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

John 20:19-23

19 When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

• Why does Jesus announce twice to the disciples, “Peace be with you?”
• Where was Jesus sending the disciples?
• What authority does Jesus give the disciples?
• How do you use the authority that Jesus gives you through the Holy Spirit?

John 14:15-17

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

1 John 2:1

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one.

• What are some qualities of the Holy Spirit?
• Why does keeping the Lord’s commands show that we love Him?
• What does it mean that Jesus is our advocate with the Father?

Discipleship Questions

• What is something you can do this week to listen to the Holy Spirit?
• Are there any ways you are disobeying God’s commands?
  • How can you walk in obedience in one of those areas?

Extended Edition

Read and Discuss

John 20:19-23

19 When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

• Why does Jesus announce twice to the disciples, “Peace be with you?”
• Where was Jesus sending the disciples?
• What authority does Jesus give the disciples?
• How do you use the authority that Jesus gives you through the Holy Spirit?
• What does verse 23 mean?
• What are some things that are easy to forgive?
• What are some things that are hard to forgive?
• Is there anyone you are having trouble forgiving?
  • How could you rely on the Holy Spirit this week to help you work towards forgiveness?

John 14:15-17

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

1 John 2:1

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one.

• What are some qualities of the Holy Spirit?
• Why does keeping the Lord’s commands show that we love Him?
• What does it mean that Jesus is our advocate with Father?
• Why does John address his audience as little children?
• What is the role of a counselor?
• How does having the Counselor with us forever change us?
• Do you access the Holy Spirit (Counselor) on a daily basis?
  • If not, what can you do to live that way?

Discipleship Questions

• What is something you can do this week to listen to the Holy Spirit?
• Are there any ways you are disobeying God’s commands?
  • How can you walk in obedience in one of those areas?

Memorize it!

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Give thanks for giving us the Holy Spirit

Adoration- Worship God for being the Counselor forever

Confess a way that you disobeyed God this week. Ask for forgiveness.

Others- Pray for someone who needs to turn their life over to Jesus. Ask for an opportunity to talk to them about Jesus this week.

Self- Pray that you would listen more to the Holy Spirit this week and operate your life according to His leading