Jesus’ resurrection proves his ability to free us from sin, and our simple response is faith in him.
- 00:00 🐰 Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning, surprising the women who went to his tomb.
- 01:14 🌟 Jesus came to die for our sins and come back to life so we could have a full, rich, happy life.
- 01:48 📖 Sin is our problem, but Jesus is the solution.
- 02:41 🌟 Jesus’ resurrection proves his ability to free us from sin, and our simple response is faith in him.
SOURCE: Young Catholics
ASK A
TEEN
GOSPEL
DISCUSSION
Discussion questions for teens with sample answers based on their interests.
Discussion Questions
John 20:1-9
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think the disciples felt when they discovered the empty tomb in John 20:1-9? How can their experience of confusion and uncertainty resonate with challenges you face as a teenager today?
The disciples may have felt a mix of emotions – confusion, fear, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope. As a teenager, I can relate to feeling uncertain and lost at times, especially when facing academic pressures or social challenges. The empty tomb story reminds me that even in moments of confusion, there can be unexpected outcomes that bring new possibilities and hope.
2. In what ways do you see Mary Magdalene’s determination and loyalty in seeking Jesus reflected in your own life experiences? How can her example inspire you during difficult times?
Mary Magdalene’s determination to find Jesus despite the odds resonates with me as a teenager. I often encounter obstacles or setbacks in pursuing my goals or beliefs. Her unwavering loyalty inspires me to stay committed to my values and aspirations, even when faced with challenges or doubts.
3. Reflecting on the skepticism of the disciples in John 20:8, how do you navigate doubt and faith in your own life as a teenager? What strategies help you strengthen your beliefs and convictions?
The disciples’ initial skepticism in John 20:8 mirrors moments of doubt that I experience as a teenager. When facing uncertainties or questioning my beliefs, I find it helpful to seek guidance from trusted sources, reflect on past experiences of faith, and engage in meaningful conversations with peers or mentors to strengthen my convictions.
4. How does the concept of seeing and believing in John 20:8 relate to the pressures teenagers face in a world saturated with social media and external influences? How can you discern truth and authenticity amidst the noise?
The disciples’ journey from seeing to believing in John 20:8 prompts me to reflect on the importance of critical thinking and discernment in a world filled with information and influences. As a teenager navigating social media and peer pressure, I strive to cultivate a discerning mindset by verifying sources, seeking diverse perspectives, and staying true to my values and beliefs.
5. Consider the joy and awe experienced by the disciples upon realizing the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. How can their transformation from fear to faith offer hope and encouragement to you as a teenager facing challenges and uncertainties?
The disciples’ transformation from fear to faith upon realizing Jesus’ resurrection serves as a powerful reminder that hope can arise from moments of despair. As a teenager facing uncertainties about the future, academic stress, or personal challenges, I draw strength from their story to embrace moments of doubt as opportunities for growth and renewal, leading to a deeper sense of faith and resilience.
Featured Videos
Easter should be taken as seriously as Lent, as it celebrates the hope and promise of Christ’s resurrection, bringing resolution and catharsis to our lives.
- 00:00 🐣 Take Easter as seriously as Lent, as it provides resolution and catharsis, leaving us unsatisfied without it.
- 00:43 🐣 Our human hearts desire things to come together and Easter celebrates the hope and promise that Christ’s resurrection brings.
- 01:34 🐣 Jesus took on all suffering at the cross, and his resurrection gives hope to all.
- 02:21 🐣 Celebrate Easter with the same urgency, passion, and effort as Lent, as the church holds Easter as the season and celebration above all.
- 03:04 🐣 Easter is a season of hope, celebrating the victory of Christ and receiving the gift of hope and grace through the Holy Spirit.
- 03:47 🐣 Prioritize celebrating Easter by praying, studying the Bible, and proclaiming “Christ is risen”.
- 04:43 🐣 Repeatedly proclaiming “Christ is risen” brings hope and light into the midst of struggle, suffering, and disappointment.
- 05:20 🐣 Christ is risen, and we are people of hope with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Easter is a time to run to the risen Jesus with excitement and energy, despite sin and doubt, because his resurrection is the foundation of our faith and brings hope and newness of life.
- 00:00 🏃♂️ Easter is a time to run to the Lord with excitement and energy.
- 00:39 🏃♂️ Disciples ran to the empty tomb, showing that even in sin, Peter still ran to the Lord.
- 01:43 🏃♂️ Run to the Lord despite sin and doubt, like Peter and the apostles, because our faith would be in vain otherwise.
- 02:17 🙌 The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith.
- 03:06 🏃♂️ We are called to walk in the newness of life and have hope in the resurrection, no longer slaves to sin.
- 04:09 🙌 We are called to be resurrected with Jesus, to have faith and hope in the transition into eternity and to walk in the newness of life.
- 04:53 🙌 Jesus is alive and his grace is still active, bringing people out of addiction and into healing, transforming lives.
- 05:42 🙌 Run to the risen Jesus this Easter, as he is our hope of glory and always with us.
SOURCE: Ascension Presents
Jared Dees
SOURCE: The Religion Teacher
Alleluia (Hallelujah) means “praise God.” The word is a shortened way of saying “Praise Yahweh”:
Allel (Hallel) = Praise
Yah (Jah) = Yahweh = Lord
Alleluia is way to praise God in joy for his goodness. It is typically said quite often during liturgies within the season of Easter and not at all during Lent. Easter is a season of joy, so we joyfully praise God with all his angels and saints, for the gift of his son and the glorious Resurrection. Lent is a time of somber preparation for the Easter joy, so we fast from joyful proclamation of Alleluias during mass and liturgical prayer.
Catholics proclaim it before the reading of the Gospel (except during Lent) because the Word of God is so worthy of our praise. Also, Alleluia appears in 23 verses as a prayer in the Books of Psalms.
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