Bible Study: Easter 3 (A) – 2023

[RCL] Acts 2:14a,36-41; Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

This is part of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the crowd and Peter has told them that Jesus is risen, the crowd asks Peter what they should do about it. What does the Resurrection demand of them? Peter tells them to turn from their sins and respond to God’s call through baptism. He also reassures them that the promises of the Resurrection are for them – and not for them only, but for anyone.

• What does the Resurrection demand of you?
• Do you have any sacred memories related to baptism or water?

Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17

“There is no pit so deep that the love of God is not deeper still,” writes Corrie ten Boom. The Psalmist writes here that their grief entangled them, dragging them down into a deep pit of despair (v. 2). And yet, the love of God was with them in their grief. Even in death, God will be with them (v. 13). The Psalmist praises God for liberating them from their bonds, as if they had been tied up and are now set free.

• How do you pray when it seems God has not inclined an ear to you?
• What does the liberating love of God mean for you – and what does it mean for your view of justice?

1 Peter 1:17-23

The author of this letter describes our new life in Christ as seeds, though not like the seeds of plants that grow but eventually die away. Jesus’ resurrection has planted a seed that grows into a plant that will never die. The hardy plant that grows from following Jesus is “genuine mutual love” and can “love one another deeply from the heart.”

• How have you seen little seeds of love grow into flourishing plants?
• Where in your life can you plant more of these seeds?

Luke 24:13-35

The Walk to Emmaus is a famous passage. Jesus is walking down the road with some of his friends after he was raised from the dead, but they do not recognize him! He even talked about Scripture with them, asked them for the latest news around Jerusalem, and was invited to stay the night with them – and still, they think he is a stranger. Eventually, he breaks bread with them, and they finally see Jesus for who he is.

• Have you ever felt that something about Christ was revealed to you at the Eucharist?
• Have you ever noticed the presence of God in a stranger?
• Have you ever felt God’s presence at a meal?