Series Description
Life can be complicated. In fact, Jesus told His disciples that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33b). Sometimes, we may not understand why something happens the way it does. Yet, in spite of the things that go wrong or the things we don’t understand, we can have hope that God knows what’s best and is working for our good. Because of that, we can trust God no matter what as we begin to explore why the story of Jesus is good news for everyone.
Memory Verse
In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.
John 16:33B NIRV
Life App
Hope: Believing that something good can come out of something bad.
Week 1 (April 6)
Keep Looking to Jesus
Bible Story: Keep Looking to Jesus | Hebrews 12:1-3
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, keep looking to Jesus.
Key Question: When is it hard to focus on Jesus?
We start the month in Hebrews 12:1-3 where the author is encouraging a group of Christians to keep following Jesus. Whether in the face of persecution and hard times, or whether we get distracted because of sin, we are reminded that Jesus is worth following.
No matter the season that life brings with its highs and lows, we are not alone. Not only is Jesus with us, but we have access to others who follow Jesus as we encourage and help one another to keep the focus on Him. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can remember that there is hope, and we can keep going, no matter how hard or easy the journey may be.
Week 2 (April 13)
Palm Sunday
Bible Story: Palm Sunday | John 12:12-16
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God is still working.
Key Question: What are you hoping for?
In week 2, we head to John 12:12-16 Jesus has justarrived in Jerusalem for Palm Sunday, which fulfilled a prophecy the prophet Zechariah wrote about many years beforehand. Even though Jesus wasn’t the King the people were expecting, He was the King they needed.
Have you ever expected something to go one way, but it turned out differently than you imagined? Sometimes, in those moments we may not know what to do next or what to think, but just like God had a plan to send Jesus, God has a plan for each of us and is still at work in our lives.
Week 3 (April 20)
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Bible Story: Crucifixion and Resurrection | John 18–20:1-18; 1 Peter 1:3
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember Jesus is alive.
Key Question: Why does Easter give us hope?
In week 3, we head to John 18–20:18 and 1 Peter 1:3, as we celebrate Jesus, our risen Savior! When all hope seemed lost, Jesus defeated even death itself, proving that He is bigger than anything we could ever imagine and that we can trust Him no matter what.
What’s the best news you’ve ever heard, and what made that news so exciting? It’s probably because that news made a difference in your life for the better. The news of Jesus does exactly that! Through the good and bad, Jesus is alive, and that is GOOD news full of hope.
Week 4 (April 27)
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Bible Story: Jesus Appears to Thomas | John 20:19-29
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God is bigger than your questions.
Key Question: What questions do you have for God?
For week 4 we head to John 20:19-29 after Jesus’ resurrection. When Thomas heard Jesus was alive, he couldn’t believe it. Jesus showed up for Thomas, showing Thomas that there was no question He couldn’t handle.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the things you don’t know or don’t have answers to? Sometimes we may never know the answer, but we can trust that God will be with us even in the midst of our questions. Sometimes it’s not about the answers but about growing closer to Jesus because of it.