The First Fruits

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering and Opening (10 minutes). In groups of two or three, respond to the following, “When was the first time you heard about Jesus’ resurrection? What did you understand? What questions did you have?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.

• How do you understand the idea of “resurrection”? What are some common misunderstandings of resurrection? [That resurrection is the same as reincarnation; our souls escape the body at death; immortality of the soul; resurrection happened only to Jesus, etc.]
• Why do you think the concept of resurrection from the dead was controversial to Paul’s audience? Why do you think it is debated even today?
• Paul’s point in verse 19 suggests that Christ’s resurrection gives hope for this life and the next. We often focus on the hope of eternal life. How does Christ’s resurrection also give hope for the life we live here and now?
• How is our hope connected to Jesus’ resurrection?
• Why do you think Paul is so insistent that our faith is futile (v. 17) without the resurrection of Christ?
• Read Exodus 23:14-20. Notice the repetition of the phrase “first fruits.” What does the phrase “first fruits” refer to in this passage about annual festivals of the Israelites? (If you have time, you might also read Leviticus 23:1, 9-22.) [First Fruits were a sacrifice, often costly, presenting the best to God, which also served to represent that all we have is God’s.]
• How is Christ “the first fruits of those who have died” (v. 20)? [Christ is the best of us and is a costly sacrifice representing all of us, guaranteeing more to come.]
• (R) How might our belief in Jesus’ resurrection be the bedrock of our faith?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

God of Resurrection, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can trust that there is nothing that will separate us from your love. We give thanks for your faithfulness and the hope we have for this life and the next. Help us to be resurrection people. Help us to see all things through the eyes of faith. Amen.