How to get the most out of this book

You could choose to read this book on your own, or as part of a small group.

Each chapter of the book is broken into four sections:

1. The Bible passage that is the focus for that chapter

2. A background exploration of some questions thrown up by the passage and of the character that is the focus for that chapter

3. A story: an imaginative retelling of the passage through the eyes of one of the people that was there. There is also an audio recording of each of the stories (thanks to the members of the Kineton Amateur Dramatic Society). So you can just close your eyes, and imagine you were present as the character from that chapter shares their story.

4. Some thoughts and questions for reflection

We always learn more when we share with others, so, if possible, I encourage you to do this with a group. If you do this as part of a small group, you could:

1. Read it like a book club, where people read through it on their own and then get together once a week to dicuss it, or

2. Gather weekly to do each chapter together:

   1. Read through and discuss the Bible passage and the background to the story

   2. Listen together to the recording of the story

   3. Work through the questions for reflection

You could just choose to read through the stories in each chapter and take them as they are, but I hope that they encourage you to explore imaginative contemplation for yourself, allowing the space for God to speak to you afresh through the passages.  You will get far more from each chapter if you:

1. Read the Bible passage,

2. Read the notes on the background/context,

3. Read the story (and/or listen to it)

4. Work through the thoughts and questions for reflection:

5. The background and the story provide a window to help look at the passage imaginatively for yourself.  If you want to go deeper:

   1. Ask God to speak to you through the passage

   2. Slowly read the Bible passage again

   3. Visualise yourself as one of the characters, or as an observer.  Pay attention to the details of the scene; what do you see, hear and smell?  What do you feel as you immerse yourself in the story?

   4. Again, ask God what he wants you to take away from this.

6. You might like to note any thoughts or feelings in a journal before moving onto the next chapter. 

However you choose to engage with this book, I pray that it would help you gain new insight into the incredible stories from that first Easter, and find a fresh connection with the risen Jesus.

Barry Jackson