13th Disciple

13th Disciple is a relaxed Bible study that blends weekly Scripture readings, reflections, and meaningful conversations — one story and one drink at a time.

For the 2025 - 2026 season, 13th Disciple will meet at rotating locations around Grand Island:

- 1st Thursdays - The Finish Line - 700 E Stolley Park Rd
- 2nd Thursdays - Balz Sports Bar at Prairie District (New) 3568 Innate Lane
- 3rd Thursdays - The Chocolate Bar - 116 W 3rd St
- 4th Thursdays - Travelers Taproom - 2230 N Webb
- 5th Thursdays - Lee Hall’s Home - 2419 S Blaine

*This week's lesson is available below as well as an archive of past 13th Disciple lessons.

*Scroll even further down for a list of all meeting dates and locations for the season.

What are we about?

13th Disciple is a men’s Bible study for Christian men who want to grow in faith, brotherhood, and authenticity. We meet weekly at local bars and restaurants around town to share food, drinks, Scripture, and real conversation about what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Rooted in ELCA Lutheran theology, our discussions focus on grace, community, and living out faith through courage and service. Each study is designed for men of all ages and backgrounds—whether you’re new to the Bible or a lifelong believer.

Expect honest talk, laughter, prayer, and encouragement to live boldly as Christian men in today’s world.

Join us for fellowship, good conversation, and a faith that meets real life.

Readings for Thursday April 9th 2026

Second Sunday of Easter

13th Disciple

Theme: From Death to Life: God Breathes Life Into What Seems Lost

Texts: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31

This week’s readings move us from fear and doubt into bold faith and living hope. From Peter’s powerful witness in Acts, to the promise of new birth in 1 Peter, to Thomas encountering the risen Jesus—God meets real men in real struggles and calls them into resurrection living. This study invites us to wrestle honestly with doubt, receive Christ’s peace, and step forward with confident hope.

Warm-up Question: What’s something from this past week that challenged you—or stretched you a little outside your comfort zone?

1. 🕰️Historical & Literary Context: What do we need to know about the original setting?

Acts 2:14a, 22-32

This moment takes place during Pentecost, a major Jewish festival in Jerusalem drawing people from across the Roman world. The disciples have just received the Holy Spirit. Peter—who had recently denied Jesus—is now boldly preaching to a diverse crowd. This is early in the formation of the Church, likely around 30–33 AD, under Roman occupation. The speech connects Jesus to Israel’s story, emphasizing that the crucified Christ is now risen and exalted.

1 Peter 1:3-9

Traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, this letter is written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor facing social pressure, marginalization, and occasional persecution. Likely written in the 60s AD, it emphasizes endurance and identity. These Christians are not powerful or wealthy; they are navigating faith in a culture that doesn’t share their beliefs. The tone is deeply pastoral—encouraging hope rooted in the resurrection.

John 20:19-31

Written later than the other Gospels (around 90 AD), John speaks to a community wrestling with belief in a risen Christ they cannot physically see. The disciples are hiding in fear after the crucifixion. Thomas represents honest skepticism—he refuses secondhand faith. This passage sits near the end of the Gospel and serves as a purpose statement: belief in Jesus leads to life.

Big Picture Context:

All three texts happen after the resurrection but show different responses: bold proclamation (Acts), enduring hope (1 Peter), and honest doubt transformed into faith (John).

2. 📖Read the Passage Aloud

Acts 2:14a, 22-32a, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 9:1-4

3. 👀Observation: What words or phrases stand out?

4. ⚖️ Law and Gospel — What challenge is here? What comfort?

5. ✝️ Christ Connection — How does this text connect to Jesus?

6. ⛪ Today’s Church — How does this shape us as a community?

7. 💬Real Life for Christian Men: What’s one step you can take this week to live out your faith more boldly or authentically as a Christian man?

8. 🙏 Prayer

Gracious and risen Lord, you meet us in our fear, our doubt, and our everyday lives, speaking peace where we least expect it. Thank you for giving us a living hope through your resurrection—a hope not built on our strength, but on your grace. Help us, as men of faith, to move from hesitation to courage, from silence to witness, and from doubt into deeper trust. Shape us into a brotherhood that reflects your love, where honesty is welcomed and faith is strengthened. Send us out this week to live boldly and authentically, grounded in your presence and guided by your Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

13th Disciple Weekly Bible Lesson Archive

Week of Sunday June 15th 2025 (1st Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday June 22nd 2025 (2nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday June 29th 2025 (3rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

Week of Sunday July 6th 2025 (4th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday July 13th 2025 (5th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday July 20th 2025 (6th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday July 27th 2025 (7th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

Week of Sunday August 3rd 2025 (8th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday August 10th 2025 (9th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday August 17th 2025 (10th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday August 24th 2025 (11th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

Week of Sunday September 7th 2025 (13th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday September 14th 2025 (14th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday September 21st 2025 (15th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday September 28 2025 (16th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

Week of Sunday October 5th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Sunday October 12th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Thursday October 16th 2025 (18th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Thursday October 26th 2025 (Reformation Sunday) NO STUDY
Week of Thursday October 30th 2025 (All Saints Sunday) PDF Version

Week of Thursday November 6th 2025 (22nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Thursday November 13th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Thursday November 20th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version
Week of Thursday November 27th 2025 (First Sunday in Advent) NO STUDY

Week of Thursday December 4th 2025 (Second Sunday in Advent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Third Sunday in Advent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Fourth Sunday in Advent) PDF Version

Week of Thursday January 8th 2026 (First Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version
Week of Thursday January 15th 2026 (Second Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version
Week of Thursday January 22nd 2026 (Third Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version
Week of Thursday January 29th 2026 (Fourth Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version

Week of Thursday February 5th 2026 (Fifth Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version
Week of Thursday February 12th 2026 (Transfiguration Sunday) PDF Version
Week of Thursday February 19th 2026 (1st Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday February 26th 2026 (2nd Sunday in Lent) PDF Version

Week of Thursday March 5th 2026 (3rd Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday March 12th 2026 (4th Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday March 19th 2026 (5th Sunday in Lent) PDF Version

Week of Thursday April 9th 2026 (5th Sunday in Lent) PDF Version

2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)

Google Sites

Report abuse