Easter 2021
Sunday, April 4, 2021
On Good Friday, we read all of Matthew 27 together. We remembered the death of Jesus on the cross and what it accomplished. On Easter Sunday, we looked into Matthew 28 to remember the resurrection and the promise of new life. As you reflect on those chapters and the Holy Week we just celebrated, what stood out to you about the cross or the resurrection in a unique way this year?
Matthew 28:1-6 shows us “that new life happens.” How do we know the resurrection is true?
How does our culture tend to discredit the resurrection?
Have you gone through seasons of doubt about the validity of Jesus’ life, death, or resurrection?
What were some of the biggest hurdles to get past?
What made the biggest impact for overcoming those doubts?
Matthew 28:8-10 and John 20:11-23 tell us a bit about “who new life is for.” Describe the types of people that Jesus appeared to.
How does this challenge or comfort your view of Jesus and who He seeks out?
Matthew 28:8-10, 17-20 show us “what new life does”. How did they respond after they realized the resurrection of Jesus was real?
How did you respond when you realized it was real? How has the resurrection changed you?
What does it mean to be a “witnessing worshipper?”
On Sunday, we got to see a video of Jason interviewing 2 men from UBC, Brian & Phil, who had both battled addiction and experienced the life-changing power of God’s redemption. What stood out to you about those testimonies?
Brian encouraged us not to wait - if we know the Lord is calling us to repentance/obedience/change - don’t wait. Have you experienced that struggle of knowing what God wants you to do and still clinging to what you want? Why is that struggle so hard? How did it work out for you?
Phil said that Satan’s biggest tools are doubt and fear. How have you seen the enemy try to use those tools in your life?
Phil also said that those tools get crushed in the presence of God. Have you seen the Lord crush the tools of the enemy in your life?
As you think about the new life that Jesus brings, what are some of the areas of your life where you see that “new life”? (This isn’t about bragging - this is about giving God credit for his amazing work!)
Take some time to pray for the people in your life that need the “new life” we’ve been talking about. Pray with joy and expectation that God will work in their lives AND also pray that you will be willing and available to be used in that process.