Discussion Guide
The Easter story is the most amazing story ever and one of the hardest to believe for some people. Jesus lived, was beaten, nailed to a cross, died, and rose on the third day and is now alive. This true story changed the world.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Have you ever heard a story so far-fetched that you had a hard time believing it was true? Do you have a story that when you share it, people are skeptical?
2. Read Matthew 28:5-6. What is the amazing news announced by the angel? How has this news impacted your life?
3. Because Jesus died, I have access to God. Read Matthew 27:50-51. What is the significance of the “veil?” In what way does the veil being torn from top to bottom change our access to God?
4. Because Jesus gave His Spirit, we are transforming. Read 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, John 16:7, John 16:12-15. Who have we been given to help transform our lives? What is the Spirit called in John 16:7? How are you allowing the Spirit to help transform you daily?
5. Because Jesus is alive, I have a purpose. Read Matthew 28:19-20. What did Jesus challenge His disciples to do with their lives? With that command, what was the promise in verse 20? How has the death and resurrection of Jesus given your life purpose?
Action Step: This week thank God for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus - for you. Thank Him for sending the Holy Spirit that helps us and guides us. Slow down this week and start to listen to the Spirit. Ask Him to help you see where He is leading and guiding you.
Deeper
6. Read Matthew 27:45-50. What was the physical impact of the death of Jesus over the land? What is the gravity of Jesus words: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
7. Read Matthew 27:51-54. What are some of the miraculous things that took place as Jesus died? Who was changed at the actual scene of the Cross?
8. Read Matthew 28:1-6. Who rolls the stone away from the tomb of Jesus? What does the angel show the two women? How does this set Christianity apart from all other religions?
Prayer: The Angel of the Lord rolled the stone away, told the women not to be afraid and then showed them where He was before – and was gone, risen from the dead! God thank you for Easter! The resurrection of Jesus changed the world forever. This man, recorded in history, lived, died and there is great evidence even outside of the Bible that He rose again. We believe that Jesus did what He said and defeated sin and death. It’s a big claim. It still has the same power today as it did then. You are truly the Way, the Truth and the Life.