Easter at The Cove 2023
Discussion Guide
The story of Jesus—His death and His Resurrection—is well known. For some, Easter is just another holiday to remember a great man. Yet Easter makes everything whole. It brings freedom from guilt; it opens the door to real life; and is the only way to eternal salvation. It all starts with acknowledging the penalty of sin and the payment Jesus made on our behalf. It continues as we begin to live in the hope and assurance that our God can give us a clean slate. Nothing is impossible for our God.
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. What is your favorite way to celebrate Easter? How do you honor Jesus in the Easter season?
2. Read Matthew 28:1-6. What encouragement / advice can we gain from the women who went to the tomb? What caused the earthquake? How does this passage (vs 2 and 4) silence the conspiracy theory (Matthew 28:11-15) that Jesus’ disciples stole His body? What comfort and reminders do we need to hear from the angel, just as the women did?
3. Read Matthew 28:7-10. What were the women told to do? How did they obey? What conflicting emotions did they have? How does this reassure your fear? What reward did they receive for their obedience?
4. Read Matthew 28:17 and John 20:26-29. For the believer and “not yet believer” alike, what comfort does this bring you? How does Jesus treat Thomas? What promise is for all believers who come after Jesus left the earth?
5. Read Mark 10:17-27. What one thing did the young man need to do? Do you know what your “one thing” is? Did you participate by writing either burdens and shames, or what “one thing” God has asked you to do or not do? Do you have a plan to follow through? Have you told someone?
6. Action Step: Read Colossians 2:14-15. Has Jesus cancelled your debt? Is there anything which weighs you down, for which you do not feel forgiven? Is there a person you need to share this Good News with? Share with your Life Group so they can pray together for that person.
Deeper
7. Genesis 3:14-15: Who is the serpent? Who is “her offspring”? How do the last two lines apply to the crucifixion?
8. Psalm 22:1,7-8, 14, 15: Why did Jesus quote this scripture on the cross? How do we see Jesus fulfill these prophecies described in the 22nd Psalm?
9. Exodus 12:3, 5, 7-8, 12-13, 46 and Psalm 34:20: In what ways does Jesus resemble the Passover Lamb? List as many as you see.
10. Psalm 16:8-11 and Acts 2:31-32: In Acts, Peter quotes King David’s Psalm. What is the promise here?
11. Matthew 12:38-40: What is “the sign of Jonah”? Who made this claim?
12. John 11:23-27: What did Jesus Himself promise? How do you feel about this bold statement? How has it changed your life and future?
13. Psalm 103:8-13, Isaiah 43:25 and 44:22, and Micah 7:18-19: What personal benefit of the death and Resurrection of Jesus do you experience in these verses?