Easter Life Group Devotional: "The Resurrection Changes Everything"
The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, our hope is empty (1 Corinthians 15:17). But if He did—everything changes. After rising from the grave, Jesus didn’t immediately ascend to heaven. He stayed. He appeared to His followers. He comforted, taught, corrected, and commissioned. These moments weren’t random. Each encounter shows us how Jesus meets us now—in our grief, our doubts, our fear, and our questions.
What you will need:
A Bible or Bible app
A notebook
A pen
A highlighter
(Scripture references below are linked for easy access)
Part 1: The Empty Tomb – Luke 24:1–12.
The women who came to the tomb weren’t expecting a resurrection. They came to honor a dead body. But they were met by angels declaring, “He is not here. He has risen!”
Key Truth:
God is always working, even when we expect silence or loss. The resurrection wasn’t plan B—it was the plan all along.
Discuss:
• Why do you think the women were the first to hear the resurrection news?
• Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought God was absent, but later realized He was working
Part 2: Jesus Appears to Mary – John 20:11–18.
Mary was weeping outside the tomb. Jesus appeared to her personally and tenderly, calling her by name.
Key Truth:
The resurrected Jesus meets us in our pain. He knows our name and our story.
Discuss:
• What does this tell us about the character of Jesus?
• Where do you need to be reminded that Jesus sees you and knows you by name?
Part 3: Jesus and the Disciples – John 20:19–23.
Later that evening, Jesus appeared to the disciples behind locked doors. His first words? “Peace be with you.” Then He showed them His wounds and breathed the Holy Spirit onto them.
Key Truth:
Jesus offers peace, even in the middle of fear. The resurrection gives us spiritual power and purpose.
Discuss:
• Why do you think Jesus showed them His wounds?
• How does the resurrection give us courage in the face of fear or uncertainty?
Part 4: Jesus and Thomas – John 20:24–29.
Thomas wasn’t with the others and said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus for himself. A week later, Jesus came back—just for him.
Key Truth:
Jesus doesn’t shame our doubts—He meets us in them. Faith is built through relationship, not pressure.
Discuss:
• How do you relate to Thomas’ response?
• How can we respond with grace to our own doubts—or the doubts of others?
Closing Thought:
Jesus’ post-resurrection encounters were deeply personal. He didn’t just rise, He returned to restore. To Mary. To the disciples. To Thomas. To over 500 witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6). And He’s still revealing Himself today. The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history, it’s the power that transforms our present.
Group Reflection Questions:
• What part of Jesus’ resurrection story has meant the most to you this Easter?
• How can we live as people shaped by the resurrection in our everyday lives?
• Who in your life needs the hope and truth of the resurrection?
Prayer Prompt:
Invite group members to pray aloud or silently, thanking Jesus for meeting them in specific areas, fear, doubt, discouragement, or confusion, and asking for the courage to live as resurrection people and to share this good news with others.