Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt reminded us how the resurrection of Jesus reflects the depth and seriousness of God’s love for us.

MY STORY
Describe an event that was life-changing for you, so much so, that where you are today was a result of that milestone moment.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Mathew 28:1-10)

Why do you think the women felt a combination of fear and joy? What concerned them? What were they happy about?

In what way did the angel prepare these women to actually encounter Jesus? Why do you think they grabbed on to Jesus’ feet when they did see him?

Why might some of disciples have wrestled with doubts, even after experiencing Jesus right in front of them?

Sometime after his appearance, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28. Why does Jesus’ total and unconditional authority over all things, natural and supernatural, make all the difference when it comes to us actually making disciples?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?

Pastor Matt said, This is not a story to admire from a distance. It is a story that touches your life, your past, your struggles, your moments of confusion and disappointment, and says, this is not the end. There is more.

How does the (historically-indisputable) resurrection of Jesus validate everything he ever taught as authoritative and absolutely true?

How would your life be different if the resurrection of Christ had never happened?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, nudging us toward?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

In the Great Commission, Jesus gives us three commands: make disciples, baptize those disciples, and teach those disciples.

How can you tap into the existing ministries at Crossroads to participate in those three things?

How have you been uniquely gifted (by the Holy Spirit) to carry out those three commands in ways that no one else can?

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?