Recall a time when something happened to you that was extremely disruptive to your life, your work, or your family?
Read Matt 28:1-10. What do you think the two Mary’s were thinking as they made their way to the tomb of Jesus? What emotions would you have been experiencing if you had been in their place? What would you be thinking if you had heard what the angel had to say to the women? What questions would you have had for the angel? The Bible says the women left the tomb and ran with a mixture of fear and joy. What does this image say to you?
These two emotions come before the women meet Jesus. Their first response is to take hold of his feet and worship him. What does this scene teach us about worship?
Read Matt 28:11-15. Thinking about the guards in particular, they have to choose between two different stories of what happened to them. Where might our lives reflect the actions of the guards in dismissing or not embracing the truth of Christ’s resurrection?
Read Matt 28:16-17. Is it possible to worship and doubt at the same time? If so, how?
Read Matt 28:18-20, Mark 1:21-22, 27, Mark 2:10-11, Mark 3:14-15. What kind of authority did Christ have and pass on to us?
Read 2 Cor 4:14 and 1 Cor 15:13-19. Why is it important that we know that Jesus was resurrected?
Everyone will have some kind of response to the resurrection of Jesus. What are some responses you have heard about it, positive or negative? How does the resurrection define your life, your work, your family?