Eastertide

Easter Sunday is the most significant day in the Christian calendar. All of the hopes and expectations of followers of Jesus are realized in the resurrection of Christ from the dead. The gospel of Matthew captures the fear and joy of the first witnesses of the empty tomb. In what ways is resurrection an ongoing reality through which God continues to work towards renewal of the world?

Scripture passage: Matthew 28:1-10

Respond together:

• The Scriptures teach that “Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross… by his wounds you have been healed.” 

  What do you feel about the fact that out of his love, Jesus died for you? What does that mean for you personally?

• In the Bible, the phrase “Do not be afraid” is connected to invitations to greater courage. 

  In what ways can I participate with the ongoing announcement of the good news of resurrection? In what ways can I fulfill the Great Commission with my abilities and in my context?

• What difference does it make that the grave is empty and Jesus conquered it? 

  What death can bring about new life in my story? What new joy, new hope, and new life is God inviting me into? Does your relationship with God bring a life-giving presence to others?

Our songs together:

• Resurrecting - Elevation Worship

• What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong

• Death In His Grave - John Mark MacMillan

• Gratitude - Maverick City Worship

Holy Week

Christ is Risen! This Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The gospel of Luke honours the challenge of faith but invites us to a whole new kind of life, one that requires letting go of the old one.

Respond:

• The women are coming into this Easter Sunday with feelings of thick grief, the disciples grieving and potentially feeling guilt for abandoning Jesus.

  • With the exhaustion of pandemic, the despair of wars, or the growing distance in relationships - What emotions and circumstances do you carry into Easter?

• Take some time to reflect on your Lenten experience? What did the Spirit form in your character leading up to Easter? What did you hope for but are left feeling disappointment? Take both to God in prayer.

• The women and the disciples were dealing with thick grief and lament. The empty tomb itself did not bring immediate joy but rather questions, concerns and even fear of a thief robbing the grave. In what ways does Easter leave you like Peter ‘wondering what had happened’?

• What “prison stone” in your story can be rolled away in light of the resurrection?