Group Notes | March 27
Easter: Belief Changes Everything
March 27, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Do you ever know where a household item is because you have seen it, and then have a family member ask you where it is? Even though you tell them where to look, they can’t find it. You walk straight to it. What makes the difference?
Today we are going to look at those who had watched Jesus during his last hours as He was crucified, then see the reactions as some saw Him risen, while others were told. Many let the agony of His death blind them to the fact He was indeed ALIVE!
Discuss:
- Read Matt. 27:55-61. What were some of the feelings the women—and the disciples—no doubt experiencing as Jesus died and was buried?
- How is that like us when things go wrong, and we feel He has left us on our own? How have we let discouragement interfere with our faith?
- Read Mark 16:1. What were the women expecting to find at the tomb? Why?
- Read Matt. 28:2-8, and Mark 16:9-13. Why do you think the disciples refused to believe that Jesus was alive, even though He had been seen?
- What was the reason the women and the two disciples believed?
- What was it that changed their unbelief to belief? What did Jesus say in John 20:29?
- What are some reasons people today do not believe that He is alive?
Close:
As you break into small groups, talk about the distractions, discouragements and disappointments the world throws at you daily, that interfere with your peace. Share how your schedules, over-commitments, and family relationships rob you of the belief that God is in control of every part of your life. Do you believe that? Do you live as if you know that to be true? Your joy should be so contagious everyone wants to be with you, to have the relationship you have with the risen Savior! Pray that God would grant you that unspeakable peace and joy this week, in the midst of an unstable and crazy world.
Focal Passages: Matthew 27:55-61-28:1-8, 16-20; Mark 16:1, 10-16, 20.
Memory Verse: Matthew 28:5,6: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”