Can you imagine how Jesus’ followers and loved ones felt on the day Jesus died? I am sure there was grief, confusion, and a sense of deep loss of purpose now that it appeared that their teacher had been killed. If I could go comfort Jesus’ disciples and loved ones during the three days leading up to Jesus’ resurrection, I would say “Hold on to hope. Sunday is coming. A resurrection is coming. You think this is the end. It is just the beginning.” They did not know what we understand today that a mere three days after His death, Jesus was indeed going to rise from the dead. Today we are going to look at what Scripture teaches about His resurrection and the hope that we have because of His resurrection from the dead.
BREAK THE ICE
Share a story of a time you hit a dead end.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What do you think the atmosphere was among Jesus' followers after His’ death?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Luke 24:1-9. What message was given to the women in these verses, and what stands out about their response to this message?
Luke 24:1-9
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others."
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others."
3. Read John 20:19-23. What was Jesus’ message to His disciples in these verses? Why was this peace available?
John 20:19-23
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. How did God want to use Jesus’ disciples as witnesses? What can we take from this commission?
Matthew 28:18-20
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Application
1. How does the resurrection give hope to people who are at dead ends?
2. In what ways is the world looking for peace now? How does Jesus bring that peace?
3. In light of Jesus’ resurrection, who is on your heart to witness to or share Jesus with?
MOVING FORWARD
We get to spread the news that Jesus brings peace today. One of the ways that we can do this is by serving in the church and meeting needs. Talk with your groups about the gifts and talents that God has given you. Then discuss how you might be able to use those gifts to serve in the church. Visit sagebrush.church/serve for ways you can get plugged in. When we meet needs, we get to be a part of spreading God’s peace with a world that is hurting.
Going Deeper
Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. Because Jesus rose again, we have life and hope, even on the darkest days. So let’s take a few minutes to dive into what Scripture teaches about the resurrection and how it changed everything and brought life out of death.
Read Romans 6:23
1. In your own words, explain what the word “wages” means.
2. What is the payment owed for our sin?
3. How did Jesus pay the wages owed for sin?
Read Hebrews 10:1-10
1. Describe the sacrificial system before Jesus?
2. What is different about the sacrifice Jesus offered, according to these verses?
3. How is Jesus’ sacrifice infinitely better than the sacrificial system before He came to earth?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:21.
1. What does this verse teach us about Jesus and sin?
2. What is the result of Jesus’ sacrifice, according to this verse?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
1. Based on these verses, what do Jesus’ death and resurrection represent?
2. How do Jesus’ death and resurrection impact us specifically? (Hint: See verse 57)
Reflect:
After reading these passages of Scripture, take some time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and why it makes all the difference for our faith.
1. Why was death required in order to overcome sin?
2. How did Jesus overcome death?
3. How was Jesus’ resurrection a sign that sin had been conquered along with death?
The news of Jesus’ resurrection and everything it means is too good to keep to ourselves. Commit to telling one person your two-minute story about the difference Christ has made in your life this week. When you come back next week, share about your conversation with that person. End your time together today, praying for the people you will be sharing your stories with. Pray that God would be working and moving in their lives and that He would capture their hearts.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
