Welcome to the discussion around the Easter message. This week’s conversation centers around what Easter means for us now and throughout the year.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Share Part of Your Story
What did you do for Easter?
Schedule
What does your small group schedule look like for the rest of the spring? Do you need to make any adjustments?
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
What comes to mind when you think of the Easter story?
Our Fears
Have someone read Matthew 28:1-10 aloud. The angels and Jesus give pretty similar instructions. What are they?
What are some of the things the women might be afraid about? What are some of the things we get afraid about?
How are fear and control related? Why do you think one of the most repeated commands in the Bible is not to be afraid?
How can the resurrection help us trust God and not be afraid? What fear do you want to trust God with this week? What’s a practical step you can take to do that?
Our Failure
Have someone read Mark 16:1-7 aloud. Who does the angel ask the women to tell specifically? What had recently happened with this person?
Peter finds himself in the deepest depths of failure (Mark 14:72). What types of emotions does failure bring about?
We all fail. Where do you struggle and feel like a failure? What happens when we go from failing to seeing ourselves as a failure?
Jesus tells Peter he is still on the team. Failure isn’t final for Peter. How does the resurrecting God meet us in our failure?
Often if we are hard on ourselves, we will likely be hard on others. How might believing we are a failure prevent us from being the warm, gracious person God calls us to be?
Our Tears
Have someone read John 20:11-18 aloud. What is going on with Mary Magdalene at the beginning of this story? What had Jesus done for her in the past?
The angels and Jesus ask Mary a question. What is it? When does Mary recognize who she is talking to? Do you feel like God has ever done that to you?
Have someone read Revelation 21:1-5 aloud. How do you feel after hearing those words? How can those words provide hope in your saddest moments?
This week our conversation considers the implications of Easter. What area of discussion do you felt like you needed the most this week? What’s one thing you can do this week to trust God more in that area?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Discuss how you and your group can better engage the people in your life outside your small group.
Relational Investment
This April, the Invest in Others section looks at inviting others. Were you able to invite someone to join you for Easter services? If so, did they join you? Is there someone you want to invite to join you in the next week or two?
Download a printable PDF here.