EASTER SUNDAY 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 28: 1-20

● Why is the week leading up to Easter referred to as “Passion Week”?
● When we consider the price that Jesus paid for us personally on the cross, how
does that impact the way that we view and relate to him?
● Read Philippians 3: 10-11
○ Consider what Paul is suggesting by his use of the word “know” regarding
the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
○ The NIV translation uses the word “somehow” before “attaining to the
resurrection of the dead” in verse 11 – do you see any other words used in
other translations? (check ESV – biblegateway.com)

● As the women approached the tomb looking for Jesus’ dead body, why did God
send the angel to roll the stone back? (Read Mark 16: 1-3)
● In Matthew 28: 8-9, what did Jesus mean when he said “Greetings” after
meeting the women as they left the tomb after seeing the angel? What can we
learn from their immediate response to encountering the resurrection of Jesus?
● Read 1 Corinthians 15: 14-19 – What would you say to a fellow church-goer who
mocks you for believing that Jesus rose from the dead?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.