Real Life

Christ is Risen! The message of Easter is one of real life.

SERMON OUTLINE

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” (Matthew 28:1)

The Dawning of Real Life (28:1)

  • Sabbath rest
  • The women
  • The work already begun…Jesus is already gone from the tomb

Announcing Real Life (28:2-7)

  • The angel’s appearance
  • The angel’s message:
    • Jesus was crucified
    • Jesus is risen
  • Go and share the message

Encountering Real Life (28:8-10)

  • “Afraid yet filled with joy”
    Bowing down to touch and worship
  • Go and share the message

Living Real Life

  • The living message of Christ
  • The unlikely who live with Christ
  • The charge to share the living message of Christ

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What is your favorite Easter memory in your life and why?
  2. This week as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. He is risen indeed! This study explores Matthew 28:1-20. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word and then, whether you are alone or with a group, read that passage aloud.
  3. Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (see 27:56, 61), who were also there when Jesus died and was buried, are the first to hear that Jesus has risen and meet Him. What do you think is the significance of these women being the first recipients of this great news?
  4. What do you notice about the description of the angel in 28:2-4? Why do you think an angel brought this news before the women encountered Jesus? What is the role or job of the angel? (You may also want to explore other angelic appearances in Matthew 1 and 2.)
  5. The guards fall down like dead men and we don’t hear a peep from then until later (vss 11-15). The angel’s first word to the women is “Do not be afraid.” Why do you think fear is a normal response to the angelic visitation?
  6. How does the angel describe Jesus in verses 5-7? What stands out to you about that description?
  7. What did the angel ask the women to do in verse 7
  8. If you were in the women’s shoes, what would you be feeling? Would you be excited or afraid to tell the news to the other disciples?
  9. When the women encounter Jesus, he greets them very simply and then affirms the angel’s message that everyone should go to Galilee. What stands out to you about the response of the women (vs 9) and the disciples (vss 16-17) to the risen Jesus?
  10. Matthew 28:18-20 is known as the Great Commission. What would you say are the main elements of what Jesus asks of His disciples in this verse?
  11. The Gospel of Matthew ends sort of abruptly but feels like the story continues. How do you think that we connect today to the ending of the story here? What is our calling?
  12. This Easter week, join in with the celebration of Jesus by sharing with those you know and love about Jesus the risen Savior. If you’re on your own, write down the names of specific people you want to share your faith with this week and pray for them. If you are with a small group, share those names and pray for one another before closing your time together.

DIG DEEPER

  • This week dig deeper into Jesus’ resurrection in one or more of the following ways:
  • Consider memorizing Matthew 28:18-20 this week.
  • Share with others, both believers and unbelievers, about what Jesus means to you. Pray. about who God would have you share with this coming week or month. Don’t just think about it, but actually do it.
  • As the weather improves, take a prayer walk around where you live. Pray for those who live near you that God would open their hearts to Jesus in new ways.

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