“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words. Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.” – Luke 24:1-12 CSB

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Examining the Text:

1. Read through the passage in two different translations.
2. As you heard the Scripture, what stood out to you?
3. Are there any questions that you have about the text?
4. Are there other portions of Scripture this passage brings to mind?

Sermon Review and Application:

1. How do you imagine the women feeling on Easter morning?
2. How was the tomb, “the place of death,” transformed by the resurrection?
3. What areas in your life feel like “places of death,” places that were meant for good but are sources of brokenness?
4. Does hope sound to good to be true?
5. In what ways are you willing to explore this message of hope and resurrection?

For further study:

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-11; John 20:1-18
Resources: “Easter Vigil: Commentary on Luke 24:1-12” by Holly Hearon

To prepare for next week: Meditate upon Luke 24:13-35