LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
If the cross gave us victory over sin, the Resurrection of Jesus gave us victory over death. In raising Jesus from the dead, God offered us a living savior who promised to remain with us even now.

Passages we’ll review:
Mark 16:1–8; Romans 8:11; Matthew 28:18-20

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

What do you love most about Easter? What family traditions or events do you look forward to most?

READ

Read Mark 16:1–8

Francis Chan, standing near the Garden Tomb, mentioned that no one really knows exactly where Jesus was buried. Why should that not concern us?

Francis asked us to reflect on the reality of the risen Jesus being with us right now. How does that truth affect you?

How did the Resurrection change the lives of the apostles? Think particularly of Peter—what was he willing to endure for the sake of sharing about Jesus?

In what ways should the reality of the Resurrection change our lives? How has it changed yours since you first believed?

Read Romans 8:11

Francis mentioned how the power of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us who believe. In what ways have you seen God’s power in your life? How does your faith show itself in your actions? Give an example.

Because Jesus died and rose again, we can rest assured of God’s amazing love.

How can you share that assurance with someone else? Make a list of people you can pray for and tell about Jesus. Create a simple gospel message, appropriate to the ages of those with you, to share with friends.

Francis encouraged us to consistently read the Bible rather than rely on others to tell us what it says.

What can you do to make the Scriptures a more regular part of your everyday life?

By rising from the dead, Jesus proved his power over sin and death. The Father accepted his sacrifice on our behalf, and we are redeemed—restored to a relationship with him. Francis reminded us that through the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence is always with us. We are never alone. We have God’s resurrection power in us. We are loved.

DIGGING DEEPER

Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples a purpose, called the Great Commission. It is the way all of those who follow Jesus are called to live.

Read Matthew 28:18-20

Here, the word “saints” means “God’s holy ones,” and is used to refer to anyone made holy by faith in Christ, referring to any believer.

In what ways have you participated in the Great Commission?

What makes you nervous about evangelism and making disciples?

What problems can the local church encounter when the pastoral staff are the only ones doing the work of the Lord?

The first thing Jesus does in the Great Commission is remind us of his authority. If he is in charge of everything, then his mission for us is of supreme importance. He ends the commission with an assurance: he will be with us, no matter what. The King has given us a mission in his kingdom and will not abandon us.

In what ways does Jesus’s authority comfort any fear or anxiety you have when it comes to evangelism and discipleship?

He then gives us the practical steps of our mission: make disciples, baptize in the Triune name of God, and teach them everything Jesus commanded.

In what practical ways can you teach the people around you (Christians and non-Christians) about Jesus and his commands?

Sometimes in discipleship, we ask people to copy our pattern of living rather than focusing on Jesus and emulating him.

What could it look like for you to point people to Jesus through your pattern of living?

In what ways could you teach others about what it means to follow Jesus?

Every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples for him. It is not something only mature Christians take part in, and it is a calling that we never retire from.

In what ways are you making disciples today? Who has God placed in your life that he could be asking you to disciple? How might you answer that calling?

Jesus’s work did not end two thousand years ago. He took our place in his life, death, and resurrection and is alive in his church—his people—today. His work is still going on today, and he wants you to be a part of building his kingdom.

God is calling us to more than Sunday Christianity. He is calling us to help one another grow in faith, to tell people who do not know Jesus about the things he has done for us, and to follow him. Jesus’s work for us is good news; let’s share it with the world.

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Reflect: Read Matthew 28. Take note of the way people react to Jesus and think about the way you react to his resurrection.
   

2. Memorize: Memorize Matthew 28:18–20, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
   

3. Pray: First, pray about your doubts. Ask God for clarity, wisdom, and other believers to help you wrestle through those doubts. And second, pray that God would make you aware of the people and opportunities he has given you to fulfill the Great Commission.
   

The Resurrection reminds us that love got the final say. And that’s the best news ever. Find someone to share that news with today.