Easter Discussion Guide
Summary
This Easter sermon focuses on the resurrection story from John 20:1-18, exploring how Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John discovered the empty tomb. The pastor uses the song "Glorious Day" by Passion to illustrate how Jesus calls us out of our own metaphorical tombs of shame, fear, and doubt into new life. The sermon emphasizes that Easter isn't just about what happened to Jesus, but about what's now possible for all believers - a new identity and way of living shaped by freedom rather than fear.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the power of Your resurrection, open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to live as Easter people. Help us to see where we might still be living in tombs of our own making, and give us the courage to respond when You call us out. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the fastest you've ever run and what were you running towards or away from?
Key Verses
- John 20:1-18
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- John 20:8
Questions
- What strikes you most about Mary Magdalene's reaction to finding the empty tomb?
- Why do you think John included the detail about outrunning Peter to the tomb?
- What 'tombs' do people tend to get stuck in today?
- How does the resurrection change how we view failure and shame?
- What does it mean to live as 'people of Sunday Morning'?
- In what ways might you still be carrying 'Friday's shadow' in your life?
- How does the resurrection reshape how we approach grief, love, and forgiveness?
- What would it look like for you to practically live in 'resurrection hope' this week?
Life Application
This week, identify one 'tomb' in your life - whether it's fear, shame, doubt, or something else - and take one concrete step to 'run out of that grave' by actively choosing to live in the freedom Christ's resurrection provides.
Key Takeaways
- The resurrection isn't passive - it calls us into motion
- Easter isn't just about what happened to Jesus, but what's now possible for us
- Belief often begins in the presence of absence
- We are no longer defined by our failures but by Christ's victory
- The resurrection reshapes everything about how we live
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for rolling away the stone not just so You could walk out, but so we could walk in to new life. Give us the courage to leave our tombs behind and embrace the freedom You died to give us. Help us live as true resurrection people, bringing Your hope and light to others. In Your mighty name, Amen.