Death of Death // Sensing the Resurrection

Introduction

Death. It seems so final. So unpredictable. So inevitable. We don’t like to consider it, but eventually, every one of us, and everyone we love, dies. And we’re left with the grief, the agony, of this loss, this curse, this enemy. But then…there’s Jesus. He lived a perfect life – no sin. Yet on the cross, he willingly died the death for sin – our sin. His broken body lay in the tomb, lifeless. Until the third day. The day when God’s resurrection power restored Jesus’ life to Him! On that Resurrection Day, Jesus broke death’s grip – dealt a death blow to death itself. So now, for all who will believe in Him, we can share in His resurrection life. Praise be to Jesus!

Ice Breaker Questions

Here are some possible ways to get a conversation started:

1. How would you describe your job to a five-year-old?

2. Pick any band to play at your funeral.

Getting Started

Open up with some prayer – some possible prayer topics:

• We would have boldness in the Gospel

• Thankfulness in what God did on the cross

• Rejoicing in one day the end of all sin and death

• For new people to come to faith this during Easter season

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus went through all these steps to prove He had raised from the dead physically? What would it mean if Jesus had not been raised from the dead?

2. It is very natural for us as humans to be skeptical about the miracles mentioned in the Bible. How do we know the resurrection happened? How do you help someone to believe in something supernatural like the resurrection?

3. Are you ever hesitant in sharing about the supernatural events in the Bible with others? Why do you think that is? How could you take a step in growing in that?

4. One of the most convincing proofs for the resurrection was the dramatic change in the behavior and lives of those who were close to Jesus. Does your own life show similar changes when you met Jesus? Would those around you be able to identify where and why you are different than the world?

5. We can often be guilty of hearing and learning something and yet not knowing how to take it into life. How does our new/renewed confidence in the resurrection impact our daily life? Where does the truth of the resurrection play out each day?

Closing Prayer

Some suggestions:

• Ask if there are any prayer requests.

• We would live the message of the Gospel out into our daily lives

• That we would continue to seek what it means to live out the resurrection

Personal Spiritual Practice

This section is for anyone that wants some practical steps to try throughout their week. Maybe this could even be a way to check in either during the week or the next time you meet as a group.

1. Meditate on Truth: Write Philippians 3:10-11 on a sticky note and then put it on your fridge, mirror, or anywhere you look at on a daily basis

2. Meditate on Truth: Set this verse as the background on your phone, computer, or laptop.

Next Week’s Passage: Numbers 20/21