1. What was the last thing you should have noticed but didn’t?

2. What piece of news have you received in your life that made you feel “really glad”?

1. Read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20:1-18. Although the accounts do not contradict each other, they each have different details. What difference do you notice in the four accounts? What appears in all four, and why do you think it is so important? Which one of the accounts has the biggest impact on you? Why?

2. Read Luke 8:1-2. Why are these two verses so important in the context of scripture, in the context of the resurrection, and to us today?

3. After the resurrection, there was a huge change in the disciples. Those who had once been cowards became courageous people of faith, and many were even martyred because of their faith in Jesus. Has there been a change that occurred in your life that Jesus has helped you with? If you are comfortable, please share it with the group.

4. Matthew 28:17 says that there were some that saw Jesus after he rose that still doubted. We don’t know the extent of their doubt, but we do know that people of faith can have doubts. Is there a time in your life that, although you were a believer, you struggled with doubt? How did you get through that time?

5. Read Psalm 16:9-11. What does this Old Testament verse have to do with Easter? Why is David’s proclamation important to us today?

The book of Matthew ends with Jesus reminding us that He is with all of us or, as Greg said, “y’all.” Christian community is so important. If you’re reading these notes, you’re already participating in that community through your small group, and that’s something to celebrate. As you continue to grow, consider what other steps God might be inviting you to take; whether that is serving, building relationships beyond your group, or inviting others into community at The Crossing.

This week read the rest of John 20:19 - John 21:19. As you come out of Easter, reflect on what Jesus shows you through His dealings with His disciples shortly after the resurrection.

Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that gave us the ability to have a new life in You. You had the power to despise the cross, yet for us, You went through pain, agony, torment, and mocking. You went through the ultimate disgrace so we didn’t have to, and we can never thank You enough, Lord. However, that is all we have to give the King of Kings - our gratitude and our praise. We marvel at the fact that You kept your word and rose again, changing everything. Now we can reside with You in heaven, now we get to call You Father and friend, now we are adopted children of the God of the universe. Please help us to remember that fact as we go through trials and tribulations. You are with us. You never will forsake us. We mattered so much to You, that You bled and died for us. From now until we see your shining face, thank You, Lord, for paying it all for us. Amen.