April 20, 2025

He Is Not Here, For He Has Risen – Matthew 28:6

Ice Breaker

1. Read Matthew 28:1-15 as a group.
2. Discuss/identify the main characters in this passage.

Loving God Unreservedly

3. What supernatural events occurred in the resurrection story? (Matt. 28:1-4)

Loving People Sacrificially

4. How did the guards and religious leaders react to the resurrection? (Matt.11-15)
5. How did the angel’s message affirm Jesus’ identity and mission? (Matt. 5-7)
6. What emotions did the women experience to the angel’s message? (Mk. 16:8; Lk. 24:5)
7. How does Jesus’ meeting with the women encourage his followers? (Matt. 9)
8. What does the resurrection mean for you?

Making Disciples Purposefully

9. How do you engage people who reject or deny the resurrection?
10. End by praying together. Thank God for the resurrection, ask for boldness, like the women, to share the good news, and for hearts to remain soft to the truth.

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)

11. Research: Matthew 27:57–28:15 that emphasized the historical reality of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. According to 1 Corinthians 15:12–28, why is it so important that the resurrection happened? Compare the Synoptic gospels:

• Matthew 28:1-7
• Mark 16:1-8
• Luke 24:1-8
• John 20:1-9