1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. 5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 “He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” 8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings! ” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
1. There is a at the Tomb, Where is Jesus? (1-3)
1. After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
Mark 16:1-3
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us? “
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2.The Angel’s Message: The Tomb is ; He is Not Here. (4-7)
4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. 5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 “He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
John 10:17-18
17 “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
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3. He is. (7-10)
7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings! ” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Luke 24:36-42
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Jesus Has Power Over Death and Absolute Authority Over Life
Community Life Group Questions.
- (Matthew 28:4) The guards’ reaction to the angel is one of paralyzing fear. What does this tell us about the power of God and the significance of the resurrection event?
- (Matthew 28:5) The angel’s first words to the women are, “Don’t be afraid.” Why do you think this was his initial message? What fears might they have been experiencing?
- (Matthew 28:6) “He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said.” How does the angel’s reminder that this was “just as he said” strengthen the truth of the resurrection? Referencing John 10:17-18, how did Jesus speak of his power over death?
- Considering (1 Corinthians 15:3-7 and 15:17), how does the resurrection of Christ impact the core of Christian faith? What would be the consequences if Christ had not been raised?
- How does the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate that he is “with us” even today? In what ways is he a “living and active presence” in the church?
- How can we pray for you?