Breaking Ground
What was the best positive surprise that you’ve ever experienced? What happened? Who was involved? How did it make you feel both during the surprise & afterwards?
The Dig
This Sunday, we celebrated Easter & reflected upon Christ’s resurrection!
What were you taught growing up about Easter? What does it mean to you now? What role does Christ’s resurrection play in your life presently?
Next, read Mark 16:1-8. This section of text concludes the earliest, original manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel (the rest of chapter 16 is believed to have been added much later). Critically, there are several surprising elements that set it apart from how the other Gospels end:
- Jesus’ resurrection is only witnessed by his female followers (who, in their male-dominated culture, would not have been seen as “good” witnesses in a court of law or work of recorded history).
- Jesus himself does not appear. Instead, only an angel does, who reminds the women that Jesus had promised them he’d be resurrected during his ministry.
- The women’s response to this revelation is not one of pure, enthusiastic joy. Instead, it’s a mix of awe, fear, & uncertainty; as epitomized in them walking away unsure of how to process this event.
With this in mind, reflect upon Mark’s account of the resurrection.
What stands out to you the most about this account? Why?
Why do you think Mark focuses on the women as the primary witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection? How does placing them at the center of this climatic moment help us understand the good news of Christ’s story when it comes to people like them (the marginalized, poor, neglected, etc)?
Why do you think Mark chooses not to include Jesus appearing to the disciples in his resurrection account? How does this call his readers to a profound level of trust in Jesus’ teachings & promises?
Why do you think the women respond to this news in this confused, unsure, awe-filled, fearful, excited way? How does this inform what they do next? What does it reveal about how we should respond to Christ’s resurrection today? Consider how their world had been turned upside-down multiple times over the final week of Jesus’ life & now again with his resurrection.
Where are you currently struggling with trusting that God can or will resurrect new life in some broken part of your life or our world? Why?
How might this specific story of Christ’s resurrection challenge you to trust that God is active & working to resurrect new life in the unknown or uncertain parts of what you’ve identified? How can this good news truth transform your engagement with & response to this area of your life or world?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time each week to reflect upon the Sunday sermon.
- Read Mark 16:1-8. Highlight & make of any language, images, or ideas that stand out to you from the passage.
- What do you find interesting, strange, or unique about this specific resurrection account? What does Mark focus on, leave out, or draw our attention to?
- Where do you struggle with doubts or distrust in God’s promises due to a lack of certainty or clarity about the future? How does this story offer us comfort in those areas of uncertainty & doubt?
- Where could you use some good news right now? How might Jesus resurrection give that to you in this season?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
Centered Set Church by Mark D. Baker
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
April 12th: Join us next Sunday as we begin our series A New Vision & explore where E3 is heading in this next season!
* Please see mye3.org for details.