For Sunday, April 12th, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 12th, 2009.

1) Matthew 28:1-10
How would you have felt if you had experienced this story first-hand? How was this a life-changing moment for the ladies who were eye witnesses? The disciples? How has Jesus’ resurrection changed your life?
Matthew 28:11-17
Why were the officials so eager to control the news about these events? What was the impact of their lie? What can you do to help someone who has accepted a false report about Jesus to reconsider the truth?

2) Matthew 28:1-17
What details in the story stand out to you most? What special plans are you making to celebrate the resurrection this Easter? How can you make the celebration of the truth of the resurrection part of your everyday life?
Matthew 28:18-20
What role did the truth of the resurrection have in Jesus’ followers obeying His command in these verses? What role does the command of these verses have in your life today?

3) Luke 24:1-12, 36-53
When all these events were first taking place, how much understanding did the disciples have? How did that change for them in the following days?
Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19
What had Jesus done and taught them to prepare for His death and resurrection? Is there anything Jesus is teaching you and preparing you for right now that you may have missed or don’t fully understand yet? Say a prayer of willingness for the preparation.

4) 1 Corinthians 15:35-57
What is the mystery of resurrection? Why did Jesus have to die and be resurrected? What if Jesus wasn’t resurrected? How would your life be different?
1 Corinthians 15:57
Are you living like you have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ? If God, whose Son conquered death, is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32)