Welcome,
We’re delighted you’ve chosen to dig more deeply into the Scriptures and consider what God has for you through this sermon.
These sermon practices are ideally intended to be discussed with others, so find a friend, family member, or roommate to join you. If you haven’t yet joined a life group yet, check out our groups page or stop at the Welcome Center for more info.
Exploring Scripture: The Resurrection
Read aloud Matthew 28:1-10
- What stands out to you in this historic account? What seems odd? What are some of the contrasts you noticed between the people in this narrative and the circumstances?
- In this passage, how many times is the idea of fear mentioned? Who was afraid? What were they afraid of? Who was not afraid and why not?
- List a several ways these women has experienced severe loss in the few days leading up to this moment:
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- Why do you think Mary and Mary were given a visit by both the angel and Jesus himself? What was their assignment? Why do you think God gave them this assignment? How did they feel about this whole event?
Reflection: Learning To Overcome Fear
Twice the women are directed: “Do not be afraid.” Yet, they had good reason to be afraid. They had just witnessed the capture, torture and murder of their rabbi, who they not only one they looked up to Jesus as their honorable leader, and as one they loved like a brother. They have been traumatized by the chaos, injustice and grief of the past few days. They are disoriented and overwhelmed by the presence of the angel and then Jesus himself. In the midst of all that intensity they are learning how to overcome fear.
WHAT SCARES YOU?
While most of us want to live long lives, physical death is always our biggest fear. On a daily basis we tend not to fear a loss of our own physical life. Often our fears are focused elsewhere. Fear is ultimately about losing something precious to you. Pick the three losses that scare you the most. Loss of...
- physical health
- financial health
- mental health
- comfort
- hope
- influence
- freedom
- confidence
- trust
- faith
- being liked
- meaning
- acceptance
- national safety
- friends
- kids safety
- parents health
- control
Jesus tells us all, “Do not be afraid.”
Yet, we find this difficult to do. Therefore we need to learn from this historic account. The angel lays out two reasons to reject fear. First, Jesus defeated death. Secondly, Jesus is with us. Let’s consider these two realities..
(1) Jesus defeated death
The angel said, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” He is declaring the resurrection of Jesus; declaring that Jesus is alive and well. Death did not have the victory in the end. In the kingdom of Earth, death always has the last word. Yet, in the Kingdom of Heaven, life always has the last word.
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- Which kingdom do you listen to more often? Have you taken seriously the resurrection of Jesus?
- Identify three ways his defeat of death and loss can lower your fear of death and loss?
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(2) Jesus is with you
The angel commanded, “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’” The angel wanted them to know that after the resurrection, Jesus was returning to be with all who will trust him. These women were expecting to see Jesus in Galilee, then stunningly they saw him only moments later. To this day, Jesus makes himself known to everyone who trusts in him. He sends his Holy Spirit into the heart of everyone who calls on His name for love, forgiveness and leadership.
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- How much have you developed your awareness of Christ’s presence in your life?
- What can you do to experience Him more?
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FACING OUR FEARS
One practice that can help us to reject fear, is writing out our worries, then speaking them to Jesus.
In a sentence or two, describe the top 3 things you fear losing & why you fear that loss.
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Now, write a letter to the Lord, describing the losses you fear the most.
Speak honestly with the Lord about any anger or frustrations you feel toward him, or toward others. Describe your confusion and call out your questions for him. Get very honest with him, and ask him to meet you in your pain, doubts and worries. Then ask him to help you write a prayer of hope, for all you need to trust him more.
Wrapping Up
Share one fear of loss that worries you often. Pray for one another that you can more deeply trust in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus. Pray that you can more consistently turn your eyes to Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit will guide your heart and your prayers to trust Jesus, and to experience his presence, more everyday. entire body of Vancouver Church. We pray this all in Jesus' name.