CONNECT: Who are the people in your life who, by their own admission, would never become Christians? How can you be praying for them and reaching out to them this week?

WARM-UP  Questions

1. Did you do anything different to celebrate Easter this year? How was it?
2. What was most significant, or helpful, in your celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection this year?

READ Isaiah 53:1-6

1. In what way does this passage point to Jesus? Why do you think the idea of a suffering-servant who was also King was so surprising?
2. How does Jesus’ death alleviate us from guilt rather than making us feel condemned?
3. How is the depth of God’s love declared on the cross? 

READ Luke 23:26-49

1. How does verse 34 point to Jesus’ ultimate purpose? How has it been fulfilled?
2. What was the irony in the mocking of Jesus, “he saved others, let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah the Chosen One”? Do you think we can ever mock Jesus with our lives?
3. How do the responses of the two criminals hanging alongside Jesus contrast? What is amazing about the insight that the criminal shows about the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom?
4. What is significant about darkness coming over the land? How about the curtain being torn in two?
5. All throughout the Gospel of Luke people have been confused about who Jesus is. Do you have confidence about who Jesus is? What is your response to this?

READ Luke 24:1-12

1. What is the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection? (Try to brainstorm as a group.)
2. How is Jesus’ resurrection the defeat of death and the beginning of life? When will death be destroyed?
3. What’s significant about the declaration of the messengers in verses 5-7? Why do you you think the women were afraid? Why did Jesus’ words then make sense?
4. The women go and tell all they had seen. How is this a great model for us? Who can you tell this week?

APPLY This Week:  What is something - even very simply - about your Easter celebrations that you could share this coming week? Who would you like to share that with?

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On Your Frontline This Week: As people ask you how was your Easter break, can you point them to your hope in the risen Jesus?

Audio and Video 

• “The Evidence of Resurrection” by Dick Lucas
• “The Resurrection” by Alistair Begg
• “Lifting the Lid on Easter” by Centre for Public Christianity
• “The Shattered Grave” by Dan Stevers (Video)
  

Other Helpful Books, Articles, and Courses

• “In All the Destruction at the Notre dame, one Photo Stood Out” by Simon Smart
• “Lean Family Relocates to PNG” Story on the ABC in time for Easter by Peter Gunders
• “Implementing Easter” by Jill Carattini (of RZIM)
• BOOK: “Raised Forever” by Rory Shiner:
• “Ten Ways Easter Changes Everything” by John Piper
  

FOCUS Weekend Away

• As we seek to grow as Disciple Makers, we’re going away for a weekend (May 31 - June 2) to Coolum Beach. This is going to be a great time together, with people of all ages and from all three congregations. As you think about growing in your living out of the Gospel, please prayerfully consider coming along. For more info and to register: stbarts.com.au/focus 

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