Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: April 24, 2011
Sermon Title: Easter – Tabloid or Truth?
Sermon Text: Matt. 28:1-8
Small Group Text: Matt. 28:1-8
Introduction
Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, His other disciples abandoned Him, Caiaphas condemned Him, Herod mocked Him, Pilate tortured and crucified Him—and yet no power on this earth or beyond this earth could keep the Messiah in the grave. Jesus' crucifixion was not the end, but only the beginning—the beginning of a glorious new chapter in God's dealings with humankind. Hereafter, the Son of Man would rule and reign as one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth" had been granted. False reports would be spread intending to cover up the truth of His resurrection; yet His disciples would be especially called and empowered to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth, to Jew and Gentile alike. Nothing would ever be the same again. Who first brought you the message of Jesus and the challenge of discipleship?
Discussion
Read Matt. 28:1-8 1. List the characters who are involved. How does each respond to the events in the story? 2. The angel is the first messenger of the resurrection (Matthew 28:27). What is the significance of his appearance and his words? How did the women react to his words? 3. Consider the intention of the women (Matthew 28:1-9). How do their motives undergo a radical change? 4. What keeps people today from believing-in or causes them to doubt the resurrection? 5. If you do believe in the resurrection, why? 6. How has the resurrection affected your life? 7. Why should we be interested and motivated to tell others about this amazing historical fact?
Application
1. How might you explain the importance of the resurrection to a nonbeliever? 2. In what practical and realistic ways can you become more effective this week in spreading the good news of Christ?
Extra Credit: See the Paul Little addendum to the commentary and discuss the following. How would you respond to someone who said: a. That the disciples stole the body? b. That Jesus was only unconscious on the cross, and revived in the cool tomb? c. That the resurrection was a tale that caught on?
Sermon-Based Curriculum