April 5 - EASTER SUNDAY

Unexpected Joy!

Icebreaker
Share about a time you received news that felt too good to be true—what made it so surprising?
Study Questions

1. Read Matthew 28:1–8. What emotions do you notice in the women at the tomb, and why do you think they experienced both fear and joy at the same time?
2. Why would the resurrection have felt “too good to be true” for Jesus’ followers based on what they had just experienced?
3. Which piece of evidence for the resurrection (empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples) stands out most to you, and why?
4. According to Romans 8:1–2, 11-12, 14, what changes for someone who is “in Christ Jesus,” and what does that mean practically?
5. How does the idea that “sin is no longer your king, but you’re still on the battlefield” help explain the ongoing struggle with sin?

Application Questions

1. Where in your life do you need to experience the “unexpected joy” of Jesus right now?
2. In what ways have you been tempted to let your past or your sin define you, and how does the resurrection challenge that?
3. What is one step you can take this week to live more fully under Jesus as your King rather than sin or fear?
4. How can you actively participate in Jesus’ mission to bring change to the world (loving neighbors, seeking justice, showing mercy)?

Prayer
Proclaim your faith in Jesus and thank God for the unexpected joy of his resurrection. Ask for help to conquer sin like Jesus and to change the world with the gospel and teachings of Jesus as his followers.