Week 7: Easter

Scripture Passage	Matt: 28:1-10; Ephesians 2:4-8
Focus Statement	We make mistakes, do things we regret and regret not doing other things. The good news of the Gospel is not only that Jesus died that we might be forgiven, but that he has been raised from the dead! In him, we too are raised from being dead, so that we can have new life, full of hope and promise.
ME	Tell about a time when a surprise or change in circumstances led you down a different path than you had planned. Were you afraid to surrender your own plans or expectations? Describe how this change was an unexpected blessing or led to something you may not have otherwise experienced. (For e xample, having to move unexpectedly or taking a detour and being surprised by a beautiful view.)
WE	Sometimes our plans get disrupted. Or we get something we would have never expected. We make mistakes and fall short; we get caught up in “deadly” routines and behaviors - that prevent us from living fully. One great surprise has changed the course of all our lives and enables us to move from self- m ade plans and expectations into the life God has created. We celebrate that reversal today.
GOD	Two women go to the tomb, a place for the dead. A guard of soldiers has been standing watch to make sure none of his disciples could steal his body and claim he was resurrected. These soldiers, policing the tomb, were to make sure Jesus “stayed dead.” No human power could stop God from overcoming death. An angel announces the news and a reversal of positions. The soldiers are so afraid that they become “like dead men.” Jesus lives, and those who would have him dead become deathly afraid! The angel tells the women, “Do not be afraid.” This is actually good news for them. Despite their fear, their joy about Jesus’ resurrection moves them to run and tell the other disciples the good news. When they encounter Jesus, he says “Do not be afraid, go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Fear no longer needs to control us, even if learning to live fearlessly doesn’t come naturally. The Ephesians text reminds us we are deeply loved by God--loved so much that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the power of God--that even when we were dead in our trespasses- or the places that we sin, Jesus Christ raises us to new life. Our sin does not define who we are, or who we will be. Instead, we are forgiven and raised to life. We are called to more.
YOU	Think about what you expect out of life – where are you feeling stuck and how are you contributing to staying stuck? Imagine the new life that you could have if you weren’t feeling stuck, or how your life could be more abundant than it already is. Where might God be acting to change things in your life? Knowing that Jesus has died so you are no longer chained to your sins, imagine him taking you by the hand and saying “Do not be afraid. Go and do what I have made possible.” Even if you’re still afraid, like the two Marys, take the next step anyway.
WE	As we encounter the living Jesus, we are able to move forward, even if we are afraid. We do this not on our own strength but through the resurrection power that comes through Jesus Christ. As living testimonies to God’s redemptive work in Christ, we cannot keep this good news to ourselves. We are called to go out and tell the world that Jesus is risen and that this is good news for all. Name some concrete ways you can encourage the congregation to share their faith – whether through a mission event, sharing their story with loved ones and colleagues, etc.