Grow Guide | April 9, 2023

Remember These Things

Easter 

Matthew 28:1-10

Connecting Questions

Who in your life has been an example to you in boldly sharing faith?

Have you had an experience when you felt both great fear and great joy at the same time? What was it like?

Context

The worship theme for Holy Week and Easter 2023 is “Remember These Things.” Jesus reminds us that whenever we remember him during communion, he is present with us. As we remember the events of Holy Week, we trust Jesus is present with us, transforming our hearts. Thanks be to God!

During Holy Week we walk with Jesus through his last hours through his resurrection. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning are one continuous worship service (called the Triduum), telling the story across three days. On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, then on Good Friday we experience Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. We then receive the best news of all—the Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning. The services are tied together for a reason; only by fully experiencing Jesus’ sacrifice can we appreciate the true meaning of Easter.

Look at the Book

• Maundy Thursday—read Matthew 26:17-30.

  • What stands out to you in this text today?

• Good Friday

  • Skim Matthew 26:31-27:55.

    • What are the major events in Jesus’ last hours?

    • What do Jesus’ followers do? How do they experience these events?

• Easter Sunday—read Matthew 28:1-10

  • What stands out to you in this text today? How is it helpful to read it within its full context? What challenges you? What delights you?

  • Why do you think Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first to see the tomb?

  • What events happen when the women reach the tomb? How are the guards’ reactions different than the women’s reactions?

  • What phrases are repeated in this reading? Why do you think they are repeated?

  • There is not much time for the women to stop and think about what happened to them; the angel commands them to quickly go and tell the others the good news. Why do you think they have to move so fast? What does this tell us about our faith?

  • What character(s) do you relate to? How do you think the disciples will feel about the news, knowing they abandoned Jesus?

• If you have time, compare and contrast the ways all four Gospels tell the resurrection story (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11, John 20:1-18).

Taking it Home

As you prepare for Easter, please consider participating in Easter’s Holy Week worship offerings. Experiencing Holy Week gives new meaning and power to Easter morning. You won’t regret it.

The angel tells the women that Jesus “…is going ahead of you to Galilee…” There is nowhere you can go that Jesus hasn’t already been. What does this mean in your life?