Starter: (In pairs for 5 minutes)
What did you most enjoy about Easter Day?
Worship:
A time of joyful celebration that the Lord is risen.
Reading: John 20:1-18
Read aloud then allow time for everyone to re-read it for themselves along with the commentary and the questions – and reflect alone.
COMMENTARY
All the gospels agree that the women were the first to the tomb. Mary Magdalene is always mentioned among them. The scene symbolizes a new creation brought about by the resurrection of the Light of the world. The darkness suggests the darkness that covered the abyss before light first appeared. When Mary Magdalene sees the stone removed from the entrance, she runs to the disciples with the news that “the Lord has been taken from the tomb!”. She saw him die a few days ago, and that prevents her from drawing any other conclusion. The two disciples run side by side to the tomb. Peter sees the burial cloth and the cloth that covered Jesus’ head but he does not know how to interpret what he sees. The other disciple, the one Jesus loved and the source of this account, is the first to understand the significance of the empty tomb: “The Lord is risen.” For John, all those who came to believe would be loved by Jesus and would love in return. Then Jesus appears to Mary and she too realizes the truth of the resurrection and goes to spread the good news.
(Based on Baranowski)
PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS
- What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage? What might God be saying to you?
- Relate a time when you had a stone (barrier) in your faith life removed.
- Who are you more like: Mary Magdalene, Peter or the beloved disciple? Why?
- What signs of ‘resurrection’ do you see in your life? In your family? Your community? The world?
Share together in threes the results of your individual reflection.
Return together as a group and share any insights.
Now together discuss these questions.
LIFE FOCUS
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As a result of their experience all of the people involved in the Resurrection events tell others about it. How can the members of this group share their experience of the risen Jesus more effectively?
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2. What specific plans do we need to make as a group?
PRAYER CONCERNS:
Pray for your plans to witness to the resurrection.
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