Going Deeper in “JESUS IS ALIVE and that changes Everything!”
Read the following a few times:
John 20:1-18; 1 Cor 15:17-20; Rom 6:4; 1 Pet 1:3
Reflect on the following:
1. What time of day does Mary go to the tomb—and what might that tell us about how she’s feeling?
2. What does Mary assume has happened when she sees the stone rolled away?
3. How do Peter and the other disciple respond differently when they see the empty tomb?
4. What does Mary do after the disciples leave?
6. Why do you think Mary doesn’t recognize Jesus right away?
7. What is significant about Jesus calling Mary by name?
8. Why does Jesus tell Mary, “Don’t cling to me”? What might that mean?
9. Why do you think Jesus chooses Mary—someone others might overlook—to be the first witness?
10. What mission does Jesus give Mary, and why is that important?
11. Where in your life might you be standing in grief or confusion, not yet seeing what God is doing?
12. How would it change your daily life if you truly lived like Jesus is alive right now—not just historically, but personally present?
Spiritual Challenges:
1. Listen for Your Name - Mary recognized Jesus when He spoke her name. Set aside time each day this week (even 5 minutes) to be still and listen for God’s voice in prayer or Scripture.
2. Move from Grief to Hope - Mary came expecting death—but encountered life. Identify one situation where you feel discouraged, and intentionally invite Jesus into it with hope.
3. Go and Tell - Mary became the first witness of the resurrection.
Share with at least one person this week what Jesus means to you—or how He has changed your life.