Easter Sunday 2026

PRINTER-FRIENDLY DISCUSSION GUIDE

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of April 5, 2026

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

This Easter Sunday we focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its transformative power in our lives. Pastor Jim begins by recounting humanity's fall in the Garden of Eden and our inability to save ourselves from sin and death. He then transitions to the crucifixion, explaining how Jesus took on all of humanity's sin and died as our substitute. The main focus is on the resurrection account from Mark 16, where the women discover the empty tomb and receive the angel's message that Jesus has risen. Pastor Jim emphasizes that the stone was rolled away not for Jesus to get out, but for us to look in and witness the miracle. He addresses various fears and anxieties people face today, offering hope through the reality of Christ's resurrection. The message concludes with a personal invitation to faith, emphasizing that Jesus knows each person by name and offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe.

# Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for the gift of Your Son Jesus Christ and His victory over death. As we gather together to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and to grow in our understanding of Your love and grace. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and draw us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

# Ice Breaker

Maybe you see Easter as a spiritual new year. What would you resolve to remove or add to your daily life to focus your efforts on loving and serving God?

# Key Verses

  • Mark 16:1-6

  • Romans 6:23

  • Romans 3:23

  • John 14:6

# Questions

  • Pastor Jim mentioned that some things in life we just can't recover from on our own. What are some situations or mistakes that require divine intervention rather than human effort?

  • How do you think the women felt when they discovered the empty tomb? Can you relate to their initial fear and confusion when encountering something unexpected from God?

  • The angel specifically mentioned Peter by name in the message. Why do you think this was significant, and what does it tell us about God's heart toward those who have failed?

  • Pastor Jim listed many modern anxieties and fears people face today. Which of these resonates most with you, and how does the reality of Christ's resurrection speak to that fear?

  • What's the difference between knowing about Jesus intellectually versus having a personal relationship with Him? How has this distinction played out in your own life?

  • The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so we could look in. What does this teach us about God's desire for us to witness His power and glory?

  • How does understanding that Jesus is alive today change the way we approach our daily struggles and challenges?

  • Pastor Jim emphasized that Jesus knows your name personally. How does this personal aspect of faith impact your relationship with God?

# Life Application

This week, identify one area of fear, anxiety, or hopelessness in your life and intentionally bring it to Jesus in prayer each day. Practice declaring the truth that 'He is risen' over that situation and ask God to help you experience His resurrection power in that specific area of your life.

# Key Takeaways

  • Humanity's fall in the Garden of Eden created a separation from God that we could never fix on our own

  • Jesus' death on the cross was the great exchange where He took our sin and gave us His righteousness

  • The resurrection proves that Jesus is alive and has defeated death, offering hope beyond the grave

  • The empty tomb was revealed not for Jesus to escape, but for us to witness God's miraculous power

  • Jesus knows each person by name and offers personal forgiveness and new life to all who believe

# Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope we have because You are alive. Help us to live each day with the confidence that comes from knowing You have conquered death and that nothing is impossible with You. As we go from this place, may we carry the message of Your resurrection to others who need hope. Give us boldness to share Your love and the assurance that You know each person by name. Transform our fears into faith and our anxieties into trust in Your goodness. We praise You for the victory You have won for us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Stand-Alone TeachingsPastor Jason MookMTN CHURCH