Good Friday and Easter

• Session 1: Good Friday

  Watch

  Good Friday with Francis Chan (14 minutes)

  Discuss

  1. Francis Chan emphasized the deep emotions that Jesus felt. Jesus started by eagerly anticipating dinner with dear friends. Then, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was “very sorrowful” as he begged the Father for a way out of his suffering. In what way does this reminder of Jesus’s humanity affect the way you think of him? How does it help you understand him better?

  2. Jesus encountered many people during his arrest, trial, and crucifixion who reacted to him in different ways. What were the responses of the religious leaders (Mark 14:43–65, 15:31–32), bystanders (15:6–15, 29–30), women (15:40–41), and the Roman centurion (15:39)? How have you seen some of those responses to Jesus reflected in your own experience of how people respond to Jesus?

  3. Despite Jesus’s repeated prayer that the Father find another way to accomplish his purpose, he still went obediently to the cross. In what way are you inspired by Jesus’s prayer “not my will but yours be done”? Why do you think the cross was necessary to God’s plan to save us from our sins?

  4. Francis said, “The good news of the cross is so much bigger than every other thing in your life.” Why is it true that your response to Jesus’s death is the most important decision you could ever make?

  5. How have you responded to the good news that Jesus died in your place, as a substitute, taking on the penalty of your sin? When did you understand and accept his love for you? Take time for everyone with you to share their stories.

  6. Sometimes contemplating the incredible gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers can overwhelm us. In what ways could Jesus’s grace toward you motivate you in your own relationships this week?

• Session 2: Easter

  Read

  Mark 16:1–8

  Watch

  Easter with Francis Chan (10 minutes)

  Discuss

  1. Francis Chan, standing near the Garden Tomb, mentioned that no one really knows exactly where Jesus was buried. Why should that not concern us?

  2. Francis asked us to reflect on the reality of the risen Jesus being with us right now. How does that truth affect you?

  3. How did the Resurrection change the lives of the apostles? Think particularly of Peter—what was he willing to endure for the sake of sharing about Jesus?

  4. In what ways should the reality of the Resurrection change our lives? How has it changed yours since you first believed?

     
     Read Romans 8:11

  5. Francis mentioned how the power of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us who believe. In what ways have you seen God’s power in your life? How does your faith show itself in your actions? Give an example.

  6. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can rest assured of God’s amazing love. How can you share that assurance with someone else? Make a list of people you can pray for and tell about Jesus. Create a simple gospel message, appropriate to the ages of those with you, to share with friends.

  7. Francis encouraged us to consistently read the Bible rather than rely on others to tell us what it says. What can you do to make the Scriptures a more regular part of your everyday life?