WHY CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD: Matthew 28:1-10
DOCTRINE. We need to understand and believe the why of the resurrection.
S T U D Y A N D D I S C U S S I O N Q U E S T I O N S
Introduction: The Unique Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Study Question: The sermon notes list several historical figures (e.g., Muhammad, Buddha, Alexander the Great) who are dead, contrasting them with Jesus, who is alive. Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus is emphasized as a unique and central truth in Christianity?
Discussion Question: How does the fact that Jesus is alive set Christianity apart from other religions or philosophies? Share your thoughts on why this matters to your faith.
Study Question: Read Matthew 28:1-10. What is the "shocking and life-changing truth" highlighted in the introduction? How does this truth impact your understanding of who Jesus is?
Discussion Question: If you were to explain to a friend why Jesus’ resurrection is important, what would you say? How might this truth change someone’s life?
Point I. Christ Rose from the Dead (Matthew 28:1-10)
1. The Women’s Expectation (Matthew 28:1)
Study Question: Why did Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb on Sunday morning? What does their expectation reveal about their understanding of Jesus’ predictions of His resurrection (see Matthew 16:21, Mark 9:31, Matthew 20:18-19)?
Discussion Question: Have you ever struggled to believe a promise of God because it seemed too incredible, like the women did? How can their experience encourage us to trust God’s Word?
2. The Angel’s Role (Matthew 28:2)
Study Question: What was the purpose of the angel rolling back the stone in Matthew 28:2? How does this detail support the historical reality of the resurrection?
Discussion Question: The sermon imagines the angel celebrating Christ’s victory by sitting on the stone. How does this image help you visualize the triumph of the resurrection? Share how this might inspire your faith.
3. The Angel’s Appearance (Matthew 28:3-4)
Study Question: How is the angel described in Matthew 28:3-4, and how did the Roman soldiers react? What does this tell us about the power and glory of God’s messengers?
Discussion Question: The soldiers were paralyzed with fear, while the women were invited to see the empty tomb. Why do you think God’s presence can be terrifying to some but comforting to others? How have you experienced God’s presence in your life?
4. The Angel’s Message (Matthew 28:5-6)
Study Question: What did the angel say to the women in Matthew 28:5-6? How does the phrase “as he said” connect to Jesus’ earlier predictions (e.g., Matthew 12:40, John 2:19-21)?
Discussion Question: The resurrection was not an afterthought but a fulfillment of Jesus’ promises. How does knowing Jesus kept His word about rising from the dead strengthen your trust in His other promises?
5. The Women’s Mission (Matthew 28:7)
Study Question: What task did the angel give the women in Matthew 28:7? Why was it important for them to share the news of the resurrection with the disciples?
Discussion Question: The women were sent to proclaim the resurrection. What opportunities do you have to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with others? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them?
6. The Women’s Response (Matthew 28:8)
Study Question: How did the women react to the angel’s message in Matthew 28:8? What does their “fear and great joy” tell us about their experience?
Discussion Question: When have you felt a mix of fear and joy in your walk with God? How can these emotions motivate us to obey and share our faith, as the women did?
7. Jesus’ Appearance (Matthew 28:9)
Study Question: What did Jesus say to the women in Matthew 28:9, and how did they respond? What does their act of worship reveal about Jesus’ identity?
Discussion Question: The women worshiped Jesus when they saw Him. How does the resurrection inspire you to worship Jesus? What are practical ways you can express your worship in daily life?
8. Jesus’ Encouragement (Matthew 28:10)
Study Question: In Matthew 28:10, how did Jesus encourage the women and reinforce their mission? What does His use of the term “my brothers” suggest about His relationship with His disciples?
Discussion Question: Jesus told the women, “Do not be afraid.” How does the reality of the resurrection help you overcome fear in your own life? Share a time when Jesus’ presence gave you courage.
Point II. Why Christ Rose from the Dead (Selected Scriptures)
1. To Defeat Death (Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:17-18)
Study Question: According to Romans 6:9 and Revelation 1:17-18, how did Christ’s resurrection defeat death? What does it mean that Jesus holds “the keys of Death and Hades”?
Discussion Question: The sermon says Christians have an “impenetrable Savior” who conquered death. How does knowing Jesus defeated death give you hope when facing fears or loss?
2. To Give Sinners New Life (1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:4-6)
Study Question: How do 1 Peter 1:3 and Ephesians 2:4-6 describe the new life believers receive through Christ’s resurrection? What does it mean to be “made alive together with Christ”?
Discussion Question: The sermon notes that Christ’s resurrection changes our hearts to love what is good and hate what is evil. How have you seen this transformation in your life or in others? What areas of your heart still need renewal?
3. For Our Justification (Romans 4:25)
Study Question: Romans 4:25 says Jesus was “raised for our justification.” What is justification, and how does the resurrection prove that believers are forgiven?
Discussion Question: Knowing that Jesus’ resurrection assures your forgiveness, how does this truth impact your confidence in your relationship with God? How can it help you forgive others?
4. To Be Our Advocate (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16)
Study Question: According to Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1, and Hebrews 4:14-16, what role does Jesus play as our Advocate? How does His resurrection enable Him to intercede for us?
Discussion Question: The sermon describes Jesus as an Advocate who prays for us when we sin and sympathizes with our weaknesses. How does this encourage you to approach God in prayer, especially when you feel unworthy?
5. To Rule Over All (Ephesians 1:19-22)
Study Question: Ephesians 1:19-22 describes Jesus’ authority after His resurrection. What does it mean that He is “far above all rule and authority” and “head over all things”?
Discussion Question: The sermon calls Jesus our “friend, master, and beloved” who reigns as King. How does knowing Jesus rules over everything affect the way you face challenges or uncertainties in life?
6. To Remove Death’s Sting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Study Question: According to 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, how did Christ’s resurrection take away the “sting” of death? What is the connection between sin, the law, and death’s power?
Discussion Question: The sermon compares death’s sting to a bee’s stinger that Christ has removed, leaving only “honey” for believers. How does this image help you view death differently? How can this hope comfort someone grieving?
7. To Raise Us to Glory (Philippians 3:20-21)
Study Question: Philippians 3:20-21 promises that Jesus will transform our bodies to be like His glorious body. What does this tell us about the future hope of believers?
Discussion Question: The sermon says believers are “on a collision course with glory.” How does the promise of a resurrected, glorious body shape your perspective on your current struggles or physical limitations?
Concluding Exhortation: Courage Because Jesus Is Alive
Study Question: In the concluding exhortation, Jesus’ words “Do not be afraid” are emphasized (Matthew 28:10; Revelation 1:17-18). According to the sermon, what are nine reasons Christians have no need to fear because Jesus is alive?
Discussion Question: Which of these nine reasons (e.g., death is defeated, Jesus prays for you, He will return) resonates most with you right now? Share a specific fear you face and how the resurrection can help you overcome it.
Study Question: Read Revelation 1:12-17. How is the risen Jesus described in this passage, and what does His appearance reveal about His power and glory? Why did He tell John, “Fear not”?
Discussion Question: The sermon encourages “courage for the saints and for our Christ.” How can the vivid description of the risen Jesus in Revelation 1:12-17 inspire you to live boldly for Him? What practical steps can you take to share this courage with others?
Study Question: The sermon ends with the hope that Jesus will return to “rid the world of sins and sufferings and sadness.” How does this future promise connect to the resurrection?
Discussion Question: How does the resurrection give you hope for the future, both in this life and in eternity? As a group, pray for one another to live with this hope in daily challenges.
Application and Personal Reflection Questions
Personal Reflection: The women in Matthew 28:1-10 moved from grief to joy when they encountered the risen Jesus. Reflect on a time when the truth of the resurrection brought you joy or hope. How can you hold onto this truth in difficult seasons?
Group Discussion: Share your reflection with the group. How can you encourage one another to keep the resurrection at the center of your faith?
Personal Reflection: The sermon emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection gives us courage to face fears like death, sin, or suffering. What is one fear you are currently struggling with, and how can you apply the truths of the resurrection to find courage?
Group Discussion: Pair up and pray for each other’s specific fears, asking God to remind you of Jesus’ victory and presence.
Personal Reflection: The women were sent to share the news of the resurrection. Who in your life needs to hear about the risen Jesus? Write down one person and a practical way you can share this message with them.
Group Discussion: Share your plan with the group and commit to praying for each other’s efforts to share the gospel. Follow up in a future meeting to discuss how it went.