Shock and Awe and the Grace of New Beginning

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Read Mark 16:1-8. What surprises, encourages, or sparks questions for you? What characters do you resonate with or feel distant from in this passage?

What does this passage teach us about God? How does this passage show us something about the character of God to praise?

The three women mentioned by name in verse 1 were named in Jesus’s ministry, at the cross, at his burial, and now at his resurrection. What is significant about their names being included and where they are specifically mentioned?

The angel says to the women 4 words in Greek: Jesus of Nazareth, crucified, risen, not here. How are each of these 4 phrases/words essential to the gospel message?

The women are invited to “see the place where they laid him.” Even though Jesus had told them he would rise again, the women were trembling and bewildered. How have you experienced the wonder of the gospel in your life?

Our senses and imagination are starved in many parts of our culture and overstimulated in other areas. We are shocked by our news feed, politics, crime, war, etc., but in what ways can we cultivate or train ourselves to recognize an awe of God (his Word, the gospel, his mercy and goodness towards us, etc.)?

What from this passage do you need to remember, rejoice in, request, or repent of?

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?