The stone rolled to the mouth of the tomb says that Jesus died a real death. On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus died in our place in payment for your sins. But the stone, which was rolled to the mouth of the tomb in order to seal it, did not stay there. The stone rolled away reveals that Jesus Christ is the victor over death.

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KEY VERSES

HEBREWS 9:27-28 (NASB)

27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

1 PET. 3:18 (NASB)

18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

MATTHEW 28:1-7 (NASB)

28 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

ROMANS 5:9-10 (NASB)

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

UNDERSTANDING

• Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, said, “There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” When have you experienced the ripple effect from something someone else did?

• Conversely, we’re seeing gigantic global ripples this week that have a destructive impact on people. These ripples, at present, feel unstoppable and unending. Which ripple effect are you feeling the most right now—the effect of an act of kindness or the effects of destruction and death? Explain.

• In the Hebrews passage, how does verse 28 remove the fear that verse 27 brings?

• What reason do you have to “eagerly await” for Jesus to return?

• How would you summarize 1 Peter 3:18 in your own words?

• 1 Peter 3:18 declares that Christ suffered for your sins. When did this truth begin to have personal meaning to you?

• How has Christ’s death and resurrection changed your life?

• What did the women expect to find at the tomb on resurrection morning? What might this indicate about the way they viewed the finality of Jesus’ death?

• Describe the scene they found at the tomb. Could there be any other explanation other

  than Jesus having been raised from the dead?

• Respond to the statement, “The stone was rolled away so that we could look in.”

• What ripple effect does the stone that was rolled away have on you personally?

• What words are used in these verses to express what the death of Christ accomplished for you? How do these words help you see the lengths that God went to in order to rescue you?

• The ripples of Christ’s resurrection are still being felt today. How have you experienced

  them in your life? Explain.

• What hope do you have for the future?

APPLICATION

• Death comes to us all. Christ conquered death. You have hope for the future. Which of those three points of application stand out to you the most personally today? Why?

• How might your week look different if you focus on the act of the resurrection as a ripple which knows no logical end in your life?

• Who do you know who needs to experience the ripple effect of the resurrection? How can this group pray for you as you relate to that person?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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