Week of April 24, 2011

1. Read John 20:1-18.


2. After you bury someone you love, how do you deal with your grief? Do you find comfort in going out to the cemetery? Why?


3. As Mary, having seen Jesus' torturous death, what is your emotional state two days later? Would you be sleepless? Why else would you visit the tomb so early? Realizing the body is gone, how do you react?


4. What does "the other disciple" (likely John, the author) believe in v. 8? Why?


5. Given the disciples' response in v. 8, why is Mary crying? Would you have responded more like Mary, or like the men?


6. From her response to the angels and Jesus, would you say she is quietly grieving, or more hysterical? Why?


7. What finally break through her grief and confusion? How does her return to the disciples here contrast to that in verse 2?


8. What did you think of the metaphor of the cicada shell in the sermon on Sunday?


9. Did Father Mike's message of "come on out" resonate with you? Do can you relate to having had a "Friday and Saturday" experience? To trusting the Lord to do the natural work of renewal in you? To stepping for and "singing your song"?


10. Pray for one another.