Big Idea

Easter weekend means “both feet in” for Jesus

The “two days” are like two sides of the same coin

1 Corinthians 15:14 & 17 “If Christ has not been raised from the dead, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

One foot on Good Friday means that Jesus’ sacrifice is greater than my sin

Jesus’ sacrifice is greater than my sin

• Colossians 2:14 “He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

One foot on Easter Sunday means that Jesus’ power is greater than my power!

Jesus’ power grid

• Luke 24:49 “I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  
• Acts 2:4-5; 8 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
• Ephesians 1:19-20a “I pray that you will understand the greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him.  This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.”    
• Ephesians 5:14; 16-18 “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk with wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

How to begin a relationship with God

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you resonate more with Jesus’ death on Good Friday (sin & forgiveness) or Jesus’ resurrection on Easter (Holy Spirit empowerment)?  
2. Let’s dive into Good Friday. Read the following verses and share your insights:

• John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  What’s your best way of illustrating the agape love the Father showed us by giving us His Son?
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” When Jesus hung on the cross and took on our sin, at that point was He the most sinful man in history?  

3. Let’s dive into Easter Sunday. Read the following verses and share your insights:

• Acts 2:4-5; 8 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and sin all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Do you feel as comfortable with God the Spirit as you do God the Father and God the Son?    
• Ephesians 5:14; 16-18 “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk with wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” How is one “filled with the Spirit?”