HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDEAs you lead the discussion, we follow a discipleship framework that helps move us from learning to transformation: Head → Heart → Hands → Share → Check-In
Leader Reminder: There are multiple questions in each section. Leaders should prepare ahead of time and use discernment to choose the questions that best serve their group. The goal of this discussion is not just conversation but transformation. Encourage participation, honesty, and practical obedience.
ICE BREAKER
Choose one or two:
- What's something you've celebrated recently that felt like a big victory?
- If you could witness any event in history, what would you choose and why?
- What's one piece of good news you've received that completely changed your perspective?
SERMON RECAP
The resurrection of Jesus is not simply the story of a man who came back to life—it is God's declaration that the greatest enemies of humanity have been defeated. In Mark 16, the empty tomb announces that Satan has been disarmed, sin's condemnation has been answered, and death's dominion has been broken. Jesus is not merely alive; He is the reigning, victorious King. Because He conquered our greatest enemy, every lesser enemy must ultimately bow before Him.
After the resurrection, Jesus reveals His heart by seeking out ordinary, broken people. He appears first to Mary Magdalene, reminding us that His resurrection not only forgives our past but frees us from sin's power and empowers us to walk in new life today. He patiently restores His doubting disciples, speaks peace over them, and commissions them to proclaim the good news that His victory is now available to the world.
As we come to the end of Mark's Gospel, we return to the question that has shaped this entire series: Who is Jesus? Mark has answered. He is the King who conquered sin, Satan, and death and now reigns forever. There is only one response left: Hail the King. The invitation is to believe that Jesus died and rose for you, trust His living power each day, and joyfully join His mission by proclaiming the victory of the risen King.
SCRIPTURE
READ: Mark 16:1-8
HEAD
What does the scripture show?
- What stands out to you about the events surrounding the empty tomb? Is there anything that surprises you or raises questions?
- What do Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples reveal about the kind of King He is?
- What do the responses of the women and the disciples reveal about people when confronted with the unexpected work of God?
- Mark's Gospel has been answering one question: "Who is Jesus?" After reading Mark 16, how would you answer that question? What does His resurrection reveal about His identity?
HEART
What do we believe?
- How does knowing that the Spirit who raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in you change the way you face sin, fear, or life's challenges?
- Where do you find yourself struggling to believe that Jesus is still alive and at work—in your life or through His church? How does His resurrection encourage your faith?
- Jesus sends His people to proclaim His victory. What does it mean to you that the risen King invites ordinary people like us to be part of His mission?
HANDS
Practice Together in Community
- What is one thing God is inviting you to believe, do, or change because of this passage?
- What is one area where Jesus is inviting you to live more fully in the freedom He purchased through His death and resurrection? What specific step will you take this week?
- The risen King sends His people to announce His victory. Who is one person you will intentionally pray for and look for an opportunity to share the hope of Jesus with this week?
Complete this sentence: "This week, I will live out this sermon by ______________________________."
SHARE: MISSION
Living Out the Message This Week
- Who will you share this takeaway with this week?
- Who will you intentionally pray for this week?
NEXT WEEK CHECK-IN
- Encourage the group to return next week ready to share how they practiced the HANDS step and how they lived out the SHARE: MISSION step.
- Ask, what is one takeaway from your study of this past week's chapter in Mark?
PRAYER
- Thank Jesus that He has conquered sin, Satan, and death, and ask Him to deepen your confidence in His victory.
- Pray for greater faith to trust that the risen King is still alive and working today.
- Pray for boldness to proclaim the gospel and for opportunities to point others to the risen King this week.
OTHER SCRIPTURE
Philippians 2:9–11, Romans 6:9–11 , Matthew 28, Genesis 3, John 10:10