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SMALL GROUP GUIDE

Easter: “The Greatest Comeback”

Scripture Focus: John 20:11-18

ICEBREAKER

What’s a comeback story (sports, personal, or otherwise) that you love—and why?

OR

Have you ever experienced a time where things seemed over, later to realize God was still at work?

INTRODUCTION

Everyone loves a comeback story, but the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest comeback in history. In John 20, we see Mary Magdalene standing outside the tomb in grief, believing all hope is lost—until she encounters the risen Jesus. And in a moment, everything changed. Because Jesus conquered sin, defeated death, and is alive today, we can trust that He is still at work, giving us the opportunity for our own comeback story.

INTO THE WORD

1. Comeback from Hopelessness to Joy

Read John 20:11–13, 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 15:13, and Romans 8:28. Where do you find yourself “weeping at the tomb”—struggling to see hope even though God may already be at work? How is “living hope” different from the kind of hope the world offers?

2. Comeback from Failure to Freedom

Read John 20:14–16, Romans 8:1, and Galatians 2:20. Why do you think Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first? How does Jesus calling Mary by name speak to our identity and freedom in Him?

3. Comeback from Spiritual Emptiness to Spiritual Life

Read Ephesians 2:4–5 and John 20:17–18. What does the phrase “But God” reveal about who initiates our salvation and why does that matter for how we view ourselves? Mary’s message is simple: “I have seen the Lord”. If you had to describe your experience with Jesus in one sentence, what would it say?

EMBRACE AND EMBODY

Jesus’ resurrection changes everything and as John 19:35 reminds us, this account is given as a true and trustworthy witness so that we may believe. Because He is alive, no situation is beyond hope, no failure is final, and no life is too far gone. Through Christ, we can experience our own comeback, and we are invited to share that hope with others, pointing them to Jesus.

OPTIONAL GROUP REFLECTION AND PRAYER

Ask your group members to close their eyes and quietly reflect on the following question: “What step is God inviting you to take in response to the resurrection of Jesus?” After 1-2 minutes, invite group members to volunteer to share. Then allow for a time of group prayer, asking group members to pray for those who shared, as they feel led.

TAKE YOUR NEXT RIGHT STEP

(Prayerfully consider one of the following next steps)

• Worship God: Set aside time this week to re-read the resurrection story and then respond by praising Him for what He’s done.

• Seek God Daily: Each day this week choose to trust in Him. Actively choose a worry, frustration, or broken area and “give it to God” through prayer and surrender.

• Make God Known: Take time this week to practice a short version of your comeback story. Pray for God to give you an opportunity to share it with someone this week.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, we thank You that the cross was not the end of the story, and because Jesus is alive, we have hope! Help us to share our faith boldly, so that others would hear and have the opportunity to respond to Jesus’s invitation to follow Him. We ask that Your Spirit provide peace, healing, and joy to those who need it now. We thank You for your love and It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!