This Week’s Main Idea: “Comfort”

Big Idea

The story of Easter is the record of an event that was pivotal in history, not just human history but in
the history of the Universe: The Son of God suffered and died! It isn’t enough to know what happened – we
must understand enough of what God was doing at that time that we can respond to it and benefit from it.
The Great Exchange this week is that Jesus suffered so that we could be comforted. Jesus suffered so that we
could have peace with God! Comfort and peace are two things our culture knows nothing about and
desperately needs! We think of Jesus’s death paying for our sins but He accomplished SO much more.

Scripture
John 14:27-29; John 16:5-11; John 19:9-21; Isaiah 53; 1 John 4:16-18

Connect
Share how you celebrate Easter.

Explore
1. Read John 14:27-29; John 16:5-11; John 19:9-21. Have you, or anyone you have known, chosen to
suffer on behalf of someone else? What would motivate you to do this?
2. Share your response to the reality that someone you love is dying, or had died? Where did you find
your peace and comfort?
3. a. Read Isaiah 53. In verses 10-12, how does Isaiah describe God’s plan being carried out in Christ’s life
and death?
b. While God’s plan was, in the short-term, horrific for Christ, what was the long-term result for
believers? V. 11
c. What do you think of Pastor Greg’s statement that “ignoring the offer of His plan is only a rejection
in disguise”? Have you ever done that? Please share if you feel comfortable.
4. Read 1 John 4:16-18. Do you ever feel judged by God? According to this passage in 1 John 4, how do
these words impact you? Do you believe it enough that it takes away your fear of God’s judgement?
5. Read 1 John 1:9. Do you practice frequent confession of your sins? Does this verse give you comfort
when you think of the reality that Christians still sin?

Stretch
What is God saying to you from His Word right now? What are you going to do about it?

Pray