Easter 2026: Good News

Small Group Discussion Guide
based on a sermon by Tim Bach, 4/5/26

Opening prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the good news of Your death and resurrection. Open our hearts as we read Your Word, help us hear Your voice clearly, and show us how to respond with faith, hope, and obedience. Amen.

Scripture readings:
Mark 1:15
Romans 2:14-16
Luke 8:1-2
Matthew 27:54-56
Mark 15:46-47
John 20:1-18

Discussion guide:
What does “good news” usually mean to you, and how is the gospel different from other kinds of good news?

Talk about Mark 1:15 and discuss what Jesus means by “repent and believe.” Why do both matter?

Read Romans 2:14-16 and discuss how conscience, right and wrong, and the judgment of God point to our need for grace.

Read Luke 8:1-2 and talk about how Jesus welcomed and transformed people who followed Him, including Mary Magdalene.

Read Matthew 27:54-56 and Mark 15:46-47 and discuss what it says about the people who stayed near Jesus at the cross and burial.

Read John 20:1-18 and focus on Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ. Why do you think Jesus appeared first to her?

What changes when Jesus calls Mary by name?

Maybe the main question is not only whether the resurrection happened, but what we will do with the voice calling our name today.

What stands out to you most from these passages?

Why do you think Mary Magdalene was the one Jesus met first after the resurrection?

What does her response teach us about grief, faith, and recognition of Jesus?

Where do you see yourself in this story: the crowd, the disciples who hid, the women who stayed, or Mary who came looking?

What is one area of your life where Jesus may be calling your name right now?

What does repentance look like in a practical way this week?

How does the resurrection change the way we face fear, loss, or uncertainty?

Follow-up exercise:
This week, spend 10 minutes each day reading John 20:1-18.

Write down one word or phrase that stands out to you.

Then answer these three prompts in a journal or notebook: What am I seeking? What is Jesus speaking to me? What step of obedience am I being asked to take?

At the end of the week, share one insight or one action step with the group.
 
Closing prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us and for raising Him from the dead. Thank You that He knows us by name and still calls us to Himself. Help us not only believe the resurrection, but live in the power of it this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.