The Unexpected Road

Sermon Discussion Questions: April 5, 2026 The Unexpected Road Call to Worship: Psalm 16:8-11 1. David's life included far more drama and chaos than most. Yet he wrote many passages like this, that express profound serenity and deep peace. What was David's secret? Sermon: Mark 16:1-8 I. What to Do with the Stone – Verses 1-4 1. We ask Jesus: “Get me through the day.” That is not a bad request. But how might we express more faith in our prayer? 2. The two Mary's and Salome thought they were on the way to a grave. Instead, they encountered the resurrection. Share a time a literal or spiritual journey ended in a way that was never expected. a. From scripture. b. From your life. 3. “Who will roll away the stone?” was an intelligent, practical question. So were ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? (Matthew 6). What was Pastor Paul's point about addressing practical, day-to-day issues? 4. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by,... (Robert Frost) Pastor Paul used the metaphor of two roads. What were the two roads described in his sermon, and where did they lead? 5. If we view the stone blocking Jesus' grave as representing an obstacle, what lesson can we draw from the women's experience? II. The Invitation of the Angel – Verses 5-7 6. The “swoon theory” postulates that Jesus fainted and revived. How does this and other passages contradict that theory? 7. The miracle of the resurrection is not just that Jesus lives, but that we can live. Where is that doctrine taught in scripture? 8. Why does the angel, in verse 7, refer to Peter specifically? 9. Repentance means turning away from something bad. What else does it mean? 10. How did the resurrection validate Jesus' other promises? III. The Trembling Response – Verses 7-8 11. The burial spices were not needed. Yet no one would argue that the three women wasted their morning. If you have ever had a similar experience, in which your plans were unfulfilled, yet your endeavor was still worthwhile, share your story. 12. AI Question 🤖: In what ways can I be more intentional about sharing the hope of the resurrection with others, even when I feel hesitant or afraid? Prayer Points: • Ask the Holy Spirit to shift your gaze from the “stones” of your problems to the power of the Resurrected Christ. • Lift up those in the congregation who feel “disqualified” by their recent sins or failures. Pray that they would hear the specific, personal invitation of Jesus. • Pray that our church would never become “casual” about the Resurrection. Pray that the reality of the Empty Tomb would produce a “awe of the Lord” that drives out the “fear of man.”