https://youtu.be/bspANQZvw90

📝 Summary

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In this Easter message, Pastor Paul Durbin teaches from Matthew 28 and reminds us that the resurrection is more than a moment—it’s proof that Jesus can be trusted. He keeps His promises just as He said. He welcomes our doubts because some still doubted. And He never leaves us for He is with us always. Even when faith feels shaky, Jesus remains faithful, powerful, and present.

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📌 Tips

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• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
• You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

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Have you ever doubted something that later turned out to be true?

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📖 Bible Passage(s)

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Matthew 28:1–20 (NIV) 1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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🔎 Observation

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1. What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
2. What do you notice about how the angel describes Jesus’ resurrection?
3. Why do you think Matthew includes the detail “but some doubted” right after worship?
4. What comfort or challenge do you find in Jesus’ words, “I am with you always”? </aside>

👋 Application

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1. Where have you seen Jesus keep a promise in your life?
   • Remembering His faithfulness in the past helps build trust in the present.
   • “Just as He said” reminds us He always follows through.
2. Which of God’s promises feels hardest to trust right now? Why?
   • Faith grows stronger when we name what feels hard to believe.
   • You can trust His timing even when it doesn’t make sense yet.
3. What does doubt usually look like for you?
   • The disciples worshiped and doubted at the same time—it’s more common than we think.
   • Jesus doesn’t shame honest doubt; He draws near.
4. How can worship help us move through doubt?
   • Like the disciples, worship keeps our hearts open to see more of Jesus.
   • Faith often grows as we act before we fully see.
5. When have you most sensed Jesus’ presence in a hard season?
   • “I am with you always” is not a metaphor—it’s a promise.
   • His presence anchors us when life feels unstable.
6. What would it look like to “taste and see” God’s goodness this week?
   • Sometimes trust deepens not by thinking more, but by moving forward in obedience.
   • Psalm 34:8 invites us to test His goodness through experience.
7. How could you remind someone else this week that Jesus is trustworthy?
   • Sharing your story of His faithfulness can give hope to someone waiting for theirs. </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

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Practical ways to live on mission this week:

• Write down one promise from God you’ve seen fulfilled—and thank Him for it.
• Encourage a friend who’s wrestling with doubt; let them know they’re not alone.
• Begin each morning with this prayer: “Jesus, I trust You today—help my unbelief.”
• Look for one way to bring peace or confidence into someone’s life this week.
• Celebrate Jesus’ presence daily—He’s not far off; He’s right here. </aside>

🙏 Prayer

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• “Thank You, Jesus, that You always keep Your word.”
• “Help me trust You when I can’t yet see Your plan.”
• “Be near me when I wrestle with doubt.”
• “Remind me today that You’re with me and for me.”
• “Let my life show others that You’re trustworthy.” </aside>

🎶 Worship

https://youtu.be/u-1fwZtKJSM?si=8h_P4dFQLioKsRiY