In this Station of the Resurrection, we reflect on Jesus' last words in the Gospel of Matthew, the Great Commission. Mark shared a message about the song of grace and restoration that Jesus wants us to sing, and reminds us of Jesus' promises in Matthew 28 — that Jesus has all authority and that he is with us always.

In this Station of the Resurrection, we find Jesus restoring Peter, and we witness the work of Christ's grace.

John 21:15-19

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

1. Read John 21:15-19. What stands out to you today?

2. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either as encouraging, confusing or challenging?

3. This story teaches about the depth and purpose of Jesus' grace. What do we see the grace of Christ accomplishing here?

4. In the sermon, Mark shared a clip from Ted Lasso that talked about persistence. What motivates you to continue live with faithfulness?

5. Where in your life do you need to encounter Jesus' restoring grace?

In this sermon within our Stations of the Resurrection series, Mark shares from the first half of John 21. In this message, the Resurrected Jesus meets the disciples and Peter in a profound moment of returning.

John 21:1-14

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Share a memory of fishing.

2. Read John 21:1-14. What stands out to you in this passage today? What do you imagine the experience of these disciples to be?

3. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either encouraging, confusing or challenging?

4. Discuss the three stages of faith Mark shared in the sermon: childish, cynical, child-like. Describe each stage and what happens in the transition from one stage to another.

5. An aspect of moving into a child-like faith is the act of reclaiming. For those who have engaged with deconstruction, what do you want to reclaim with your faith?

6. Thomas Merton wrote, “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” How do you see this quote alive in this passage and in your own life?

In this sermon in our Eastertide series called Stations of the Resurrection, Mark shares from John 20:19-29. In this passage, Jesus breathes peace upon the disciples, has an encounter with Thomas, and gives us a surprising solution to our doubt.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What is your unique scar?

2. Read John 20:19-29. What do you notice in this passage today?

3. Fear is a powerful force in this world. How do you usually respond to fear? What parts of your life or personhood has fear locked?

4. In your spiritual upbringing, how was doubt characterized? What could it mean to "faithfully doubt?"

5. Why do you think the Resurrected Jesus still had scars? Would it had been any different to you if he appeared without them?

6. This week, we are enacting the spiritual practice of breath prayers. You may use this form of prayer throughout your day to re-center yourself, to remind you of God's nearness, and to ask the Spirit to fuel you with peace. What could be your plan to enact this practice?

In this next sermon in the Eastertide series, Stations of the Resurrection, Fabs preaches from John 20:1-2 and 11-18, where Jesus meets Mary Magdalene.

John 20:1-2, 11-18

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing, or something you are struggling with?

2. Read John 20:11-18. What do you notice in these words today?

3. Consider this question from the Lectio365 app: In what ways might past disappointments or prior expectations be obscuring the things Jesus is doing?

4. What are some areas where "it is still dark?" What makes it hard to imagine restoration and resurrection in those areas, or even what it might look like?

5. Are there stories or identities that you are associated with (good or bad)? And what would it feel like to be seen for who you are beyond these things?

6. Why do you think it is so hard for us to walk in and truly believe what God says is true about us: that we are valuable and loved? What might look different in your life if this felt 100% true.

In this second week of this Eastertide series, Stations of the Resurrection, Mark shares from Luke 24 and the story called the Road to Emmaus.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What's your favorite trail or path to walk or hike in Austin?

2. Read Luke 24:13-27. Imagine yourself in the place of these two disciples. What thoughts and emotions do you imagine holding?

3. How would you define the idea of liminal space? Why do you think these liminal spaces are such fertile ground to meet with God?

4. Mark talked about how this story gives an example of Jesus-centered reading of the Bible. What does it mean to read all of Scripture in light of Jesus?

5. Continue reading verses Luke 24:28-35. Why do you think Jesus chose to wait till the breaking of bread to reveal himself?

6. What else has stayed with you from the sermon: either something challenging, confusing or encouraging?

7. In what ways are you experiencing a liminal space in your life? What do you see Christ doing through this experience?

Happy Easter! Mark kicks off a new series exploring the season called Eastertide. Using artwork from Scott Erickson, The Vine will walk through the stations of Jesus' resurrection.

Today, Mark preaches from Luke 24:1-11 as we consider the meaning of Easter.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Why might it be wise to treat Easter as a season and not just a day?

2. Read Luke 24:1-11. What do you notice in these verses? Consider the women's experience in particular.

3. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either something challenging, confusing or encouraging?

4. Mark talked about the problem of forgetfulness. How do you see forgetfulness as a spiritual issue?

5. What are the truths or lessons that have a tendency to slip from your mind and soul? What are also the truths of Easter you'd like to live with in this season called Eastertide?

In our final midweek soul care convo, Mark chats it up with community members Dana Curtis and Haley Patterson to explore the idea of selfless compassion as a part of soul care!

In this final sermon, Mark shares on Matthew 21, the story surrounding Palm Sunday, and how our souls were created for selfless compassion.

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REFLECTION QUESTION:

1. What is the movie you watched the most?

2. Why might it be important that this series on Soul Care ends with a conversation about compassion and service?

3. Read Matthew 21:1-11. It is believed that this crowd would have been the same who would ask for Jesus' death or was silent in Jesus' final moments. Why do you think they turned so quickly against Jesus? How do you see that taking place today?

4. Read Matthew 21:12-17. What do you notice about Jesus in this passage? What does it mean to you?

5. Consider what follows the events on Palm Sunday- the cursing of the fruitless tree (vv18-22). What could this point to? What are the fruits that Jesus seems to care deeply for?

6. Mark concluded the sermon by talking about the balance between practices of contemplation and compassion; solitude and service. What is the downfall of over emphasizing one over the other? Which might you neglect?

Let's get into our midweek soul care convo! This week, we have Gabe McKinney and Kyle Bender in the closet of The Vine's office talking about the importance of community in soul care.

www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare