Incredulous at Mary’s report,
Peter and John suddenly
raced to the tomb.
Eugene Burnand (1898)
“The Disciples Peter and John Racing To the Sepulcher on the Morning of the Resurrection”
We will close as we began this Lent,
with John’s account.
THIS IS SO RICH.
Reflecting on this together
all of Easter week will cause
our joy to be complete.
Remember how John put it in his first letter?
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make your joy complete.
(I John 1:3-4)
Many people come to Christ on Easter. My own mother came to Christ on Easter at the age of 93. So pray for your service, for the people you love who are lost, and for your own sensitivity today to be His love to those in your path. I am planning to visit one today who does not know him, I know one of my children is bringing an agnostic family to church, and I suspect many of you have opportunities as well. Let us pray fervently, for the prayer of a righteous man availeth much!
Easter Sunday, 2019
- Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had?
- After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you.
Monday: I’ve Seen Too Much
Our five children all went to a public high school, as our little Nebraska town did not have a Christian high school. But the choir performances were filled with Christian music — they even did Handel’s Messiah. When I asked the choir director how he got away with it, he said, “I tell any objectors that Christian music is the best music, and I want to teach nothing but the best.” I’m not sure he could get away with that today, but I’m so thankful that he did then.
And it’s true: the best literature, the best art, and the best music comes from the hearts of those transformed by Christ, for it is anointed. My new favorite artist is Andrew Peterson. He has a song that is based on Peter’s thoughts after the resurrection that I love. I want you to read these lyrics, listen to the song, and then reflect together on some questions.
I know it sounds crazy
But I know what I saw
When the sun came up on the brightest day
From the darkest night of all
I saw the Man die
They laid Him in the tomb
And I know ‘cause I saw it with my own two eyes
When He stepped into the room
And I’ve seen too much, too much to deny
I’ve seen too much, too much to say goodbye
So we scattered to the four winds
To tell them what we know
But I get so tired and the doubt creeps in
And the doubt won’t let me go
And it’s all I can do to get up in the morning
All I can do to stand up in the storm
When all I remember’s the passing form
A glimpse of the glory before it was gone
And I get so tired of this ridicule
But I cannot deny what I know to be true
‘Cause I’ve seen too much
What else can I do?
Where else can I go, Lord?
Where else can I go… but to You?
I’ve seen too many faces
All shining like the sun
I’ve seen too many skies on fire
Like the face of the Holy One
I’ve seen too many eyes wide open
That once were so blind
All burning with the beauty of the same love
The same love that opened mine
And I’ve seen too much, too much to deny
I’ve seen too much, too many points of light
I know too much, I saw the scars and touched His skin
That’s how it was, and I cannot hold it in
I’ve seen so much that cannot be explained
And I realize it’s a mystery of faith
But my friend was dead and He walked out of the grave
And I knew the world would never be the same
I saw too much, when I looked into the eye
Of the One I love and the One who loves me
And there was nowhere left to hide
I’ve seen too much, too much to deny
I’ve seen too much, too much to say goodbye
Too many points of light, too much to say goodbye
Here’s the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIeFirvD7-I
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17)
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why?
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.”
A. Name one changed life you have seen.
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget.
Tuesday: Jesus said to her: “Mary.”
6. What does Luke 8:2 tell us about Mary Magdalene?
7. Read John 20:10-18 and put yourself in her place.
A. Why does she explain to “the gardener” that she is crying? What do you think she was thinking?
B. What thoughts do you have on why she doesn’t recognize him?
C. What causes her to recognize him? (verse 16)
D. Has the Lord ever spoken your name to you? If so, share something about it.
Wednesday: Doubting Thomas
Caravaggio (1601-1602)
The Incredulity of St Thomas
8. Read John 20:24-31
A. Describe, using verses, the change in Thomas from doubt to faith.
B. Comment on Caravaggio’s painting. What stands out to you and why?
C. What stands out to you from the passage and why?
Thursday: Peter’s Transformation
Raffaello (1515)
“The Miraculous Draught of Fish”
7. How did Peter respond in Luke 5:8 after Jesus caused them to catch a miraculous draught of fish?
8. How does Peter respond differently after a similar miracle in John 20:1-14? Why do you think?
9. What gives you confidence in Jesus love and forgiveness of you?
Friday: Do You Love Me?
10. Read John 20:15-19
A. Reflect on this passage and share what stands out to you and why?
B. Can you see this is a re-instatement of Peter? If so, why?
C. Do you think the Lord knows you love Him? If so, why?
11. Read John 20:20-25
A. What do you learn about the author of John’s gospel here?
B. What stands out to you from this passage and why?
In closing, because we began this Lenten season with the first miracle of turning water into wine, I want you to listen and to pray this Keith Green song, and then share your thoughts and your prayer.
12. Share your thoughts and prayers from the above.
Saturday:
13. What will you remember from this “Resurrection” week and why?
82 comments
Happy Easter to all! ✝️💜
I feel awkward this morning not going to church, because we flew all night to get to our time share for a week of “time off.” Exhausted but relishing in the prayer that Jesus said for us. Especially this:
“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.”
John 17:11 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.17.11.nlt
Jesus has risen! He has risen indeed! Thank You Lord, for making sure we are taken care of here until we are with You, there.
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had?
I would have been scared, thinking someone stole the body for some unknown reason. I would begin to search for the answer to the mystery, looking for clues the robber may have left.
2. After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you.
We we arrived at our destination at 5am this morning and I had researched a church to attend, however after flying all night we were too exhausted to go. I plan to listen to a sermon online and report back. Haven’t decided where to go, but I think the church here streams live. Another message is posted from a lady in our MOPS group so that might be good too.
2. I went online and the church we were going to attend today in our remote location was streaming live on fb! Love technology! Here are my notes:
Live the resurrection by:
loving well as Jesus did. There is enough hate in the world, we need people to LOVE. He loved the disciples, his family, and even others who didn’t deserve it (Judas). God loves sinners including me.
dying well because He loved well. Pour ourselves out as an offering to God everyday, as Jesus did, everyday. At the end of the day you can lay in bed and think “I did all I could today to lead people to Christ. No regrets.” Totally spent.
investing in God. Jesus didn’t invest in earthly things, but rather those of heaven. No treasures on earth but treasures in heaven.
being alive again! Jesus is alive! Do we believe that Jesus is the Resurrection? That is the question. Live out the resurrection.
Thanks to Cornerstone Church in Davenport, Florida for their fb live event!
Good job, Laura. And wonderful you get some down time in Florida!
Happy Easter All!
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had?
I think one feeling would be shock, fear, maybe anger, sadness…
2. After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”—to live with the full knowledge, faith, emotions of one who has a Living King. He is not dead, He is risen! And He is alive, within me. Do I live this way? Oh, I long to more—to be filled with the joy of His “risen-ness” in me!
And I had to jump ahead to the Andrew Peterson song, that’s one of my favorites! I pre-ordered that CD this time last year and have hardly stopped playing it since. If anyone doesn’t have it, every song is worth it. We’ve been singing “Is He Worthy?” at church and it still moves me to tears every time. It’s a gift from Him.
I love that you too love Andrew Peterson. I’ve been trying to hard to get permission to put it on a DVD for the prisons as we can’t bring computers in — want to show them the video –but am hitting roadblocks. Haven’t given up though!
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had?
My mind would be racing as I remember the words of Jesus about His death and resurrection. Oh, Lord! All your words were true? I would be crying as I run with Peter and John to the tomb. My heart would be so full of hope and excitement, although might be cautious a little. By this time, I would be dearly hoping that He is indeed risen and no longer at the tomb.
2. After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roar, whatever my lot thou has taught me to say, It is well with my soul.” Horatio Spafford
Our church family and our community have been affected by the March flood. The losses and the heartaches it has brought about have been painful to watch and hear about. Yesterday, my husband Richard brought me to a place where I could see the waters still standing for quite a distance on the bottom farmlands. My heart sank and the news is that it will take a while for the water to recede.
We are inaccessible to a couple of families because of the road conditions. They will have about 2 hours extra to travel to join us for church service. I missed them today.
Today, Richard talked about the empty tomb and the risen Christ as our hope for the future. He weaved the Scriptures through the song, “It is well with my soul”. He encouraged us to look to Jesus, our High Priest who identifies with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4) and the One who has made our lot secure (Psalm 16). I was blessed by seeing people linger and talking to one another after the 2 services and our Easter breakfast. I heard bits and pieces of words of encouragement. Indeed, amidst all, it is well with our souls because of what Easter reminds us of!
So hard for those farmers — we had so much loss in Nebraska — yet the Lord God Omnipotent reigns and He is our hope and future. Thanks for sharing, Bing. Sounds like a good message tailored to the peoples’ needs.
Bing, where do you live? It has to be somewhere close to SD, NE, or IA….
Mary B., thanks for asking. We live in MO and my husband’s hometown and where he pastors a small church is close to several towns of NE and IA. We have several students in our tech school who had to evacuate and some have decided not to go back to their homes and to live elsewhere.
Sunday
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been with them , what thoughts might you have possibly have had?
I would of thought, what in the world did they do with His body and why would someone take Him?
Something must of clicked with them when they saw that the cloth that covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the the other wrappings as John believed (without any doubt that Jesus had risen from the dead. Amplified) when he saw it.
2. After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you.
What stood out to me from our pastors sermon was after Peter denied Christ, he returned to the familiar, fishing, and Jesus met him right where he was at. Because of the resurrection, sins can be forgiven, just as Peter’s were. The power of sins grip is broken. That is really simplifying the sermon, but the point he was making is, Jesus accepts us just as we are, He meets us right where we’re at and offers forgiveness.
Happy Easter! Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, He does meet us right where we are!
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had? I might have been still in a stupor of grief, roused by this former ‘mad woman’ wondering…has she gone mad again? Then realizing what she was saying, and running to the tomb, only to find it empty. I would have assumed that the body had been stolen. But who unwraps a dead body when the steal it away? Who takes the time to roll up the cloth that would have been on His face and head and place it separately? Then I wondered why they just went back to their own homes!
After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you. Today, in a fresh way I was struck by the power of the resurrection…by His power that is available to resurrect me also. I have been given the power to go and love.
I had never thought about them thinking Mary Magdalene might have gone mad again!!!
1. Thoughts on John 20:1-9. The first thing that comes to my mind is the explanation I’ve seen this year about the one cloth, the napkin, being folded up and separate from the linen. That when a master got up from the table, the servant knew they planned to return if the napkin was folded up. If it wasn’t folded, it meant the master was done. Did those thoughts run through John’s mind? It says he believed then, even before seeing it from Scripture. I would have been confused, unable to piece it together. That is what I imagine Peter was thinking.
Interesting, Mary!
Mary, I wonder if that’s what clicked in Johns mind when he saw the folded cloth and believed that Jesus had risen from the dead? It is interesting.
Mary, I have never thought of the meaning of the napkin being folded up! Interesting!
Reporting on my Easter — we had a lovely service, renting a space that overlooks the lake — many testimonies — and Oh –the music. Twila memorized Rev 5 and we closed with Is He Worthy? Most exciting for me were the unbelievers who came — and one of my daughters reported on bringing her agnostic neighbors to church and they were quite pleasantly surprised. It is such a powerful time — I’ve been a bit down, but it is amazing how the spirit of heaviness can be replaced with a garment of praise!
Dee, sounded like a wonderful and uplifting service! So glad that your spirit of heaviness was replaced with a garment of praise…thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sharon!
Wow! The Lord sure has a way of lifting our spirits. I love how Twila memorized Revelation 5 and that you sang Is He worthy? Powerful!
Monday
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See 6:67-69 and John 21:15-17)
In the John 6 passage, Jesus asked after many of the disciples had turned away and deserted Him…”are you also going to leave?” To which Peter responded, “Lord, to whom would we go (Where else can I go…but to You)?…We believe, and we know You are the Holy One of God (I’ve seen too many skies on fire – like the face of the Holy One).” In John 21, Jesus asked Peter 3 times (the same amount of times Peter denied Him) “do you love Me?” Peter, after being asked a third time and feeling hurt, said, “Lord, You know everything (There was nowhere to hide). You know that I love You. (…the One I love and the One who loves me).
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why?
“I know cause I saw it with my own two eyes.” “I’ve seen too much, too much to deny.” “I’ve seen too many faces…” “I’ve seen too many eyes wide open that once were so blind.” “I’ve seen too much, to much to say goodbye.” Peters experiences and what he witnessed gave him the greatest testimony and caused him to be greatly used by God.
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light”.
A. Name one changed life you have seen.
A young man I taught in high school Sunday school class. He received Christ while he was in middle school and as he entered high school he was making very poor choices and just wanting to live life for himself. I praise the Lord today that he is pastoring a church in the next town over from us and is on fire for the Lord.
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget.
Gods faithfulness time after time!
I love these lyrics, Sharon.
“I know cause I saw it with my own two eyes.” “I’ve seen too much, too much to deny.” “I’ve seen too many faces…” “I’ve seen too many eyes wide open that once were so blind.” “I’ve seen too much, to much to say goodbye.”
And good story from you!
1. 3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17)
All I could think was the time when after Peter denied Christ 3x, Jesus looked at him.
“I saw too much when I looked into the eye Of the One I love and the One who loves me And there was nowhere left to hide”
“All I can do to stand up in the storm” –when Peter went out of the boat into the water to meet Jesus
Then I read the reference that you gave us, Dee. In John 6:67-68 “where else can I go, Lord?” and in John 21:15-17 Jesus’ conversation with Peter “Do you love me?”
2. 4. What stands out to you from the above song and why?
“I’ve seen too much, too much to deny”
The change in people’s lives that I thought would never happen
His extraordinary gifts to me personally though undeserving
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.”
A. Name one changed life you have seen.
A recent one is a former student of mine about 8-10 years ago. She was a party-goer, kind of wild girl during high school. Now, she is a devoted Christian raising a family.
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget.
For the most part, the Word of God is my point of light. Recently from a bible study, I was struck by the faith of the centurion who exclaimed, “surely this man was the Son of God!”
When I realized I am a sinner and in need of a Savior, I did not see any lightning strike nor heard a voice. Just a prompting of the Spirit, a point of light that I will never forget.
Great post, Bing.
1. Read John 20:1-9 and put yourself in the place of Peter and John. If you had been them, what thoughts might you have possibly have had? I think I would have felt it was impossible, I think that is what they felt for they went to see for themselves. They needed to see it … they were probably bewildered and confused? If they had their wits about them they may have been seeking through their memories of what Christ had said to see if they could remember clues to what was happening.
2. After your Easter service today, share what stood out to you. That God must be presented in His entirety. Both Justice and Grace, both judgment and mercy, both wrath and love… anything other than the full picture is manipulation and a reliance on our own abilities to shape people’s response. When we present Scripture and God in their completeness then we leave it to the Holy Spirit to work on someone’s heart.
Sounds like a very good message — God in His entirety: judgment and mercy.
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17)
Oh there is so much here, and I just love Peter—I love his heart and how he messes up, he trips himself in so many ways, oh I relate—but still, Jesus loves him deep.
A few that jump out to me:
“I’ve seen too much” (Mark 5:37)…
“too much to deny “(Matthew 26:35)
“But I get so tired (Matthew 26:40)
and the doubt creeps in” (Matthew 26:74)
“Where else can I go… but to You?” (John 6:68)
“I’ve seen too many faces, All shining like the sun, I’ve seen too many skies on fire” (Mark 9:4-6)
Lizzy — loved how you back those words up with Scripture!!!!
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.” A. Name one changed life you have seen.
Oh this was good for my heart! My mind surprised me and I thought of my husband. When I met him 32 years ago, he was in the “druggie crowd” and had never stepped in a church. I’d see him at parties, “stoned” or drunk, and my heart broke for him because I knew in the daylight hours at school he was kind, gentle, but sad. He had a terrible, abusive home as broken as he. By God’s grace, (and my nudge to a YoungLife leader!), he started coming to YL club, and his life was– changed. It’s really the most dramatic change in a life I’ve ever seen up close. Today, not a morning goes by that he isn’t reading the Word, praying, singing hymns.
Lizzy, this touched my heart so much! God is so good to woo your husband to Himself. And I love how we can share here so openly and not be afraid. All praises to God. Miss you and I trust you are well.
Amazing testimony from Lizzy about her husband.
And I wonder just how many churches sang Is He Worthy? Sooooo anointed.
thank you dear Bing–you are such a bright spot here! I still wish you could put your picture back on your gravatar though! 😉
Lizzy, I have trouble with putting a gravatar. I may ask my techie-friend at school to help me.
Sunday: I hope u all had a blessed Easter!
If I were Peter or John, I probably would have been filled with a mixture of intense emotions…Fear, incredulity, grief & yet hope.
I saw the sunrise with beautiful colors Easter morning. At my church we sang the Andrew Peterson song from last week…”Is He Worthy”? I LOVE that song & it was so powerful all singing it together. Then I came home & made brunch for my husband 🙂
Thank You Jesus!
6. Mary Magdalene had been cured of seven demons.
7.a. I think Mary ‘explains’ to the ‘gardener’ because she doesn’t know what else to do. When people are stressed, a lot will just keep talking. That’s my thought on it, anyway. Maybe she thought the man would have compassion on her and either show or tell her where the body was.
b. Why doesn’t she know Him? This has always intrigued me, because it doesn’t happen just once. It happens the majority of the post resurrection sightings. Is it a case of not expecting to see Jesus, so in their minds they don’t see Him? Was there something changed in a His appearance? Was it God the Father ‘keeping’ people from recognizing Him? I don’t know. But it almost seems that people needed to have faith that it could be Him for them to see Him clearly.
c. When Jesus says her name, she knows Him. In John 10, Jesus said His sheep would know His voice. When I was first learning to discern His voice, I looked to see how it lined up with Scripture. If it didn’t line up with Scripture, then it was easy to know it wasn’t Him. His voice also builds up, not tears down. Even when He is convicting me of sin , He is bringing life.
d. Yes, I’ve heard The Lord say my name. Tender, full of knowledge, compassion, and acceptance. It is thrilling to talk with my Savior!
That question intrigues me too, Mary. Why didn’t they recognize Him?
I guess the third times a charm… my phone keeps erasing my entry! UGH!
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17)
I like these.
“And I knew the world would never be the sameI saw too much, when I looked into the eyeOf the One I love and the One who loves meAnd there was nowhere left to hide.”
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why?
The lyrics are very thoughtful and strong, but they don’t seem to go with the music. The melody is not bold enough for me. I find this to be true with many contemporary songs; very thoughtful lyrics but simplistic melodies. These are not like the hymns of old, with more sophisticated words. I think it might be because the writers of today want more people to be able to sing versus those of the past were not necessarily writing for huge groups of people.
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.”
A. Name one changed life you have seen.
I suppose my own life is what I would have to give as an example. It was not until about 10 years ago that I really truly started studying the Bible and learning Jesus was. Since then my life has been changed. It took concentrated focus however, for me to get to this point. I wonder if people of this age are willing to do that? Yesterday, someone got a bright idea to write in the sky (with a plane) “He is risen. Thank you Jesus!” The people around the pool where we were visiting, all stared into the sky. There were some around us who said who is that? (Can you believe that? In America?) My husband had to explain who Jesus was. I happened to be separated from my husband, or I would have spoken up. Another said “oh I’m not religious…” I would’ve said, “it’s too bad you don’t know who Jesus is because it could change your life”, or something like that.
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget.
I suppose the finding of 3944 exoplanets, planets orbiting another star, is some evidence to me.
https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/
To think that they found this many, and some are orbiting stars that are similar to our sun, but not found anything like our human life…? We are unique!
The other thing is all the artifacts that have been discovered that proof what happened in Jesus‘s time actually happened.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/unearthing-world-jesus-180957515/
However, it is very difficult to know what other evidence I could refer to other than the Bible itself. People would argue there is embellishing and fault with the many times it has been translated (like the game gossip). When I asked my mom about this years ago she professed that God would not allow it to be incorrectly translated. Made sense to me…
In my number 4, i didn’t mean unsophisticated words, I meant chords of music…I’m not explaining well. The words are SO meaningful, the melodies are simplistic so many can appreciate them. My opinion of course, and since I am the daughter of a musician, I tend to be a music snob. I’m sorry.
Tuesday
6. What does Luke 8:2 tell us about Mary Magdalene?
That Jesus cast out seven demons from her…can’t even imagine, nor do I want to!
7. Read John 20:10-18 and put yourself in her place.
A. Why does she explain to the “gardener” that she is crying? What do you think she was thinking?
Because that’s who she thought he was and maybe being the “gardener” he’d know where they put Jesus’s body.
B. What thoughts do you have on why she doesn’t recognize him?
I think she was looking for Jesus’s body and was quite distraught when she didn’t find it.
C. What causes her to recognize him? (verse 16)
When He calls her by name.
D. Has the Lord ever spoken your name to you? If so share something about it.
I cant say I’ve heard Him speak my name audibly, but within my spirit I have. When I was younger I sowed some wild oats, but deep within me I always knew that it wasn’t where I should be and through that time I heard His voice wooing me back to Him…what a day of rejoicing it was when I finally listened and a burden, oh what a heavy burden was lifted off of me!
8.a. Verse 24 Thomas said he wouldn’t (notice the choice) believe unless he could see and touch the Lord’s wounds. Verse 27 Jesus said to Thomas, put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out and put your hand in My side. Verse 28 Thomas responded “my Lord and my God!”
b. The painting. Thomas isn’t the only one intently looking at the hole in Jesus side. Plus Thomas’s hand almost appears bloody from having had it in Jesus’s body. We are never the only ones with our doubts or questions. We may be the only one saying it out loud. But others crowd in and want to know the answer as well. Also, faith is not as neat and tidy as we’d like to make it. It is often messy, and certainly life altering.
6. What does Luke 8:2 tell us about Mary Magdalene?
Seven demons were cast out from her.
7. Read John 20:10-18 and put yourself in her place.
A. Why does she explain to “the gardener” that she is crying? What do you think she was thinking?
That somebody has taken her Lord from the tomb.
B. What thoughts do you have on why she doesn’t recognize him?
Too much grief? Was Jesus’ head covered?
Interesting to note the angels addressed her as “Woman” and so did Jesus at his first greeting to her.
C. What causes her to recognize him? (verse 16)
When Jesus said her name, Mary.
D. Has the Lord ever spoken your name to you? If so, share something about it.
Many years ago, I went home to see my Mom who we thought was dying. To save money, I got a red-eye flight on the economy and by the time I reached San Fran, I was very tired; I was recovering from a bad cold, too. Discouragement was seeping in but Psalm 16 kept coming back to me. While waiting to board, I asked the Lord to be with me and with my Mom. I asked for a special blessing from God and for Him to “just surprise me”. When I boarded the plane, the stewardess looked at my ticket and motioned for me to follow her-I was indeed “surprised” since my seat was in the business class section! The wide seat, spacious leg room, great food and oh, so quiet! I had to turn my head away from the person next to me so he wouldn’t see me crying. Tears of joy and that’s when I heard God say my name, “Bing, this is the surprise.” And when I finally got my Mom to the doctor, we found out she was not taking one of her required medication due to some miscommunication. Needless to say, I hurried to the pharmacy and bought a supply and within 2 days, my Mom was well. And she is still with us today. Thank you, Lord-you did that just for me.
Your story gave me goosebumps…God is so good!
Wow Bing, what a wonderful “surprise” from the Lord just for u…& your mom! 🙂
Wonderful story of God’s mercies, Bing.
wow!
8. Read John 20:24-31.
A. Describe, using verses, the change in Thomas from doubt to faith.
Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” ( vs 27) My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. (vs 28)
B. Comment on Caravaggio’s painting. What stands out to you and why?
Jesus taking a hold of Thomas’s hand/finger and placing it into His wound…can hear Him say “Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” I also like the other two men looking over his shoulder to get a look. I’m sure there were others who did doubt but didn’t verbalize it like Thomas. Also, being a photographer, which much is learned through paintings, the lighting which highlights the wound, Thomas’s face and the man standing in the back…that’s where my eye is drawn to.
C. What stands out to you from the passage and why?
Verse 31…it’s so nice of John to give the purpose of why the book is written and what a wonderful one! “ but these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, and that by believing in him you’ll have life by the power of his name.”
You are an excellent photographer — good insight!
Thank you 🙂
6. What does Luke 8:2 tell us about Mary Magdalene?
She had been cursed with evil spirits and they were cast out of her by someone (Jesus?).
7. Read John 20:10-18 and put yourself in her place.
A. Why does she explain to “the gardener” that she is crying? What do you think she was thinking?
She says to him, “if you have taken Him away tell me where He is so I can go get Him.” I think she thought someone had stolen His body.
B. What thoughts do you have on why she doesn’t recognize him?
He must have been a bit ghostly looking? She isn’t expecting Him to be “alive.”
C. What causes her to recognize him? (verse 16)
He speaks her name.
D. Has the Lord ever spoken your name to you? If so, share something about it.
Only once that I am sure of….at my dying fathers’ bedside. He told me be would be my Father. I was thirteen.
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17)
Peter says” Lord, to Whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal Life. And now we believe & know that You are the Holy One who has come from God”. Peter has seen Jesus raised & cannot every deny Him again.
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why?
But I cannot deny what I know to be true‘Cause I’ve seen too muchWhat else can I do?Where else can I go, Lord?Where else can I go… but to You?
Beautiful powerful lyrics…so true.
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.”
A. Name one changed life you have seen.
A woman in my Bible study group about 10 yrs ago…she was very shy, never prayed aloud & was fearful & timid. Now she is leading our small group, is on the church Prayer team, & has encouraged me many times with her bold faith & love!
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget.
So many over time & the only one coming to mind is when Bartimeaus kept shouting out for Jesus to have mercy on him. “Jesus stopped & said “Call him”…………”What do you want Me to do for you? Jesus asked him” (Mark 10:48-51) I was struck by this a few yrs ago, & when I read it, I heard the Lord asking me personally…”Jen, What do you want Me to do for you”. He impressed on me that He wanted me to come to Him in faith & be specific, & He would hear & answer me. He is so tender & True!
Huge:
Has the Lord ever spoken your name to you? If so, share something about it.
Only once that I am sure of….at my dying fathers’ bedside. He told me be would be my Father. I was thirteen.
How special to hear His voice saying “I’ll be your Father.” What a comfort that must of been!!
8. Read John 20:24-31
A. Describe, using verses, the change in Thomas from doubt to faith.
He was not with the other disciples, initially. He says he won’t believe unless he can put his hand on the wounds.
“One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.””
John 20:24-25 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.20.24-25.nlt
Eight days later he was together with the disciples in a locked room. Jesus appears. Jesus tells Thomas to touch the wounds. The minute he touches Jesus he believes it is Him.
“Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.”
John 20:26-28 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.20.26-28.nlt
Jesus blesses those who believe by faith.
“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.””
John 20:29 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.20.29.nlt
B. Comment on Caravaggio’s painting. What stands out to you and why?
I guess him putting his finger in the wound is pretty gross to say the least; I am definitely not a biologist who appreciates the body! That’s Bing and Susan…
C. What stands out to you from the passage and why?
He believes immediately. No questioning at that point, at all. I might have still thought, “how can this be?” or “am I imagining this to be happening?”
And I so appreciate your knowledge of science, Laura….I had never heard of exoplanets!
Lol! He made us each unique…
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? It had to one of the disciples because of the events seen. Peter was the one who asked, “…to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why? How the author describes doubt. It resonates with me because of my current situation (jobless, ‘homeless ‘, no clear vision)… but the lyrics state what often goes through my own heart, “ I cannot deny what I know to be true.” Even if answers are imminently present God IS present. Truth is He has a plan, He does care, He does walk with us, it doesn’t have to be easy.
5.A. Name one changed life you have seen. I cannot recall one I have seen transformed but I have seen many that exudes light and Christ’s Peace even in hardship and challenge.
B. Name one point of light you will never forget. My baptism. As an eighteen year old college freshman I went on a retreat. Someone was going to be baptized in the evening and I heard God’s voice tell me to be baptized as well. I had not yet been baptized in my life. I tried to shake off the voice but it persisted. When I waded out in to the cold October Montana mountain lake I was shaking violently and I heard so much noise all around me. I gave my testimony of faith the pastor dunked me under the water and when the whooshing had drained away I was completely still (no shaking or shivering) and the noise had vanished. I have chronic tinnitus and that was the only time in my life that I remember “hearing” silence. It convinced me of the supernatural battle that is present for people’s souls and that God is indeed involved in my life.
Your story of baptism is chilling! Love it.
What a baptism story, Jill!
Thursday’s 7. When Peter catches a lot of fish through obedience in Luke 5:8, he is afraid of Jesus and keenly feels his own sinfulness. Aren’t we all like this? When we come into the presence of someone who is much more than we are, we feel intimidated. We don’t really want to chum around with that person. It just shows up what a bottom of the pole person you really are. Or at least, this is the way I feel.
8. In John 20:1-14, Peter only wants to get closer to Jesus. He doesn’t want to waste even the time it takes to come to shore. By now, Peter had seen all the miracles. He had been Jesus’s friend for over three years, going everywhere with Him. There was a foundation of trust that Peter could launch from.
It is the way spiritual things work, the way that we have so much trouble understanding . It is the abiding in Him, the living life together that God wants us to get, to understand.
9. My confidence in Jesus’s love and forgiveness of me is really based in the Bible. That is where I have learned the most concise and thorough explanations of who He is, who I am, and what all He deserves from me every minute. Then there are the ‘proofs’. The truths and beauty He has surrounded me with. The fact that He pursued me! And that even after I have betrayed Him and hurt Him in a thousand different ways, He still loves me and hasn’t removed His presence from my life. Wow.
10.a. Dee, did you mean John 21:15-19? It seems to fit the questions better…
a. What stood out is that they are so afraid, even after seeing the empty tomb. Peter’s reinstatement consisted of three times being asked if he loved Jesus. All three times Jesus asks the question, and all three times Peter gives the same answer. Maybe it is the number three because Peter had betrayed Him three times.
b. Specifically to Peter. Jesus saw the personalities and everything else that was going on, and meets Peter right in the middle of it all. Peter needed to repent, but he didn’t have to try and fix it or be a better person now. Jesus meets him where he is.
c. The Lord hears my words of love for Him often. To my shame, it happens even when I am in the midst of continuing to deny Him my full obedience. He knows what people are like, to my gratitude. He ‘remembers that we are but dust’, and doesn’t ask us to be more than what we are. Like a parent, He nurtures us from where we are when we surrender to Him. Psalm 139 talks of how God knows us from the time we are being conceived, and that in adult years He ‘besets us behind and before, and then brings His hand down on us’. All He does is for the sake of relationships.
Yes, thanks, Mary.
I’m following along and reading everyone’s posts this week. We are in Orlando since Sunday and have been visiting the Disney parks. Our son who lives in Houston (the one who was in Europe….thank you for praying!) is with us too. Today we go to Jacksonville to spend a few days with our eldest son and his wife. We haven’t seen them since their wedding last April. I’m happy to have our family together if only for a few days!
Susan that’s where we are too! So funny; we’re so close. No parks for us, just chilling by the pool with the babies. Have fun in Jax with your son! Stay safe.
Thanks Laura, we’re heading home tomorrow night. Hope you’re enjoying your time in Florida too!
7. How did Peter respond in Luke 5:8 after Jesus caused them to catch a miraculous draught of fish?
He fell to his knees and asked the Lord for forgiveness.
8. How does Peter respond differently after a similar miracle in John 20:1-14? Why do you think?
Dee don’t you mean John 21?
This time Peter just behaves as if all is well and does what the Lord asks of him. This time he believes, no astonishment.
9. What gives you confidence in Jesus love and forgiveness of you?
My husband and I are blessed over and over again; it truly is amazing. Right now I see Him wooing my husband, who is a financial controller who just lost his job. Over the years, when we would be in a tight spot with financial matters of our own, God would always come through. My husband has been less freaked out as time moves on and I haven’t seen him too worried this time. It’s his idol and so hard to give up. He’s actually thinking of retiring, and I think that is a good idea for him. Since he’s been off he is so much more relaxed and fun to be with day to day. It is the money though; we have to work to eat, right? I will still be working, but we now have the babies with their own needs. However, babysitting is very expensive and we would save that money. Anyway, prayers if you think of us….to know the right path; the path God wants us to take.
Praying for that right path!
Thursday
7. How did Peter respond in Luke 5:8 after Jesus caused him to catch a miraculous draught of fish?
He fell to his knees and said “Oh, Lord, please leave me – I’m such a sinful man.”
8. How does Peter respond differently after a similar miracle in John 21:1-14? Why do you think?
When he realized it was the Lord, he put on his tunic, jumped in the water, and headed to shore.
Being with Jesus changed him. Peter went from realizing his sinfulness before Jesus to realizing the cost Jesus paid in forgiving his sins. I see such devotion and love from Peter here, for his Lord!
9. What gives you confidence in Jesus love and forgiveness of you?
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
Love that hymn Sharon!
8. Read John 20:24-31
A. Describe, using verses, the change in Thomas from doubt to faith.
v.25b “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
v.28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
B. Comment on Caravaggio’s painting. What stands out to you and why?
That Jesus put Thomas hand into His side and the nail mark on His hand is visible. Jesus knew exactly what Thomas needs to change him from doubt to faith.
C. What stands out to you from the passage and why?
Jesus does the same for us. Where do I doubt? He is most loving in revealing Himself in that very area.
Thomas wanted to see Jesus for himself. Even though his friends told him that they have seen Jesus. How so like me at times! Skeptical of what the bible has to say about the Truth. I have to have proof when all I need is faith.
“The Miraculous Draught of Fish”
6. 7. How did Peter respond in Luke 5:8 after Jesus caused them to catch a miraculous draught of fish?
He was overwhelmed with the great conviction of his sin before Jesus.
8. How does Peter respond differently after a similar miracle in John 20:1-14? Why do you think?
Instead of saying go away from me, Lord, Peter went out to Jesus. He must have realized by now that he is safe with Jesus because Jesus loved him.
8. 9. What gives you confidence in Jesus love and forgiveness of you?
I can think of the children’s songs, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so” and then “God said it and I believe it and that settles it for me.”
I also am drawn to the cross. He wouldn’t have died for me if Jesus did not love me. And through His death on the cross, my sins, past, present, and future has been forgiven.
Have you heard Michael Card’s rendition of Jesus Loves Me?
11.a. John reveals himself as the narrator for the gospel of John, the ‘one Jesus loved’.
b. What stood out to me. The very gentle way Jesus has of telling Peter to mind his own business. I can relate because it is so easy to want to know more about a person’s standing before God. A lot of it is pride, wanting and hoping that I stack up favorably compared to them. And then comfort, because I want to hear that I will be blessed.
12. The Keith Green song. My eyes have been dry for a long time, though I wouldn’t have described my heart as cold. But that women’s retreat I went to this spring……now it is common for me to tear up. It is obvious in Scripture that God wants our hearts to be tender and the tears to be ready. Sometimes that is difficult for me. Personality wise, I am a little more on the stoic side and to be told to emote and express strong emotions feels awkward, or even false.
3. What evidence do you see in these lyrics that this is Peter talking? (See John 6:68-67 and John 21:15-17) I see the phrase “Where else would I go” from John 6 but I don’t see any references to feed my sheep from John 21…although I see references to denial…which was Peter.
4. What stands out to you from the above song and why? I am in a place of being so tired that I find myself connecting to the part that says…and it’s all I can do to get up in the morning, all I can do to stand up in the storm, when all I remember’s the passing form, a glimpse of the glory before it was gone.
5. He says “he’s seen too many faces, shining like the sun;” he’s seen “too many points of light.”
A. Name one changed life you have seen. A woman I know whose husband was also married to another and yet they have been able to work through to forgiveness and healing because of Jesus.
B. Name one point of light (evidence it is all true) you will never forget. All the things my mother saw that she was able to share before she died…she saw angels bringing in her wedding clothes in the hours before she died…it was so special.
That’s quite a story of your mother’s parting scene!
Friday
10. Read John 21:15-19
A. Reflect on this passage and share what stands out to you and why?
What stood out to me was that Jesus didn’t call him by Peter, but rather Simon, son of Jonah. Also, the progression of what Jesus asked Peter three times to do after asking if he loved Him…”Tend My lambs”, “Tend My Sheep” and Feed My Sheep.” Instead of asking Peter to say sorry for denying Him three times, He wants Peter to know He loves him and Jesus in turn wants Peter to see the importance of loving Him, to have true devotion so he can go out and minister. Be Peter, the rock on which My church will be built (Matt. 18:18).
B. Can you see this as a re-instatement of Peter? If so why?
See above answer.
C. Do you think the Lord knows you love Him, if so why?
I tell Him multiple times but sometimes my words don’t always match my actions and I know that grieves Him. I’m thankful for His forgiveness and that He sees my heart, so yes, I think the Lord knows I love Him.
11. Read John 21:20-25
A. What do you learn about the author of John’s gospel here?
During the last supper he leaned on the breast of Jesus and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
“Peter, wanting to know how John will die asks Jesus and His response is, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”
He is the one who testifies of these things, and wrote these things.
B. What stands out to you from this passage and why?
All the things that Jesus did, if written one by one, John supposed that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written! WOW! I can hardly wait to know what they all are one day.
12. Share your thoughts and prayers from the above.
Oh Lord, search my heart. I open myself up to You to show me any sin, any areas of my life where I’m not trusting You and I ask that you “wash me anew with the wine of Your blood.”
What an amazing song, sung from the heart. A man greatly used by God…taken too soon.
Sharon, I often think about the terribly surrendered believers who seemed to be taken too soon, like Keith Green, Rich Mullens, Jim Elliot, Oswald Chambers, Nabul Queresh — and so many more. Is it that God wanted that grain of wheat to fall to the ground to produce more? I don’t know — I ponder!
I’m answering using John 21.
10. Read John 20:15-19
A. Reflect on this passage and share what stands out to you and why?
I know that when something is repeated in scripture it means that it is very important. Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he (Peter) loves Him. Peter says yes each time. By the third time Peter is annoyed. However Christ wants to remind him because He knows what is ahead for Peter’s life.
B. Can you see this is a re-instatement of Peter? If so, why?
If you mean after he denied Christ 3 times, then yes, I think Christ is re-instating him three times. He wants Peter to know that he is still loved even when he has done wrong.
C. Do you think the Lord knows you love Him? If so, why?
Yes, I think He knows. I have talked to Him most of my life.
11. Read John 20:20-25
A. What do you learn about the author of John’s gospel here?
B. What stands out to you from this passage and why?
It’s funny how Jesus basically tells Peter to mind his own business…
11. Read John 20:20-25
Forgot this:
A. What do you learn about the author of John’s gospel here?
He is testifying to the events and recorded them as they are written. He says he could have written much more but there would be too many volumes that would cover Earth.
I got behind but have been doing readings…out of town visiting my son in San Antonio 🙂 .Beautiful confronting song by Keith Green! Oh Lord wash my hard heart with the oil of Your Presence & the wine of Your blood! Make me a vessel that You can flow thro & be seen in.
Laura — that is funny — interesting too!