WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THE RESURRECTION MAKE?
ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
I believe Christianity, not because “it works for me,” for as Paige Benton Brown said: “many times, so to speak, it doesn’t.”
On this earth, we will have trouble. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but it may include martyrdom.
I BELIEVE IT BECAUSE IT IS TRUE!
This is the basis of our faith, and we are going to bask in it all week. Next week we start new study I’m as excited about as anything we’ve done so far. (Watch for an e-mail announcement!)
We will finish this Lenten series with a message from Mike Reeves, who has so beautifully led us through Lent. This time he is not talking about the Reformers or the Puritans but about the resurrection. He talks about Christ being the firstfruits and asks a related question: “Why did He rise from the dead on the third day?”
Keller Sermon: A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones (Some of you may prefer Keller because he is easier this week, but my questions will be on Reeves. But feel free to listen to this one instead or also and to share.)
(Below: Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio)
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
Monday: Jesus Rose Physically
Ever since the beginning people have tried to dismiss the physical resurrection of Christ, for our whole faith hangs on this. As Paul wrote, “If Christ is not raised, our faith is in vain.”
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
A. John 20:17
B. John 20:24-29
C. Luke 24:36-43
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed)
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week.
I loved how Keller said, “The stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out (for His resurrected body, though physical, could go through walls) but so the women and the disciples could get in. — You thought it was so He could get out — didn’t you!”
Tuesday: The Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
6. Share one fulfilled prophecy that particularly “causes your heart to burn within you.
Wednesday: Christ was the Firstfruits
7. Begin listening to Mike Reeves. Why did J. R. Tolkien call the resurrection a eucatastrophe?
8. Reeves talks about the many ironical things that were said during the crucifixion, which we have covered — but he had an interesting take on Mary thinking he was the gardener. What was it?
9. What contrast does Reeves make between the 1st and 2nd Adam? (1 Corin. 15)
10. What are some scriptures Reeves mentioned in connection with Christ rising on the 3rd day? He mentioned a new one for me from Genesis. Do you remember what it was?
Thursday: Reeves — Beyond Condemnation and Christ was Beyond the Cross
11. Keep listening to Reeves and share your insights about what the resurrection means to you!
Friday: Reflections from You
How refreshing it has been to travel with you through the Puritans. Thank you for traveling through to the end. I realized I move in and out of righteousness when I trust in myself and not Christ. I have seen awakening in many of you, and want to share a few of your quotes. This is always dangerous, for I cannot quote everyone — so give me grace!
Sharon: I was told growing up that when we sin it is revolting to God and so my thinking was I needed to do something above and beyond asking forgiveness to win God’s favor back…works/righteousness. It is so freeing to know that “He runs towards us when we sin.” As Ortlund said at the end of chapter 7, “The sins of those who belong to God open the floodgates of His heart of compassion.” Compassion!? God has compassion towards me when I sin…wow!
Bev: This thinking has really changed my perspective on his Christ responds to me in my sin and others around me living in sin.
Nila: Quoting: His advocacy on our behalf rises higher than our sins.
Mary: (In answer to the question — are you seeing Jesus differently?) The hiss of the evil one has been so slow and subtle I hadn’t noticed that I had started to think of Jesus as upset, disappointed, and distancing Himself from me. And because I was listening to those lies, I was pulling away from Him. I’d like to think that knowing what I know now, I would put those wrong thoughts out of my mind once and for all. But I have the feeling I will have to be diligent to root them out as they crop up. I can see myself needing to have help bringing my actions and reactions into line with the truth… In the past, when I’ve faced a choice, I’ve felt Christ warning me that I could choose what I want, but I might experience a distance from Him. I took that to mean that He would withdraw from me, but now I’m wondering if what He was really saying is that I would be removing myself from Him. And that makes a lot of sense to me, because when I would turn back to Him, He was right there.
Rebecca: I too thought He backs away when we are sinning-but Song of Songs came to mind-Chapter 5 and 6. So I just read it again…Oh my. Could it be that he wasn’t backing away rather she had union with Him, but her communion was frosty-and His pursuit -thrusting His hand through the door and leaving his myrrh on the door was part of His presence and caused her heart to beat harder for Him. He turned her frosty heart into panting after Him. So he never truly left her-rather He was in his garden browsing-picking Lillies. Huge..His response to her in 6:4-9 is telling..How He saw her and loved her even though she sinned against Him.
Bing: I think I was like Bernard of Clairvaux thinking that Jesus backs away from me when I sin. Now, the Spirit has clarified his great love for me in that He runs towards me when I do so. This is kind of like the clarification of the verse that says, … God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ died for sinners not the righteous! So, Christ died for me while a sinner and He has continued His efficacious ministry by loving me, running to me, when I sin. It makes sense that His faithfulness is timeless, and not dependent on my poor “performance”.
Lizzy: It’s been impacting my heart—breaking down old lies again, and again. Defaults are so strong. My desire to please and “be good” in order to be acceptable, lovely…as a young child I believed He really loved me for me—He’s bringing me back to that place.
Susan: There were some things in this chapter (10) that moved me to tears. One was on page 98, about how you feel when you come to Jesus with your sins: “They unexpectedly find him with open arms to embrace them, ready forever to forget all their sins as though they had never been. In other words, when we come to Christ, we are startled by the beauty of his welcoming heart.” I thought….I remember that’s how it was when I first came to Him and He became real to me. I couldn’t have made it up.
It was lovely to read and think about the beauty of His heart, and as the author said, we should “romance the heart of Jesus.” When he said that Jesus’ heart is the heart that “walks us into the bright meadow of the felt love of God”, I thought about Song of Songs, when he wants her to come with him….see, the rain is over….the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming….come away with me! When I don’t feel loved and cherished, here is where I can turn. He is waiting for me, always.
Laura: Quoted much from Sibbes including: There is more righteousness in Him, than there is sin in me.
Dawn: I’ve been very struck by the illustration of our sin being sickness and how as a parent you are naturally more drawn to your child in pity when they are sick. You don’t turn away from them or get angry with them for being sick…The argument (that I am lovely to Him) is indisputably clear — I need to remind myself of it.
I personally was really struck by Reeves disputing the Bernard of Clarivoix quote about God being a shy lover and backing away when we are in the arms of another. That’s a quote I used in He Calls You Beautiful on The Song of Songs and now regret!
12. Any reflections on the above?
Saturday:
13. What is your take-away this week and why?
118 comments
I’m the first to share this week! Many of you prayed for my presentation on Resurrection Sunday and the fact that my sister was coming. While I expected her to push back as she always has after the service, she was instead very positive, saying it was beautiful. I don’t think she got the message, for her take-a-way was that she should serve more, but just the very fact that she was positive has me floating and hopeful. She even shared with her Unitarian friends how wonderful the service was! Thank you for praying!
So glad to hear this, Dee!
Dee, I have a distant cousin who is Unitarian. I recently sent out a letter to those on my Christmas list that I’m either not sure of, or pretty sure they’re not believers, telling them of my sister’s death and my regret that I was never clear enough with her about Jesus. The cousin sent back a very positive note. So even though she didn’t get it, at least the door is wide open, for which I am grateful. So I really get what you’re saying about your sister.
That is wonderful, Dee, that your sister heard you and had a positive response without any “push back”!
Dee, now THIS is the perfect way to start off this week! 🙂 I’m so encouraged, what a beautiful answer to prayer.
Praise the Lord for your sister’s positive feedback! The Lord is doing great things among us.
What stands out to you from the above and why? I love the Reeve’s sermon. So much to unpack in it. How he points out the ties between the third day, resurrection, third day creation, how Mary thought Christ was the gardener and the first fruits. There’s so much more in this message, this just skims the surface.
How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday? We had a multi generational Easter dinner. We mostly get together as a holiday tradition rather than a reflection on or remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection. Because of the sermon that morning I found myself appreciating each person in my family and earnestly praying for them and their salvation. It was kind of a resurrecting of my earnest concern for those around me.
Aren’t you on top of things to have already listened to the sermon! What a great way to express what happened last Sunday — a kind of a resurrecting of your earnest concern for each member of you family!
The spontaneous applause throughout this sermon is a testimony to how powerful it is.
Dawn, that’s wonderful how you got a fresh appreciation for each person in your family and then were led to pray for them!
1. What stood out in the introduction?
Yes! The truth of the Resurrection is everything! Like Paul says, if it isn’t true, we have nothing, and are to be pitied above all men. We believe not for pragmatism, but for the eventual, final, bottom line.
I am very much looking forward to both sermons. I hope I don’t get bogged down this week. I missed being here last week so much!!
2. God met me on Resurrection Day…
I was pretty overwhelmed and tired that day. Even though I love hosting, I was relieved when everyone left. So I can’t say I soaked in it then. But today!! Before the service even began, a phrase from a song hit me. ‘You are not forsaken’. I started to cry. I hadn’t even known I was feeling forsaken. I had been sitting there thinking it too much to have to pursue Him so constantly and with so much fervor. I was totally oblivious to seeing that He is constantly pursuing me with great fervor. All of creation, all of Scripture, all of His Spirit, always for me. I just need to respond to Him. He has done it all!
Awww Mary — God knew how to meet you!
Mary that is so beautiful how God met you and ministered to your heart. “seeing that He is constantly pursuing me with great fervor. All of creation, all of Scripture, all of His Spirit, always for me. I just need to respond to Him. He has done it all!” Thanks for sharing.
So beautiful how God made that distinction for you, dear Mary. Your thoughts most always resonate deeply with me. “Before the service even began, a phrase from a song hit me. ‘You are not forsaken’. I started to cry. I hadn’t even known I was feeling forsaken. I had been sitting there thinking it too much to have to pursue Him so constantly and with so much fervor. I was totally oblivious to seeing that He is constantly pursuing me with great fervor. All of creation, all of Scripture, all of His Spirit, always for me. I just need to respond to Him. He has done it all!” This is so freeing! (Tears!)
Mary–I so love how He met you, reminding you that you are not forsaken–wow. So beautiful. So like Him. Thank you for sharing that with us.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“I believe Christianity, not because “it works for me,”… but because it is TRUE”.
I love this. I think we all have a God-given desire for truth, at least I know I do. I crave truth, even if it hurts my feelings. I love that there is no gray, no “whatever feels right” or left to your own interpretation. The Gospel is TRUE, Christianity is true. And I think when you accept it, something deep within is satisfied. I’ve never really felt that we can win others to faith by arguments or pure apologetics, though I know it is so important to know what we believe and why. I just think the Spirit has to work to bring you to the place of acceptance and then you don’t need the arguments or proof, you feel peace because it is true and your heart knows it. Sorry for that spiel, didn’t realize it was in me!
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
Easter Sunday my older son taught Sunday school and my husband had after service tear-down responsibilities, but after all that, we went out to a large Greenway near by and all of us, dog included, hiked around the lake—it was beautiful and so heart-filling, for all of us. To be together, enjoying the beauty of creation outside, there’s nothing better to me.
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
A. John 20:17- Mary realizes it is Jesus beside her, not a gardener. He tells her not to cling to Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father.
B. John 20:24-29- Jesus came through the locked door, appeared to the disciples, and let Thomas place his fingers in His wounds.
C. Luke 24:36-43-Jesus appeared to them and ate fish with them.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3- He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, and again to more than 500 at once.
Lizzy, I do agree with you that people are not likely to be won-over by arguments or apologetics. God must first, by His Spirit, give the grace needed to “hear” the truth and to be drawn into it. And I resonate with your feelings about wanting to know truth. Love your family hike by the lake, too!
”The Gospel is TRUE, Christianity is true. And I think when you accept it, something deep within is satisfied.”
Such a good thought Lizzy.
Lizzy — love to think that your son is mature enough to teach Sunday School!
Yes, Lizzy-your son teaching Sunday School stood out-wow! What a Joy for you!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“Basking in the Resurrection”, and the painting depicting “doubting Thomas”. First, after listening to an online reflection about the gospel reading of Jesus appearing to his disciples (minus Thomas) in a locked room, the discussion was about why He appeared “with His wounds”. And how some people think of the “historical Jesus” as different from the “risen Jesus”. But He is one and the same, and He had to be just as His disciples had known Him on earth, so that they recognized and knew it was Him, without a doubt. And He carries His wounds visibly in His resurrected body. That is another “proof” of who He is. In this discussion, the question was posed that Thomas may have not trusted the other disciples, in that they were not telling him the truth when they told him that they had seen Jesus. Also, when Jesus appeared to all of them a week later, He invited Thomas not just to “touch” His side, but the Greek word is “bolo” (not sure of the spelling) and it means to “thrust”; as in “Thomas, thrust your hand into My side”….which made me think how the Lord makes Himself accessible to us and allows us to “handle” Him….and He encourages us not to do so gingerly but to take hold of Him.
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
We spent the day with my in-laws, my husband’s brother and his girlfriend. I said a prayer before we ate. My in-laws are practicing Catholics; husband’s brother and girlfriend I do not think are believers. Yet we had good conversation at the table, with my brother-in-law talking about his recent hospitalization and drinking problem. That evening, my husband was anxious to watch Episode One of the second season of The Chosen. Who would’ve thought? He really loves it! He talked about it to his parents, telling them what it’s about, “It’s about Jesus”….and how it imagines the lives of the disciples. He has never been open to watching a “Jesus movie” before.
Susan! Your husband is watching The Chosen?? That is wonderful! I’m so glad he likes it. I didn’t realize the second season was available. I can’t wait to see it too 😊.
Wow, Susan! God is working in your family! I was thinking of your son even today and how much you long to see him walking with Jesus. We just don’t know what He is doing behind the scenes in quiet ways. I also like the part about how God invites us not just to touch Him but to take hold on Him. Oh, I want to take hold of Him with all my heart and never let Him go.
That is so exciting that your husband is watching The Chosen. Indeed, God is working.
Susan, OH MY…Amazing news! I love to hear this.
Wow, Susan! I bet you never would have imagined Jeff will be interested this time to watch a movie about Jesus. The Chosen is such a gift and God can use anything to woo us to Himself. I pray Jeff’s heart and mind will be open to the Spirit’s illumination of the truth. Love this news!!!!
This made my day, Susan. Always praying for your family 💗
3. What evidence does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
the heavy stone that had sealed the entrance to the tomb was rolled away and the women did not find the body of the Lord inside the tomb
two “men” said to the women, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here….He has risen!”
these “men” remind the women what Jesus had told them about how He would be crucified and then on the third day, rise again.
Peter goes to the tomb and sees nothing but the strips of linen lying there
Jesus appears to two of His followers as they are walking to Emmaus; they recognize Him when He eats with them and breaks the bread.
Jesus then appears to His disciples and others when they are together, and again explains and helps them understand what the Scriptures had predicted about Him. He shows them His wounds and eats a piece of fish, proving that He is not a ghost.
A. John 20:17
Jesus tells them not to “hold onto Him”, and that He will be ascending to His Father.
B. John 20:24-29
Jesus appears twice in this passage to His disciples, and invites Thomas to touch and feel His wounds. He appears to them while they are in a room with locked doors.
C. Luke 24:36-43
Jesus appears to His disciples, reassuring them that He is real, and has flesh and bones, and can eat real food, and shows them His wounds. I think the gospel accounts of how they describe Jesus talking, showing them His nail and spear wounds, telling them to physically touch Him, and the accounts of His eating food, are to demonstrate that His resurrection was not a “feeling” that the disciples had, or a “sense of His presence”. They seem to want to show that He had a real, physical body.
Susan–this is good “His resurrection was not a “feeling” that the disciples had, or a “sense of His presence”. And I too am so encouraged by Jeff watching the Chosen! Praying now for God use it in his heart in a mighty way!
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week.
Nobody was ever raised like Jesus- look at Lazarus they had to roll the stone away so he could get out, they to untangle him, take off his grave clothes so he could speak and move. But Jesus grave clothes are lying in the tomb, completely wrapped and folded because the body had just passed through. One of the reasons why the disciples are so terrified not just because they saw Jesus but because the doors were locked. He came through the wall. They began to see the reason that the stone was rolled away on Jesus tomb on Easter Sunday morning was not so Jesus could get out, but so we could get in, so Mary and the disciples could get in.
Jesus was not raised like anyone else. Lazarus rose to die again but Jesus Christ broke the hands and the teeth of death. He broke the bars of death, destroyed death. He brought death to death.
When we see Jesus coming through a wall, it means that Jesus Christ now lives in a whole new realm. He is alive for evermore and He hold the keys of death. Jesus Christ was not just resuscitated. He didn’t rise to die again, He broke the bands of death. And He is the Living One, He holds the keys to life.
This means the search is over, the day of repentance is here because every other religion and every other philosopher and every other religious leader was pointing this is the way to life but Jesus Christ shows up and says “I am the life”. He says “I am NOT another teacher pointing with clues that you can use on your search for life. I am the life to which all the clues point.”
Jesus Christ says I’m not the pointer to the truth I am the truth. I hold the keys to death. I have destroyed death and the only way you will ever get past it is through me. The search is done. The day of decision is now.
When Luke tells us about Jesus appearing and eating fish, the only possible meaning of this story is not that after death there might be life, not that after winter there comes spring, after disaster there comes new beginnings. The only possible reason of this story is to say that Jesus literally stood there. People watched him eating a broiled fish. The unnecessary details tell us this is not a legend. The gospels are saying-this is an outrageous claim that He’s risen from the dead. They say call us liars or believe us and get into a whole new world, but don’t dumb down what we’re saying.
Don’t say that Jesus just rose in spirit and lives on. Easter is not comforting (at first), it’s terrifying. Jesus has His flesh and blood.
Jesus says He has come into the world to redeem it. We’re going to have a body and our world will be redeemed. There is no room for regrets. Our future is a redeemed physical future. We will dance, eat, drink , hug, love. We don’t have anything to be afraid of.
Easter means this world is not all there is. On the other hand Easter also means this world is incredibly important. This world is worth fighting for.
When we see a child suffering or a poor –do something about it because Easter means that God is not abandoning the world. He’s coming into the world. He’s going to heal the world. Jesus is the first fruit from the dead. He’s the beginning of the new creation.
Let Jesus be your absolute Lord. Let him change your life. Be like Mary. Mary knew she was a sinner saved by grace. See yourself as needing salvation, as sinful self-absorbed and a slave to idols in your life. If you don’t see all that then Jesus will just be an inspiration and you won’t have Him. Only Mary’s get Him and only people who know they’re no better than Mary’s get Him. The we can understand touch and see. He is Lord. He’ll change your life, and you can really have Him because a spirit has not flesh and bones.
thanks for all these good notes — Often we miss gems, like this one;
When we see a child suffering or a poor –do something about it because Easter means that God is not abandoning the world
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but it may include martyrdom.
Not sure I am up for the task….
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
He met me in the absolutely beautiful weather we had that day. Sunny, warm, no clouds. I basked in the beams that day 😉.
Laura, “Not sure I am up for the task”. I can say that for myself as well. When that time comes though for any of us, may He find us faithful. He will provide for what we need to stand.
None of us are up for the task. It is through his strength alone.
Someone I heard this past week said we should continue to say Happy Easter every day for at least 50 days and not just on Easter Sunday. That being because Eastertide is actually a 50 day celebration starting with the Resurrection and ending with Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given. I recognize we should celebrate the Resurrection every day of our lives for the reality of the power behind it and the impact it has on our lives. Your opening statement reflects that truth in asking
“What difference does the Resurrection make? ALL THE DIFFERENCE,!” That stood out to me but another thought which is so sobering comes into play in something you said.
“On this earth, we will have trouble. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but it may include martyrdom.”
I think partly because this morning a sermon series that my son started will not be received well by all. He is teaching on biblical marriage and as part of that he is addressing what is a politically unacceptable position on same sex marriage and gender dysphoria. He started the message with the comment that he is not a prophet but he thinks this will become the central issue which brings persecution to the church from our culture in the near future. He does not have an agenda and even this morning was striving to be sensitive and careful but he presented the truth as God’s Word lays it out to us for biblical marriage which is one man and one woman. I learned of one lady in our church who has decided she will not come and listen to these messages because she has Christian friends who are lesbians and professing Christians. It makes me sad that because of her feelings and sympathies she refuses to consider biblical teaching. But outside of the church there is hate for our stand for biblical truth. That hate can result in martyrdom for those who stand for God’s truth. I don’t think we are anywhere near Christians being martyred for their faith here in America yet like in many countries around the world but I do think we are facing very difficult times soon at the hands of unbelievers who hate God’s Word and it’s truth. At lunch today with my oldest daughter she was brought to tears as she prayed before our meal and thanked God for her brother who was willing to stand for and teach truth in a hostile culture.
So after acknowledging such hard realities like “on this earth we will have trouble. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but it may include martyrdom” (which is such a conundrum) I move on to the question of “How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?” God still has a wonderful plan for our lives which is a truth not dictated by our circumstances. His purposes are and will be accomplished for His glory and our good in the end. As I completed the ponderings of the Lenten study and Holy Week and moved into the celebration of Easter I was blessed with a joy in the wonderful realities of my faith and the basis of my faith which is rooted and grounded in truth, in Jesus. God met me in worship music, in fellowship with believing family and friends and most importantly through His Word and prayer. I can’t praise Him enough!!
Oh Bev, your words about our potential future as Christians weigh heavy on my heart tonight. I never, in all of my days, would have thought this could happen to our country. It makes me so sad. The wars my dad and FIL fought, for freedom…
I believe I am strong enough, if I realize what is going on when it begins. Oftentimes I find myself learning of information when it’s too late. I am so wrapped up in my day to day life. I need to be more in tune with what is going on outside my sphere so I can be proactive in how I handle situations as they develop.
I appreciate that your son is willing to tackle this difficult issue. I find it interesting that the woman, of whom you speak, is a Christian, but won’t listen to the biblical teaching; God’s actual Word. I wish I could come and hear what he has to say. Do they record his sermons?
Bev, your heart must be so full for the workings of God among your children. I’ve often thought what a privilege this is that you get to sit under the teaching of your very own son. God bless him for his courage to stand for the truths of God’s Word which do not change with political opinions.
Your son is right I believe. Last Friday on The World and everything In It they addressed that on their culture Friday section — worth checking out. They said is the watershed issue because you deciding whether you define yourself or whether God does. (Romans 1)
Thankful for this Bev “I was blessed with a joy in the wonderful realities of my faith and the basis of my faith which is rooted and grounded in truth, in Jesus. “
Bev, this really hits close to home with me. My nephews daughter just came out as gay and in her post said this, “there was such a lack of love in the world I grew up in (she was raised in a Christian home).” She goes on to say that she is a Christian and that she follows lines of the Bible before they were retranslated in 1946 (evidentially homosexual was not the word used until then, google it, very interesting).
My son-in-law and daughter have his niece living with them who wants to be addressed as ‘he’ rather than “she” and has even changed her name. My daughter told her that she could only stay with them if she went to counseling and the niece is adamant it not be a Christian one. My daughter is hoping that with counseling she will change her ideas. In both of these situations I am in much prayer and would love to hear your sons sermon series.
I’m also struck by the phrase, “God has a wonderful plan for your life, but it may include martyrdom.” My personal home library is full of biographies and memoirs from martyrs of the faith. I’ve grown to detest our current shallow Christianity which preaches a health and wealth Gospel instead of the Cross which involves denial of self and possibly great suffering. I heard the verse again recently, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” It is not an option. We don’t try to be hated, but inherently we are when we follow the crucified One. Thank God for the Resurrection. Even the suffering is not the final destination. “The path of the just is as the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day.” (Prov 4:18). Though all may appear dark on the horizon, what we cannot see, but accept by faith, is that the Light of Life is shining and soon we shall see Him face to face.
I have missed being on this blog so very very much for the past few months as I work through the hardest time in my life. My long awaited second adoption has turned my formerly serene world upside down. There have been many tears and much pain in this journey, of which I had no idea, as this little guy has had severe trauma more than I realized. When all seems so very dark for me, I know the path is growing brighter as He walks with me. I’m so glad I sat down late tonight to just be with you ladies for a few minutes as it has blessed my heart so very much. My little boy (Tornado!) is sitting beside me. I praise God for you ladies!
Missy! So good to see you here (from across the world!). I will pray specifically for you and the tough situation you are in right now. I am sorry it has been such a struggle. But, look how you are helping one person closer to Jesus. Praise the Lord for you! Take care sweet sister in Christ ♥️✝️
We have missed you so, Miriam — and followed your hard adoption journey with awe. Our prayers are with you. You are living proof that we are to take on the giants of this world and not back away from suffering – but you need the Body — you need us — our prayers!
oh Miriam–it is so hard knowing the incredible struggle you are in so far away- and yet we do pray, and we know He hears. I think of the words Mary B. reminded us of that Jesus tells us, “you are not forsaken”. We continue to pray for His rescue in your situation. So thankful for you, your incredible sacrificial love and faith.
Miriam, You are such an encouragement-such an example of what it looks like to walk in faith! You encourage me. I love your facebook updates.
You are such an encouragement to me and I thank the Lord for you. Continued prayers!
I’m glad that you’re back with us, Missy. I pray often for you and your family.
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
A. John 20:17
He tells Mary to not hold Him because He has not yet ascended to heaven.
B. John 20:24-29
The men in the group run to the tomb to verify what the women said; Jesus was not in the tomb. Jesus meets a couple of them on the road to Emmaus and lectures about fulfillment of the scriptures. He asks if they remember that the Messiah was to suffer before He entered glory and all the scriptures about Him.
C. Luke 24:36-43
Jesus appears to the disciples, shows His wounds and eats fish with them. He says He is not a ghost because He has a body.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed)
This tells the events, in order, of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It states that He was seen by Peter, then the 12 disciples, then to at least 500 people (His followers), “…most of whom are still alive though some have died.” (NLT)
I am curious as to what each translation I checked wrote about the 500 who saw Him. They each say something like “at one time, or at the same time.” So did each see Him literally at the same time? They were all together and saw Him together? Or they were not together and still all saw Him at the same time? Or, is it just a way of speaking; they all saw Him that same week or within the same few days?
Laura–I’ve always heard that it was 500 seeing him all at once, and that is used as an argument against it being some type of hallucination because how would they all, at the same time together, have the same hallucination! I guess I always pictured a large crowd…but I always love how you pull out the details and make me think! 😉
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? That the resurrection makes all the difference!! Without the resurrection, then Jesus would have had to repeat over and over daily dying for our sins. We would be doomed to permanent separation from God for we wouldn’t be made new. The Holy Spirit wouldn’t have come to live within those of us who want to be with God and follow Him. Without the resurrection we who are His wouldn’t truly be His and would be so alone in this world-life would be so cold-no relationship with God-no exhilaration when in His Word, with other believers, sensing His presence-resting in Him. I can’t fathom it.
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
Through pastor Colin Smith on the way to church Sunday with such encouragement on “blessed are the meek”, and the following Tuesday our counselor asked me to look back when everything was crumbling and look at where I am at spiritually now with growth. It is okay and encouraging to look back and see where you were and where you are now-how God has moved walking with you in this valley maturing you regardless of the outcome. I’ve learned not to become outcome oriented when trusting God-who knows what will happen..but growing more and more into the image of Jesus and pressing in closer is the point of any trial we go through-not the outcome of our situations. I tend to think it is prideful to say, yes I have grown in my faith-maturing more, but it isn’t because of me so it isn’t prideful rather I am rejoicing at what He is doing in me. He wants to grow me closer into Him. This has humbled me for I have seen how weak I am and how strong He is!! I think I am growing more in gratefulness of the Gospel, for where would I be without Him? and for the first time after over a year of pain I can say I am thankful for the trial.
oh Rebecca–I started to copy the parts I liked but your whole answer to #1 just made my eyes fill. You said it all so beautifully. Yes–the resurrection is everything!
Laura, I’ve always heard it as 500 together, but am interested what others know!
Rebecca — it’s amazing to here you say you are thankful for the trial — for what a trial it has been.
Dee and Lizzy-you so lift me up!
It would be so cold….whoa….
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
On this earth, we will have trouble. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but it may include martyrdom.
I rewatched the Hiding Place this weekend and there was one scene that really convicted me. When the Jewish baby was brought to the Ten Booms and it was while their pastor was visiting. Their pastor said there was no way they could keep the baby as they could get in trouble and continued to say don’t look at me to take him as I have my own family to think of and I won’t go against the law. The father said we have to choose between man’s law and God’s laws as to which is more important and he asked the pastor if he would turn them in? Corrie made it clear to the pastor that they were going to keep and help the baby…and from there they hid and helped many more Jews to escape until they were tricked by a man who turned them in. Corrie was quite surprised at the pastor’s response and even questioned if he was a Christian. The plan God had for Betsy, Corrie and the rest of the Ten Boom family did include martyrdom, they did suffer much but God continued to use them even in the concentration camp. The resurrection means Christ conquered death and that whatever He calls me to do, His plans, I need to be willing to lay down my cross and follow Him…even to physical death because I have eternal life in Him. Betsy was an encouragement to Corrie while they were in the camp, keeping their faith in Christ strong and not allowing hatred and bitterness, but rather the love of Jesus to shine though. As Laura said above “not sure I’m up to it”…oh, I love her honesty! It shows me the importance of persevering in His word, prayer and the encouragement of y’all here…we need one another.
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
I admit I was a little bummed because it was our turn to do Children’s Church. I got up early and listened to a resurrection sermon by Alastair Begg and was so glad I did. It always amazes me how hearing the word of God can turn around a poor attitude. The children were wonderful and telling the Easter story is something that can brighten up a day. God is good!
One humorous thing I’d like to share from the sermon. As a little boy Alistair always envisioned that when Jesus rose from the dead that He was just whisked away and His burial linens fell neatly all folded up, but as he got older he thought, this was Jesus and I’m sure He was one of those kids who always made His bed and therefore He made sure His burial linens were neatly folded and put in place before He left. 😊
That sounds like Alistair!
Sharon, I love Alistair Begg. I have been listening to his sermon series on “The armor of God” as a group of us in our community is studying Ephesians 6. I love his dry sense of humor.
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
Isaiah 53:5, 8-11- But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Psalm 49:15- But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
Isaiah 25:8-He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
6. Share one fulfilled prophecy that particularly causes your heart to burn within you.
Isaiah 53-He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Dee, in prepping for this week, I see there are two number 11’s….
3. Evidence for the resurrection from Scripture.
A. John 20:17. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and tells her not to hold on to Him. In Matthew 28:9, He was seen by her and the‘other Mary’, and they clasp His feet in worship. I presume that in John, He means that she can’t continue to hold on to Him, as though to keep Him only in her presence.
B. John 20:24-29. Having previously appeared to the ten disciples, now He shows Himself to them again when Thomas is in their midst. He encourages their touch and examination of His crucifixion wounds.
C. Luke 24:36-43. Jesus appears to the disciples and assures them He has a physical body and is not a ghost. To help prove it, He eats in their presence.
D. 1 Cor 15:3-6. This early creed lists out the appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection, even to 500 at once. Paul states it in such a way to invite readers to go find some of these people and ask them personally about it.
Thanks, Mary!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I love the different answers to what difference does the resurrection make. To really think about Paige’s response makes me realize that God’s Word and all Jesus went through for me is not about me at all. All of that is not going to just fit in to my plan they way I want it to be. It’s for me to realize, there is hope in my life because of all Jesus went through. I need to just believe that what happens is all part of my journey and in the end will turn out as God has planned it to.
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday? – I have been working 10-12 hour days and was too tired to get ready to go to Good Friday service but was excited they were doing a live feed. But how disappointing. The sermon had nothing to do with Good Friday. I even asked a friend on Sunday, if I missed something and sadly I did not. But God….he was all over that sermon on Easter Sunday. My hope was deflated on Friday, but it was restored by His presence on Sunday.
Julie, “I need to just believe that what happens is all part of my journey and in the end will turn out as God has planned it to.” So sweet to see you sister trusting God as you walk along the way.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The word “basking” in the resurrection and all the difference that resurrection makes because it is the basis of our faith.
I had to look up the meaning of basking as it is a word that I seldom used growing up. I equated the word with sunbathing and found more synonyms like “luxuriate, take comfort, delight, rejoice, enjoy, relax, revel.”
And these synonyms really brought home the magnificence of the Resurrection! How can I bask (luxuriate, take comfort, delight, rejoice, enjoy, relax revel) in it? Wow, one can shed tears just by taking each word and thinking of the difference that Jesus’ resurrection has brought into our lives.
Does Jesus’ resurrection bring delight to me? Do I rejoice in it? Am I able to relax/take comfort in its truth?
I can easily be taken by the busyness of preparing for the event that I am forgetting the significance of the event.
Thank you, God for Jesus’ resurrection.
2. How did God meet you last week on Resurrection Sunday?
God met me last week on Resurrection Sunday by bringing families whom we have not seen for months to our church! People lingered and visited with one another and there were quite a few families who stayed to eat a simple breakfast we had prepared the night before.
As I looked around, I saw women and men, young and old for whom Jesus died for and was raised from the dead so that we all can have eternal life.
These words to a hymn spoke to me as well
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign
He arose, He arose Alleluia Christ arose!
Julie — I love that you looked up basking.
That was Steve’s favorite Easter hymn.
Oh Bing…I love that hymn and it seems to be our church never sings it. It’s one my husband and I grew up with so if it’s not sung we always sing it on our own.
Also, the series your doing with Alistair Begg sounds wonderful…he’s one of my favorites.
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
When the women went into the tomb, Jesus was gone-His body wasn’t there.
When Jesus appeared to the two going to Emmaus. He was in bodily form.
When Jesus stood among the disciples He asked them to touch him and stated he is not a ghost for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones.
A. John 20:17 – Jesus said, do not hold on to me. You can’t hold on to a spirit
B. John 20:24-29 – Jesus asked Thomas to touch his hand and side and Thomas did and exclaimed, my Lord My God!
C. Luke 24:36-43 – Jesus asked them to give him fish to eat and he took it and ate it in their presence.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed) – Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to Cephas, then the twelve, and then after that He appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time.
Rebecca — you answered Laura’s question – -the verse says he appeared to the 500 “at the same time”
Monday: Jesus Rose Physically
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24: – Jesus was not in the tomb when the women arrived and they were told the living are not among the dead. Also on the road to Emmaus he appeared and then once he was eating with them he broke bread and their eyes were open to see that it was Jesus. And he also appeared to the disciples.
A. John 20:17 – Here he told Mary not to hold on to him because he had not yet returned to his Father. How hard that would be I think, to be so excited and overwhelmed to see Jesus again, but not to be able to touch him.
B. John 20:24-29 – Jesus appeared to Thomas and told him to put his finger in the holes in his side where he had been pierced with the sword. He had just appeared to them at that time since the doors had been locked.
C. Luke 24:36-43 – Jesus appeared to them and they were startled. He showed them his hands and feet where he had been pierced.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed) – Paul reminded them that he had told them what was going to happen and that to believe in what he had preached to them, that Jesus died for our sins and would be resurrected.
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week. – I will have to listen and try and take notes and come back to this.
I loved how Keller said, “The stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out (for His resurrected body, though physical, could go through walls) but so the women and the disciples could get in. — You thought it was so He could get out — didn’t you!” – Jesus again gives a chance to get to him. By being resurrected, we can still have him with us. We just need to reach out for him.
That made me smile too, Julie. I did think the stone was moved so He could get out. 🙂
I loved that part of the sermon too!
Monday: Jesus Rose Physically
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
The body was not in the tomb. But the linen clothes the body was wrapped in were still there.
Angels in dazzling clothes told them He had risen and reminded them Jesus had said he would rise again.
He appeared to the two people on the road to Emmaus then revealed himself to them.
Then He appeared to the Disciples as they were talking about his appearance to Simon Peter. While with them he ate some fish. He walked with them to Bethany before his ascension.
A. John 20:17
Mary wanted to cling to Him physically.
B. John 20:24-29
Thomas touched the places of Jesus’s wounds from his crucifixion.
C. Luke 24:36-43
Jesus appeared suddenly among them and showed himself physically to them with visible wounds from the nails in his hands and feet and he ate something then reminded them of the scriptures He had taught them before about his death and resurrection.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed)
Paul reminds his readers that after the resurrection Jesus appeared to Peter first then to the 12 and then to more than 500 in one place most of whom were still alive and could testify to the truth of it. Then He appeared to his brother James and to all the apostles but lastly to Paul himself. All of these were physical appearances.
Tuesday: The Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
Moses himself in one of his final speeches gave the messianic prophecy that “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to Him” Deuteronomy 18:15
Psalm 22 Now I can’t remember if it was from some of the teaching here on the blog (maybe it was Keller?) or another source I listened to over Easter but they said this psalm cannot be about David because for all the trials he had he never experienced anything like described here and it is clearly prophetic of the crucifixion.
Isaiah 53 is probably the most well known of the Old Testament prophecies that refers to the Messiah we know to be Jesus Christ. This is from the NLT This whole passage clearly speak to,the crucifixion and the work of Christ as our Savior then it comes to the “but it was the Lord’s good plan”
“Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.”
6. Share one fulfilled prophecy that particularly “causes your heart to burn within you.
The last part of Isaiah stirs my heart in the reality of my sins being taken care of. I have the privilege of being one of his many descendants. He bore my sin and He intercedes for me. He made it possible for me to be counted among the righteous! It is wonderful and humbling.
7. Begin listening to Mike Reeves. Why did J. R. Tolkien call the resurrection a eucatastrophe?
First, I wanted to share that I found a transcript of this teaching, in case it helps anyone else to read as you listen: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/the-gospel-2016-national-conference/he-is-not-here-the-resurrection-of-christ/
Tolkien called the resurrection a “eucatastrophe– ‘eu’ meaning “good” in Greek; it was a catastrophic event, but a good catastrophic event. Tolkien said: “A eucatastrophe is the sudden, happy turn in a story, which pierces you with a joy that brings tears. Your whole nature, chained in a material-cause-and-effect, the chain of death, feels this sudden relief, as if a major limb out of joint had suddenly snapped back.”
Everything had been tumbling down–sins, pain, death, thorns… Christ takes that death, down into that grave. History turns around, and the tomb in Jerusalem became the womb of the new creation. It there emerged the firstborn from the dead, the first fruits of a royal harvest of life.
8. Reeves talks about the many ironical things that were said during the crucifixion, which we have covered — but he had an interesting take on Mary thinking he was the gardener. What was it?
What Mary thought in ignorance was in fact the deepest truth. At the beginning of this new day, was a wondrous new beginning—He was in this garden, like a new Eden, as Gardener. Jesus walked in the garden again, ruler over all things, in perfect harmony with God His Father.
9. What contrast does Reeves make between the 1st and 2nd Adam? (1 Corin. 15)
Adam and Christ are the two first fruits. The 1st Adam is the first fruit of death, the 2nd is the first fruit of life. They are the first fruits of two very different crops– one death, the other of life. All others are seed of one of those fruits.
When Adam sinned, we all sinned in him. When he died, we died. At birth, we are born into a sinful, guilty, spiritually dead humanity—we are born into that identity.
10. What are some scriptures Reeves mentioned in connection with Christ rising on the 3rd day? He mentioned a new one for me from Genesis. Do you remember what it was?
Gen. 1:11 (on the 3rd day), God said- “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.”
Gen. 22: 4-5 “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Hosea 6:2 “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.”
11. Keep listening to Reeves and share your insights about what the resurrection means to you!
“clearly there was more righteousness in Him than there is sin in us, for having borne our sin death could no longer hold Him. And having taken our sin and death down to death, death had no further claim.”
“The new life we’re given and born into through the resurrection of Christ is a righteous life, a justified life. And this justification… it’s so much better than being just as if I’d never sinned.”
“because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a new life, a justified, righteous life beyond condemnation, as Christ is beyond the cross”
I appreciated when Reeves said we’re no longer slaves to sin, but it still lingers in us…”Sin chafes, cramps, leeches our joy and freedom. Sin steals, death bereaves us, our bodies hurt, evil oppresses.”
And I loved this: “But one day, because Christ is our first fruits, just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, so we shall fully bear the image of the man of heaven. And in that day, we shall fully be freed from all the effects of the fall and the curse. The Spirit’s work of perfecting and beautifying us, of making us like Christ, will be fulfilled. And having been elected, called, justified, and sanctified in Christ, we will finally and fully share His glorification.”
Lizzy — thanks for finding the written transcript! We are doing this in my church next week so this is a great resource!
Thank you for the link to the transcript Lizzy…I usually do my own so I can go back and reread the sermon. Slow learner here🙃
I also find it hard sometimes to understand what he is saying.🙂
Lizzy, wasn’t this sermon tremendously encouraging?! I love Reeves’ passion and I think saying one Corinthians is better. (smile) 🙂 …and I loved what you loved too, that we shall fully be free from sin one day and bear His image in full.
Wednesday: Christ was the Firstfruits
Thursday: Reeves — Beyond Condemnation and Christ was Beyond the Cross
11. Keep listening to Reeves and share your insights about what the resurrection means to you!
I listened to Michael Reeves up to the 14th minute:
Eucatastrophe is a catastrophic event but a good one. It is the sudden happy turn of the event that brings you to tears; Like having a major limb out of joint suddenly snapping back in place.
From the written transcript that Lizzy shared with us :
From Genesis 1. Wow! “There on the third day of Genesis 1, we see the first fruits of creation, as Christ raised on the third day would be the first fruits of the new creation of resurrection from the dead.
Now look at — you see these first fruits, they each reproduce according to their kinds. They have their seed, the next generation, within them. That’s what a fruit is. And so you take a fruit, and what you do to the fruit affects the seed, because it’s inside it. What you do to the fruit affects the seed. And so it is, says Paul, with Adam and Christ. They are the first fruits of two very different crops, one of death, the other of life. And all others are but seed in one of those fruits.
See, have you ever noticed when Paul talks of Adam and Christ, he writes as if they were the only men in the world as if no others existed? That was the big picture of humanity for Paul. It is not that humanity is a vast throng of disconnected individuals, all determining their own destiny.
No, Adam and Christ are the two men, the two heads, the first fruits of the old and the new human race. And every one of us, every human on the planet, is but a seed in one of those fruits, a member of one of their bodies. Dependant for our fate, not on our selves, making our own destiny — Hollywood — but on the fruit in which we belong.”
Thanks, Lizzy, for sharing this transcript. I just ran out of time this week so this was very helpful for me.
Monday
3. What evidences does Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
The woman didn’t find the body of Jesus in the tomb.
The men in dazzling clothes asked the woman, “why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”
Peter ran to find an empty tomb.
The men on the road to Emmaus had their eyes opened to see that the man that had walked with them was Jesus. They went on to Jerusalem and found the 11 disciples and others who said. “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”
A. John 20:17
Mary M. when at the tomb realized she was talking to Jesus, clung to Him.
B. John 20:24-29
Thomas said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw the nail wounds in His hands, put his fingers into them, and place his hand into the wound in His side. 8 days later Jesus showed up and told Thomas to just that.
C. Luke 24:36-43
When Jesus appears to all the disciples they are frightened and think they’re seeing a ghost but Jesus shows them his hands and feet. They were still in disbelief so he asked for something to eat and they watched while He ate.
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed)
Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, raised from the dead on the 3rd day, seen by Peter, then by the 12 and after that was seen by more than 500 of His followers at one time…”
Tuesday
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
Deuteronomy 18:18. “I will raise up a prophet like you (the Lord speaking to Moses) from the among their fellow Israelites. I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell the people everything I command Him.”
Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
6. Share one fulfilled prophecy that particularly “causes your heart to burn within you.
Isaiah 53:3a “He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief…”
Man of Sorrows, the song.
https://youtu.be/e7iMvd2U8XA
I’m still listening Tim K so I will post those notes soon. Lots!
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
Here is one from Isaiah:
“He said, “They are my very own people. Surely they will not betray me again.” And he became their Savior. In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. But they rebelled against him and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he became their enemy and fought against them. Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. They cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people?”
Isaiah 63:8-11 NLT
Is this one from the Psalms?
“He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.”
Psalms 130:8 NLT
and maybe this one?
“Then they must say, ‘Our hands did not shed this person’s blood, nor did we see it happen. O Lord, forgive your people Israel whom you have redeemed. Do not charge your people with the guilt of murdering an innocent person.’ Then they will be absolved of the guilt of this person’s blood.”
Deuteronomy 21:7-8 NLT
You have found some unique ones, Laura! Not sure about the Deut one — I think some of the stories in the first five books parallel the redemption story — particularly Moses foreshadows Jesus in bringing God’s people out of slavery with the blood of the passover Lamb — and then lifting up a serpent in the wilderness which Jesus refers to in John 3.
Wednesday
7. Begin listening to Mike Reeves. Why did J. R. Tolkien call the resurrection a eucatastrophe?
“Eu” means “good”. So he considered it a “good” catastrophe! It was a sudden event, much like a tornado or hurricane, but rather than destruction it brought joy.
8. Reeves talks about the many ironical things that were said during the crucifixion, which we have covered — but he had an interesting take on Mary thinking he was the gardener. What was it?
Mary supposed this in ignorance but it was a deeper truth…He was bringing about a new creation, being “the Gardner” of this new creation, He was the Seed of eternal life.
9. What contrast does Reeves make between the 1st and 2nd Adam? (1 Corin. 15)
Adam was the firs fruit of death and Christ was the first fruit of life.
10. What are some scriptures Reeves mentioned in connection with Christ rising on the 3rd day? He mentioned a new one for me from Genesis. Do you remember what it was?
Genesis 1:11-13. The third day (Christ raised from the dead the 3rd day) “The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them…”.
Sharon — do you think that sermon is too hard for beginners? Thinking about giving it to members of our church — and we have a fair number of new Christians.
Oh wow Dee…there is such depth to this sermon that I would not of understood without a foundation. There is so much to learn about what the Bible says about first fruits, the first and last Adam, etc. But maybe this sermon could be a springboard to those subjects.
I absolutely loved this sermon because it is so rich and it excited me to get meat and that may be true of the new members in your church.
This is helpful, Sharon. Because we are a home church, right now we have two home groups — one is more mature than the other — so I may give this sermon to the more mature one.
Monday: Jesus Rose Physically
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week. – What a great sermon, I love listening to Tim Keller.
* Some people are comfortable with the resurrection and others just don’t put to much thought in to it.
* The resurrection means a new beginning and life after death
* If you spiritualize the resurrection you will find comfort, but will not find truth
* If you are comfortable with Easter you have either spiritualized the message or haven’t thought it out. But the true meaning is Jesus has his flesh and bones
* 3 things that Jesus having flesh and bones teaches us.
It changes your mind and how you think; It changes your life and the way you live; Your heart start to change in how it feels
* If Jesus has flesh and bones that means that he is Lord
* We are all searching and since Jesus has been raised from the dead our search is over.
* The resurrection makes Jesus unique because no one was raised from the dead like him. Jesus’ grave clothes were left in the tomb and the stone had mysteriously been rolled away, the others like Lazarus had to have help to get up out of the tomb.
* LOVE THIS – The stone was rolled away, not for Jesus to get out, but for us to get in.
* Lazarus rose from the dead, only to die again, where Jesus still lives
* Jesus died and rose again and broke the bands of death. The search is over and the day of repentance is now.
* Because Jesus rose after death, he has ignored our ignorance and has called us to repentance.
* Jesus’ flesh and bones gives a new way to relate to the world
* This material world is so important to us that Jesus came to redeem it.
* People don’t want to miss out on things, but we won’t miss out on anything if we trust in the physical resurrection of Jesus.
* We are nothing now, compared to what we will be when we trust in Jesus. There are no regrets with Him.
* Jesus is coming in to the world to heal it.
* If Jesus has flesh and bones we cane relax and we can fight in this world because it truly matters
* Because Jesus has flesh and bones we can really have him, we can touch him.
* In Jesus we have all the heroes we desperately ever wanted to meet and couldn’t get near, but Jesus we can have.
* Jesus ascended in to heaven so we can have him anywhere we are in faith.
* When Jesus was with us we didn’t really see him with us until he was gone and then we never wanted him to go away again. (I loved the analogy of the kids messy room, how it bothers us in the present, but when they leave and go away, we long for that mess)
* Jesus is real and wants us to touch him. We have to be willing to let Jesus be our Lord and allow him to change our life and we cannot spiritualize the resurrection.
Great notes, Julie.
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week.
Partial notes:
Average New Yorker loves Easter story; joy, does not necessarily believe.
Disciples: startled, anxious, amazement, dismayed, grief, terror.
He is not just a ghost. He had flesh and bones. He eats the fish!
We are all searching for God. When Paul was speaking to philosophers he said all men are called to repent. They were put off. He was telling them the search for God was over.
Jesus’ resurrection was unique. His clothes were lying in the tomb because His body went through. The tomb was locked. The stone was rolled away so we could get in, not so He could get out.
Here is something that ran through my head as I listened…was Lazarus the “practice round” (for the disciples to understand what was going to happen to Jesus)?
Jesus holds the keys to death. No need to search anymore. The only way to get past death is through Him.
The only possible reason for the story is that it is TRUTH. It is an account of what actually happened. The fish was reported to be broiled, not fried!
Easter is terrifying for the disciples because they know it is a crazy story. But, either call them liars or jump in and go to a whole new world. There is nothing they can do; they saw it.
Easter says that if you unite with Jesus you will not miss out on anything. You don’t need to be anxious because you can enjoy this world as it is and then go to the best place ever to get the rest. However, this world is worth fighting for too. A suffering person needs my help. Don’t ignore them.
4. Notes on Keller.
If you spiritualize the resurrection, you will have comfort but no truth. It isn’t enough to think He somehow lives on in our thoughts. We need to either be terrified by the resurrection, or overcome by joy.
The resurrection teaches us to change our minds about how we think of Jesus. He is not merely some teacher; He is Lord. We need to see Jesus as physically resurrected and THE answer. You have to make a decision about Him. No other religion makes these kind of claims. There is no other resurrection like this. Other resurrections were only temporary, the people came back to the same physical body they had left. But Jesus moved through the grave clothes, through walls and locked doors. The stone had been rolled away so that we could look in and see that He wasn’t there. Jesus broke death. He destroyed death. He lives now in a new realm. Jesus is not point to life; He IS life. You have to choose between ignorance and knowing truth. The gospel writers say repeatedly that they saw this for themselves. Christianity is not just one religion among many. It is unique.
The resurrection teaches us to change our relationship to the world. The future is not some nether world. The future will be a physical, redeemed earth, with a physical body for you. It isn’t like the old beer commercial, saying you only go around once in life and need to grab for all the gusto you can. We can afford to give sacrificially, we can delay gratification, because we aren’t missing out. There are better pleasures coming, and they will be physical. Even now, this world is worth fighting for. As Christians, we need to do something when we see pain or injustice. If the resurrection was only spiritual, then it is only for my mind and spirit. But if it was physical, then it is good news for the whole earth. It gives courage and joy to fight now.
The resurrection teaches us to change our minds about God. We are invited to touch Him. He is the hero of heroes, the beauty of beauties. And we can have Him. In all other religions, the tomb of the founder/leader became a shrine. But the early Christians lost the tomb. It wasn’t important to them, and they didn’t venerate it because Jesus was no longer there. Even today, we still have Him with us. If He is only your inspiration, you don’t really have Him. He came, and He remains, to be your Lord. Let Him change your life.
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus taught them from the Scriptures. Find an example in Moses, Psalms, and the prophets that Messiah had to die and rise again.
Moses…there are a number of places with hints, starting in the Garden right after the fall. God said the serpent would be crushed. He told Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. Then there is Numbers 24:17, and Balaam seeing the Star that would come out of Jacob and crush the evil one.
Psalm 16:10. You will not abandon Me to the grave, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. This verse is quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost as proof that God had planned it all along.
Prophets… Isaiah 45:22-24 Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, in the Lord alone are righteousness and strength. All who have raged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame,
6. One fulfilled prophecy that makes your heart burn within you.
Daniel 9:25 know and understand this: from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Annointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixty two ‘sevens.’ The fact that God even told the exact time when Jesus would come gives me courage that He will continue to fulfill the remaining prophecies.
7. JRR Tolkien called the resurrection a ‘eucatastrophy’. Why?
It was a earth shaking, world changing event, not in a destructive way, but in a turned around and good way. Reeves said: The tomb had become the womb of the new creation. This was eternal life coming to us, not by science or evolution or our self efforts, but as the gift of Jesus Christ.
8. Mary supposing Him to be the gardener.
Reeves pointed out that in John, every mistake of people is significant and ironic. Her ignorance was the deepest truth. In this garden tomb, walking again, was THE Gardener. The One who planted and planned and who is bringing all things right.
9. The contrast between the first and second Adams.
In the first Adam, all died. In the second, all have life. Both Adams were first fruits; one of death, and the other of life.
10. Reeves mentioned several scriptures about the third day, particularly Genesis 1.
It was on the third day of creation that God made every seed bearing plant and tree, that they should reproduce after their own kind. He set the pattern of all we’ve seen since, not only in botany, but in humans as well. Paul writes as though only two people ever lived: Adam and Jesus. This is because all of us are in one or the other. We think too individualistically. We are not islands needing just a little grace or forgiveness. We are part of Adam, and have no hope. It is only by being taken out of Adam and placed in Jesus that we have life.
11. What does the resurrection mean to you?
Reeves pointed out that the new life and righteousness we have in Jesus is much better than just as if I had never sinned, because while He may have handed me a clean slate, I soon dirty it again. Because of the resurrection, I am no longer in Adam, the guilty. It doesn’t depend on my feelings, behavior, or faithfulness. It is all about Him. And that is true for the weakest among us. Jesus said, because I live, you also will live. It is His life, not because I’ve done well. Despite my failures, I can say that Jesus, and all He is, is mine. Even though sin lingers, the day is coming when all the promises will come true. We will be more human, more fulfilled, and at last freed from the last effects of the fall. When you hear the hiss of the serpent, remember the Conqueror.
When you hear the hiss of the serpent, remember the Conqueror!
More Tim K:
If Jesus is truly risen then all the sense of this world matters. He is going to heal this world. Christianity is goods news for the whole world, not just for me. It’s not just about a spiritual rising that would only be for me.
If He is flesh and bones, then it means we can still have Him.
All the heroes you have ever had are all wrapped up in Jesus. The heroes in our lives are unattainable. All the gospels end with us being able to actually have Him. All the talk of touching Him is interesting. He allows them to touch His wounds. He doesn’t allow Mary to initially, after He meets her in the garden. He is telling her that she and everyone can have Him no matter where they were. He is not just a spiritual being. Mary knew she was a sinner, saved by Grace, enslaved to idols. They (the Christians) didn’t make the tomb a shrine as they normally would in those days. They lost His tomb! It’s because they already had Him. They didn’t need to make it a shrine. Touch and see. He is Lord. A spirit has no flesh and bones, as I have….
I love how this group does their homework and listens carefully to sermons! Encouraging!
I so hope I’m going to see you all next week — at least come and see if you want to do this next journey — I’m loving working on it!
I debated about it, because I hesitate to buy new books. But I couldn’t stay away. The book is ordered!
YAY!
I’ve got my book on kindle downloaded
Wonderful, Julie!
Did I miss something Dee? Where will we “see you next week?”
To what book do you refer?
Laura — did you get my letter about our next study? Don’t panic — but we are doing Revelation. I found a wonderful and easy to understand short commentary and the author is also personally going to help me and us. He’s a very respected theologian – so it’s really a kiss from the King. The book is called Mystery Explained by David Campbell. You can get it in Kindle or paperback from Amazon. We won’t truly dive in until a week from Sunday — but Sunday I’ll be explaining how God led, why I think we should do this, and hope to keep every one of you.
I did get an email but I guess I forgot to read it! Sorry…..I’m going to find it now. Thanks for filling me in 😉
My week has had some twists and turns. Yesterday our oldest son and his wife were planning to fly up from Texas to Omaha and drive out the 4 hrs to where we live today. Unfortunately a shooting at the airport in San Antonio caused a lockdown and they could not make their flight. The options for flying into Nebraska are limited for us who live in the middle of the state and their time here was to be just the weekend. We had planned to celebrate his birthday with a larger group of siblings. Anyway it was a huge disappointment for us all. And we just got word this morning that our next door neighbor of 40 years passed away. It’s a gray day here this morning but I just took time to listen to the Reeves sermon on The Resurrection. That has been a great encouragement to my heart.
I have gained much from this season of study on the Puritans that I will take with me.
Bev–so sorry your son and daughter in law weren’t able to make that flight. I hadn’t heard about that shooting, so sorry. And the loss of your neighbor too. Praying for you now
Bev s0 very sorry. That is all sad. But you went to the right place.
12. Reflections on the last two weeks.
In my journey as a Grammy, which I am SO inadequate for, I write letters to the three grandkids. The oldest is 17 now, and has been in our family for 7 years. He was adopted out of an abusive situation before my son was involved, and he’s going through all the issues of the teen years with that added baggage. So in the letter I wrote this week, I shared with him about how we can think God doesn’t like us and is turning His back on us, when all the time God is running toward him. I never hear back from him, but I keep praying God will use the letters in his life. I know God uses them in me to help solidify what I am learning.
I applaud you for your continued love despite a lack of response, Mary.
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week.
Easter is about the fact that Jesus had flesh and bones after His resurrection. This has three things to teach us…
1. Mind- it changes our thinking. Nobody was ever raised like Jesus. He destroyed death. We no longer need to search…He is the resurrection and the life! Don’t dare say Jesus just rose “in spirit” and lives on, that Christianity is one religion among many…it’s not! The living One was seen, heard and touched.
2. Life- it changes the will, the way you live. This world is so important to Him that He came into it to redeem it and our future is what we see in Him. We’re going to have a body. Easter isn’t just about eternal life, some spiritual world you go to after you die, it’s about resurrection, being redeemed, a new heaven and a new earth. It’s believing you can live this life without regrets. If we’re united with Christ we’ll miss out on nothing, we need to relax, sacrifice, give our money away, give ourselves to other people and let people impose on us. If Easter was only about rising in a spiritual sense then it’s only about me and finding a new spiritual dimension in my own spiritual life. Since Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead, Christianity becomes about good news for the whole world, not just me.
3. Heart- it changes your feeling Why did Mary grab Jesus? Because from Friday to Sunday she was inspired by Christ, but now she wants to have Him. Jesus, by telling her not to touch Him was saying, this isn’t the way to have Me. Why didn’t the Christians make the tomb a shrine? Because they had Jesus…He is real! We must let Him be Lord, see ourselves as sinners leading to a changed life and we can really have Him.
Great notes, Sharon!
Monday: Jesus Rose Physically
Ever since the beginning, people have tried to dismiss the physical resurrection of Christ, for our whole faith hangs on this. As Paul wrote, “If Christ is not raised, our faith is in vain.”
3. What evidences do Scripture give for a physical resurrection of Christ in Luke 24:
A. John 20:17 Jesus spoke to Mary Magdalene in the garden when she thought He was the gardener. He asked her not to hold on to Him which meant He had a body that she could have a hold on to!
B. John 20:24-29 Thomas put his finger in Jesus’ hands and side
C. Luke 24:36-43 Jesus asked for something to eat and He ate the fish in their presence
D. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This may have been the first Christian creed) Paul said that according to the Scriptures, Jesus was buried, raised on the third day and he appeared to Cephas, then the 12 and to more than 500! Although the 500 may have seen Him from a different vantage point of view, surely 500 people will just not make things up. They were EYEwitnesses!
What would my future be if it were not for Jesus’ resurrection???
4. If you have time to listen to Keller’s sermon, share any insights you get today or later in the week.
I was able to listen to the first 15 minutes of Keller’s sermon. Wow, I love Keller and missed listening to him lately. He shared so much here and there were several things that stood out to me. Here are a few:
“People spiritualized but does not believe the truth; You spiritualized the message but you do not believe that Jesus is flesh and bone; If you believe that Jesus is flesh and bones; It changes your mind He is Lord and you will be terrified.”
” The resurrection is in your face...” One has to make a decision whether to believe the one that John speaks of “we have seen him and touched him…”
“Jesus broke the bars of death. He provided death for death.” Hallelujah!
My take away this week is so much, between the 2 sermons which were fantastic, to the questions and the answers by everyone on the blog. My heart feels so refreshed and hopeful.
In Keller’s sermon I especially like the significance of why one knows exactly where Christ’s tomb was because I always wondered about that. His followers didn’t make a shrine of His tomb as someone would of a deceased child’s bedroom for example, because they knew He was alive, they saw Him. His burial place meant nothing to them. And how Mary clung to Him because she wanted HIM she didn’t want Him to leave her ever (which of course He doesn’t as, through the Holy Spirit, He lives in all believers).
Tuesday: The Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets
5. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the two that Moses, the psalms, and the prophets (their Scriptures) all showed that the Messiah had to die and rise again. So here’s the challenge for you — find an example from each!
Moses I read this one from a commentary by Paul Humber of Celebrate Recovery:
Genesis 22:5, “He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’” Abraham knew that his assignment was to slay Isaac, his son; nevertheless, he had faith that they both (“we”) would return. Since Isaac is a type of the greatest “son of Abraham” (Mt 1:1), the Messiah, this is a foreshadowing of Christ’s eventual resurrection. As it turned out, God did not need to raise Isaac from the dead, but God did raise His own Son, Jesus, from the dead. There is also a subtle picture here of Abraham’s heart of faith in a future resurrection, and this may have been part of what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day; he saw it and was glad” (John 8:56)
Psalms Jesus would not be “abandon[ed] … to the grave, nor [would he] let his Holy One see decay” (Ps 16:8-11)
Isaiah 53: 5-12 He was pierced for our transgression…cut off from the land of the living…assigned a grave (he died) …after the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied…(rise again!)
Hosea 6:1-2, “Come, let us return to the LORD; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him.”
6. Share one fulfilled prophecy that particularly “causes your heart to burn within you.
The fulfilled prophecy spoken in Isaiah 53 burned within me. It is a walk through the suffering of Christ. It gripped me to read of his sufferings “he poured out His life unto death”. But what joy it gave me that “after the suffering of his soul, he is satisfied. Satisfied for us (who for the joy set before Him endured the cross). Oh, what love Jesus has for us.
Steve Greene’s song, Broken and Spilled out comes to remembrance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP2kZCigZKE
12. Any reflections on the above?
Thank you for putting our reflections here, Dee. It is a very special gift to me to find these treasures in one place!
Saturday:
13. What is your take-away this week and why?
It was good to be reminded about the unity of the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and that it is all about Jesus from the beginning to the end.
Old hymns have been coming to my mind this week and here is another one with a couple of its lines:
What would you do with Jesus
Neutral you cannot be…
So true-one has to make a stand and not straddle the fence.
7. Begin listening to Mike Reeves. Why did J. R. Tolkien call the resurrection a eucatastrophe?
It was the “good” catastrophe. A catastrophe is usually thought of in a bad light. Here is the actual definition from the Free Dictionary.
1. A great, often sudden calamity
It was the moment everyone had been waiting for! He means “good.” In Greek.
“The suddenly happy turn in a story that pierces you with a joy that brings tears.” A sudden relief.
Christ took the death. The tomb became the womb of the new creation.
8. Reeves talks about the many ironical things that were said during the crucifixion, which we have covered — but he had an interesting take on Mary thinking he was the gardener. What was it?
Mary supposed He was a gardener. Here He was, God, walking once again in the garden. The beginning again! The beginning of the new creation, again. The Head of the new humanity. The one Seed of eternal life. We are born again through the resurrection of Jesus. Eternal life is a gift from God.
9. What contrast does Reeves make between the 1st and 2nd Adam? (1 Corin. 15)
Difference between the first and the second Adam. Adam and Christ are the two first fruits. Adam is the first fruit of death and Christ the first fruit of life.
10. What are some scriptures Reeves mentioned in connection with Christ rising on the 3rd day? He mentioned a new one for me from Genesis. Do you remember what it was?
Christ has been risen from the dead. On the third day, “according to the scriptures…” was Paul thinking of the third day of creation?
Jonah in the whale.
Hosea 6? Genesis 22?
Genesis 1 says that on the third day , plants were made on day 3, ”…according to its kind…”
11. Keep listening to Reeves and share your insights about what the resurrection means to you!
The inauguration of the new creation.
The Gospel is Jesus.
Then there was morning! After darkness was the light.
The new Adam! The second Gardener is the One who is with me!