Tim Keller quoted the above from Annie Dillard in last week’s message. It surely seems true of Mary Magdalene. But it is true of every one of us. We don’t really know who we are until we are in Christ, and we don’t really have a song to sing until His Spirit wells up in our hearts. We have been changed by the power of Christ — yet we will be changed again. What we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
Our own Lizzy pulled out this Keller quote from last week which is a perfect set-up for what happens when the truth of the resurrection goes from our heads to our hearts:
“The way you get a secure identity is that someone you adore adores you. Someone that you respect, respects you. Someone you love, comes and loves you and affirms you. Jesus Christ is saying, ‘I, the greatest being in the universe, I love you personally, expensively, and eternally.”
Sunday: God Hunt
- Share a God Hunt from last week — or a way you sensed “the risenness of Christ” in your life.
Monday: Breathless
The breathless wondering begins with the report from the women. Often in Scripture, the lead person is the only one mentioned. We know Mary Magdalene was with the other women reporting to the disciples. We know they thought their words were nonsense. And yet! They run…hopeful, yet fearful because it seems too good to be true.

2. Read John 20:1-9
A. Tim Keller says that there are many details in the scriptural accounts that are not pertinent to the storyline but are simply put in because they really happened — evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture. (Such as the catch of “153 fish.”) Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why.
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
Tuesday: Ironies
I’ve wondered if the author of this song had Mary Magdalene in mind. Prepare your heart with it:
The above is the garden tomb in Jerusalem. The fact that Mary assumed Jesus was a gardener means there must have been a garden there. Mike Reeves says that the apostle John always saw a deeper meaning in the mistakes people made, including Mary’s mistaken impression that Jesus was the gardener. But first, let’s look at two other ironical statements.
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
Pilate wrote Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
B. Why do you think he refused?
C. What is the irony?
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
Wednesday: The Third Day
Tomorrow and Friday you will listen to Mike Reeve’s amazing sermon, but I want to pull out just one thing he said that was new to me.
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
Thursday-Friday Sermon
11. Share your observations and comments.
Saturday:
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
185 comments
God Hunt. We had our last Lenten service on Friday and again, I am so thankful. We had wonderful music to celebrate the Resurrection and how can you not be moved by the resurrection appearances of Christ? Many brought new people. My own little church worked so hard to do it right, and we all basked in what God had done. I was going back and forth about giving an invitation, a practice that wasn’t done until about 200 years ago. I decided to do it and then forgot — so trust that was of God. The Gospel was clear and so I trust His Spirit will do the rest.
Dee, praising God with you with regard to the last Lenten service on Friday and that many brought new people. Forgetting about giving an invitation when you decided to do it is an example to me of what you said-Trust God. Truly, we are ambassadors for Him but He sure does the rest in His most beautiful way!
Dee, I am sure that those who were there heard God’s “invitation” through your words, as they went their own ways and continued to ponder and reflect!
So thankful for this report. Love this Dee “The Gospel was clear and so I trust His Spirit will do the rest.” Amen!
This gives me chills to read, Dee. I love that God was very present and though you forgot an invitation, He had another plan. He knows the hearts of those who were present and what they needed to hear. Planting seeds begins a process, those seeds grow in the hearts of the hearers, and in God’s time there is the beautiful harvest.
Sunday: God Hunt
Share a God Hunt from last week — or a way you sensed “the risenness of Christ” in your life.
First, I missed that quote from Anne Dillard when listening to Tim Keller. That is profound! I am grateful that “once I was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see”. I was floundering in life until Christ found me and changed me. So thankful that He continues to work in my life to change me for what “ we will be has not yet been made known, But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. I John 3:2 What a promise!
My God hunt from last week: We celebrated our daughter Ruth’s birthday yesterday at my sister-in-law’s house in Kansas City. Schedules were so hectic for each of the families invited but God saw to it that everyone who was supposed to be there was! And it included my high school best friend and her husband. She happened to be in Topeka, KS for a traveling job as a medical technologist. I have not seen her for over 30 years although we kept in touch occasionally through social media.
There were a few details to the occasion that was significant for me that I firmly believe God provided for. Amid the hustle and bustle of a family gathering, instead of being stressed out, I saw the “risenness” of Christ. He is with me always if I let Him.
Wonderful to hear about your gathering with Ruth, Bing!
Bing–so thankful for this time of celebrating Ruth’s birthday and this sweet time with your friend! Love how He blessed you.
Bing, I heard the quote from Anne Dillard and grateful that it was repeated hear as I listened as I was laying in bed last night. Not a good thing to since I missed a lot of it and had to relisten this morning. It made me think, just what am I here for. Am I following the Lord’s leading or going my own way and will I recognize what and who I am when He reveals it to me.
Dear Bing! I love that you saw the “risenness” of Christ, instead of being stressed out. It can make all the difference in enjoying the moment. What a blessing to have your best friend there at your lovely daughter’s party. The Lord truly was present.
1. Share a God Hunt from last week — or a way you sensed “the risenness of Christ” in your life.I definately felt God’s “blessed assurance ” 2 times in the past 2 weeks! He showed up in court with my son, all previous charges from 3 years were dropped by the judge! (No evidence!)Praise God! Then the next week I had my Tax appointment…ugh! I had a large capital gain last year and was worried about how I would pay…I owed nothing! Glory to God!!! Usually I feel God nudges when I am “off base”. He frequently has to reel me in and remind me of who He is and who I am in Christ. I will never pray for perfection!😘
Lydia, Jesus always surprises us, doesn’t He? We don’t deserve it but boy, isn’t He as gracious as ever? Happy for you on these God hunts!
Lydia-love how God provided for you both!
Two very wonderful surprises, Lydia!
So thankful for the great answer to prayer for you son! and that you did not have to pay any extra taxes! Amen to “I will never pray for perfection !”
1. My God Hunt for last week is really this place here. I have not been able to stay consistent for so long and staying with it last week blessed me so much. This place is a rare gift. My heart felt so full at the end of the week from being here with you all and Dee’s rich, faithful, teaching.
Also wanted to share from this morning. We are in Mark and our pastor goes verse by verse…today was on the demon p[ossesed man. It was a powerful sermon about the enemy’s attack and I tried to not fall apart as I thought of all the ways our family has been attacked. But Jesus is greater. And then we sang this song I had never heard, and it was like a balm. Here are just a few of the lyrics-
“I just wanna speak the name of Jesus, Over fear and all anxiety, To every soul held captive by depression, I speak Jesus. ‘Cause Your name is power, Your name is healing, Your name is life, Break every stronghold, Shine through the shadows, Burn like the fire. Shout Jesus from the mountains, Jesus in the streets, Jesus in the darkness over every enemy, Jesus for my family, I speak the holy name Jesus…”
Oh, Lizzy! I love that song and have listened to it so many times. Will be praying for you when I think of this song. And for my family and all others who I believe have been attacked as well. We have a God who is mighty to save!
Bing-I love that you love it too! I had never heard it. But today I was so moved by it, my throat hurt from trying to hold back the tears! I would have not even tried except we had a picnic after the service today! 😉
We are soooooooooo glad to have you back. I never ever want to pressure you, for God leads you, I know, but just want you to know how glad we are to have you so present. What great lyrics in that song for your heart.
Oh, Lizzy! My heart is full, hearing about your God hunt! Our God is so faithful and Jesus is so present right where we are, no matter the circumstances! It is so good to see you back! I have never heard this song before, but I certainly need to look it up and keep it close. His Name I Power, His Name is Healing, His Name is Life! How I pray that you sense Him close to you this week.
1. God Hunt
I want to share this quote from Henri Nouwen about seeing God in the world. It’s given me a new and different way to think about “seeing”, or recognizing, God:
“The practice of contemplative prayer is the discipline by which we begin to “see” the living God dwelling in our own hearts. Careful attentiveness to the One who makes a home in the privileged center of our being gradually leads to recognition. As we come to know and love the Father of our hearts we give ourselves over to this incredible Presence who takes possession of all our senses. By the discipline of prayer we are awakened and opened to God within, who enters into our heartbeat and our breathing, into our thoughts and emotions, our hearing, seeing, touching, and tasting. It is by being awake to this God within that we also find the Presence in the world around us. Here we are again in front of the secret. It is not that we see God in the world, but that God-with-us recognizes God in the world. God speaks to God, Spirit speaks to Spirit, heart speaks to heart.
Contemplation, therefore, is a participating in the divine self-recognition. The divine Spirit alive in us makes our world transparent for us and opens our eyes to the presence of the divine Spirit in all that surrounds us. It is with our heart of hearts that we see the heart of the world. . . .
Susan-love this Nouwen quote. ” It is not that we see God in the world, but that God-with-us recognizes God in the world. God speaks to God, Spirit speaks to Spirit, heart speaks to heart.”
Lizzy, that’s the part of this quote that stood out to me, too. I thought of a patient I took care of this past week, and who I took care of a few weeks ago, too. Both times, I took note of the special way in which the patient’s husband responded to her….the way he spoke to her, helped care for her, showed such tenderness and compassion to her. She is dying of pancreatic cancer. In his tender compassion, well, that was my “God sighting”. Now I think about “God in me recognized God in him”. This week, I was in the room when I heard the husband tell a doctor that they were Christians and that they know that when they die, they will go to live in heaven.
oh Susan. That is such a beautiful story! It’s amazing to me too that with your incredibly selfless and draining job, the Lord gave you such a beautiful picture of love, of Himself. Wow. I just love this. ““God in me recognized God in him”.
Susan, thanks for sharing this quote from Henri Nouwen. giving ourselves over to this incredible Presence who takes possession of all of our senses. Ravished by his lavish presence in us.
So beautiful from Nouwen, Susan.
Love this quote, Susan and I love that you heard the husband speak of heaven. The Presence of God and the discipline of prayer~ how I love this:
“we are awakened and opened to God within, who enters into our heartbeat and our breathing, into our thoughts and emotions, our hearing, seeing, touching, and tasting.” A great reminder to stop, slow down, breathe, pray and listen to His voice.
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. Tim Keller says that there are many details in the scriptural accounts that are not pertinent to the storyline but are simply put in because they really happened — evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture. (Such as the catch of “153 fish.”) Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
“the one whom Jesus loved” “..the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first….And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.”
He’s telling the story with the details that captured his emotion. They may seem insignificant, but they matter to him.
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why.
I honestly had never thought about this. In trying to look at commentaries I found a lot of internet “myths” about the meaning but nothing significant other than it might suggest Jesus had taken it off Himself rather than someone who came in and robbed His body.
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
This is confusing for me so I look forward to other’s answers. Is it that they believed what they saw-He was gone, and that He had risen, but they did not believe because of Scripture, they believed it because of what they saw?
Wow, Lizzy! A beautiful picture came to my mind just now when I read what you wrote about Jesus taking off the grace clothes Himself. What must He have been thinking when He took those grave clothes off and then gently folded them and placed them neatly where His body had just recently laid. Such a holy scene, I’m sure, but how comforting it is to imagine watching Him do this, knowing that our salvation was now complete and death had forever been defeated! Praise God for our risen Lord!
Every day I’m praying to draw closer to Jesus-It’s so easy to step outside the world that isn’t His- I love the assurance I feel when He too draws me to Him.
Kathy — so glad to “see” you here. Everyone — Kathy is a new friend I met at pickleball who is simply a delight. She and her husband have begun coming to our little church and we love them!
Welcome, Kathy! glad you are here!
Thank You Ernema for the kind welcoming:)
Welcome Kathy! You will be blessed here with Dee.
Welcome, Kathy!
Welcome Kathy! So nice to have you here!
Welcome Kathy. So glad to have you.
Thank You Julie- it’s nice to be here!
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. I did just watch Keller’s sermon from last week and it was wonderful, wonderful! He said that in a misogynistic society, if you were making-up this story, you would never have said that it was a woman who first saw the risen Lord because a woman’s testimony meant nothing.
In verses 2-5, John puts in details describing “the other disciple” as “the one Jesus loved” (v.2). John adds that it was this “other disciple” who outran Peter and reached the tomb first, and though he looked in, he did not go in first.
Interestingly, one of my favorite authors will publish a new book, likely in 2023, which speculates that this particular disciple is actually Lazarus. Many biblical scholars have surmised that Lazarus may be “the one Jesus loved” described in this passage. He is referenced again in the passage in which Jesus alludes to Peter the manner in which he will die, and when Peter turns and sees “the disciple whom Jesus loved” following them, and asks, “What about him?” Jesus replies, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” Apparently, some scholars believe this is Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. It will be interesting to read the book!
B. Peter goes into the empty tomb and sees the strips of linen lying there and the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head lying separately and folded. One commentator states that in John’s gospel, writing for the Johannine community of believers, John always portrays Jesus as “being in control”, and hence, the folded burial cloth; when Jesus raised Lazarus, Lazarus needed to have someone release him from the burial cloths, but Jesus didn’t need any “help”.
Keller said in last week’s sermon that Peter was “reasoning”; he was looking hard at the evidence. It’s hard to imagine what was going through his mind; it must’ve all seemed so incredulous and surreal.
C. It was that “other disciple” who went into the tomb then and “saw and believed”. Back to the speculation that this may have been Lazarus, I would say that since he had personal experience of being raised himself from the dead, he believed something miraculous had happened here, but he and Peter didn’t put two and two together, to understand that this event had been prophesied in Scripture? Or that Jesus “had” to rise from the dead, meaning that if He hadn’t risen, there was no reason to go on, no reason to preach about Jesus to anyone, as in their mission was over and what would have been the reason to have any hope for themselves? Kind of like what Paul says, that if He is not risen, our faith is in vain, and we should be pitied.
Susan-that is really interesting. I had never heard that the “other disciple” may refer to Lazarus! And I like this that you said “when Jesus raised Lazarus, Lazarus needed to have someone release him from the burial cloths, but Jesus didn’t need any “help”.”
I had never heard the Lazarus idea! That’s new and thought=provoking.
What I think about what they believed is that something miraculous was going on, as evidence was mounting, but they still couldn’t go as far as believing Jesus had been raised from the dead.
Susan, great post and new ideas. Something to definitely ponder.
Susan, this is so interesting. I have not heard this about Lazarus before. The book sounds interesting.
Just reading this Susan. So interesting! A silly thought came through my head as I read….God looking down on humanity thinking, “FINALLY, someone “got” the ”…other disciple…” bit. Slow humans!” Hahaha!
So thankful for this group! My God-sighting occurred just a few minutes ago. I have been so exercised over so many losses in my life, things I had so much enjoyed in the past and in which I had found great comfort and security and love. So many unbelievable things have occurred in my life that I would have never imagined a few short years ago: a huge misunderstanding in my family of origin has left me alienated from almost all of them, a big abuse in my beloved church of many years has not allowed me to attend there any longer and I have struggled to find another church home and still don’t have one, my beloved son who has been the apple of my eye since I took him in to my home when he was abandoned by his own mother has turned his back on Christ and stopped speaking to me, my own health is failing in many ways when I need it the most….and all occurring in the midst of two more foreign adoptions of trauma-laden children as a single mother. I cried out in anguish of spirit tonight and the words of a familiar old hymn came to my mind. Sometimes a light surprises a Christian while he sings. It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings. That’s another hymn I just thought of as I wrote this, but here is the old hymn that came to my mind tonight:
“When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest in His unchanging grace. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand! All other ground is sinking sand.”
Oh Miriam — so much. You must identify with Lizzy in the rejection of your birth family. You are so courageous.
I love the hymn Sometimes a Light Surprises and glad it did so for you.
Missy–my eyes are too blurry! Oh I am so sorry for your losses. Our paths are so similar, even though I know everyone’s story is different. I will pray for you with the family. I too have been completely cut out of my family, now including by my mom–and I look back to before our last adoption and things at least “seemed” so close to my mom, sisters, cousins….now I have no contact from any of them no matter how hard I try. And it is hard. But I am coming to know more and more that my true family is my faith family. I am praying for you.
Miriam, you have been through so much! Being rejected by your birth family, your health, your son turning away from Christ, your adoption of trauma-laden children! It all seems too much! Most of us here have dealt with rejection and brokenness in some deep-scarring ways. But I have been reading Ann Voskamp’s “Waymaker” book. She too has had much trauma, including watching her young sister be run over by a truck and the adoption of a baby daughter from China who had half a heart. She describes suffering as God’s way to help us lean into Him. I highly recommend the book. It’s a slow going read but so rich! Here is one paragraph from her, mid-book, that I read last night when I couldn’t sleep, that I am still pondering.
” If your prayers always happened, then you would happen to be God. If God thought it best to hand-out the answer key to all the haunting questions, He would. He swears on the Bible He would. But, instead, He slips His hand through ours because the key to all the questions is being with Him, the answer’s found in laying our head close enough to hear the thrumming loving-kindness of His heart. He is God, and I am not. He is the Word; let Him write whatever story He deems best and right.”
Miriam,
Such deep loss can be so overwhelming and disorienting.
Sometimes in those kinds of moments I pray Amy Carmichael’s words:
Amidst the multitude of thoughts
Which in my heart do fight
My soul, lest it be overcharged
Thy comforts do delight.
Oh Ladies, what a journey you all are of have been on. I am praying for you all and know that God is the most important part to the path you are on. Lean into him and focus on where he is leading.
Missy, I am at a loss for words to even know how to respond to all of your painful losses. It surely must hurt you deeply. And yet you are persevering with your two children who are with you now and having health problems on top of it all. Please know that we are all praying for you, and yes, I believe Lizzy especially can begin to understand the sorrow over being separated from your birth family.
Miriam, you are such an encouragement to me. I know the pain you have endured hasn’t been easy but you have continued to “stand firm.” James 5:11 says, “We consider those blessed who remain steadfast or stand firm…! You are in my prayers sweet lady!
Missy, if it were only that you will bless us with your journey, I am praising God for it. But for sure, the beauty of the light of Jesus is creating a one-of-a-kind treasure in you. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
My heart aches for all you are going through, Missy. I wrote an earlier comment and it disappeared…so hopefully, this isn’t a duplicate. You have given so much for others. I will pray that your beloved son will come home to Jesus and reconcile with you. The enemy seems so strong in our world right now. I know that all of this has to take a toll on your health, as well. I will continue praying for your entire family. I love that old hymn. Christ is our solid rock! How it grieves us to see our children on sinking sand. I go back often to listen to The God Who Sees by Nicole Mullen and Kathie Lee Gifford. I seem to need to hear those words. I put the link in my previous reponse to you. (the one that disappeared). Much love and prayers to you dear Missy.
Missy–you have stayed on my heart. I am so sorry for your deep pain. I so wish we could come together in person and just pray around you, but know we all love you and are praying for you, from all different places. I have been comforted lately with knowing He sees me. He sees you, and you are His.
Missy, aren’t you in Virginia somewhere? Maybe I can stop and give you a hug? I will be traveling through on Saturday.
2. Read John 20:1-9
3. A. Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
Mary Magdalene found John (the one Jesus loved) and told him about the missing body. He started out for the tomb and outran Peter. He reached the tomb first but didn’t go in. He saw the linen wrappings.
Tim Keller says it because he was really there. It was truth. It is what happened.
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head?
He also saw the linens; the one for the head apart from the others. He must have been confused as to why things were as they were. Who would have done this? Why?
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
They must have believed that there was a chain of events that happened (and was happening) that they were beginning to remember being told by Jesus.
Sunday: God Hunt
1. Share a God Hunt from last week — or a way you sensed “the risenness of Christ” in your life. – My God Hunt is just the presence of peace in my life. The feeling of frustration or anxiousness comes, but the peace comes and wipes it away a lot quicker. I made a meal for a friend who had surgery and probably was too much on my plate for Thursday, I was running late to get back home and prepare a salad for our Life Group picnic and was frustrated at my husband for not realizing that I still had to stop at the store on my way home to get the items for the salad and he didn’t offer to go for me. All on me but I blamed him, but when we got to the picnic area, they were all waiting for us to eat and our group facilitator had my husband pray. He does not like praying out loud and I know this was out of his comfort zone, but he did it and I was very proud of him. I was the one that made us late, but I put the blame on him but God’s peace came over the situation when he made my husband step out of his comfort zone.
I think disagreements in marriage, no matter how small, are so painful. So glad God brought peace!
Oh Julie! This sounds so like something my husband and I would do. Ugh. Marriage is hard sometimes, isn’t it? I’m so glad you had the perspective you did and your husband was brave in praying (I am like him when praying out loud).
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. Tim Keller says that there are many details in the scriptural accounts that are not pertinent to the storyline but are simply put in because they really happened — evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture. (Such as the catch of “153 fish.”) Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
John (the other disciple) reached the tomb first and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Peter went straight into the tomb and saw the strips of linen lying there and the cloth that has been wrapped around Jesus’s head. The cloth was still lying in its place separate from the linen.
The placement of the linen and cloth is significant as it means that a body was there but is gone now. When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he was still wrapped up in his burial clothes. The people present had to take off the grave clothes. Not so with Jesus!
John 11:43-44 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why.
Peter saw both the linen strips and the cloth that has been wrapped around Jesus’ head. Peter must have been reasoning in his head about the folded cloth. So, I looked it up. This is based on an old Jewish tradition during mealtime. When the master of the house folds his napkin and gets up from the table, it means he will come back (return) to the table. If he crumples the napkin and puts it beside the dishes, that means he is finished. A folded cloth signifies that Jesus is coming back.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, “I am going away and I will come back to you.” (John 14:27-28)
The picture above spoke to me about how Peter and John must have been mentally rehearsing the past three years they have spent with Jesus. His words must have been reverberating in their minds and they were trying to piece the puzzle together. I love how John’s hands were clasped in anticipation and Peter’s right hand was on his chest-the impetuous Peter trying to calm his fast-beating heart.
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
They believed the women’s story that Jesu was taken out of the tomb? That He indeed was not there?
Interesting thought on what they believed. Maybe! What puzzles me is that the women told the men what the angels said, I believe, which was that he was raised — but they themselves didn’t yet get it. Takes a while for the penny to drop!
Dee, I have had many pennies that needed to drop since I started being here on the blog. And I am so grateful for the impact that you and the ladies here have had in my life through the years.
Oh I feel the same, Bing!
Bing, thank you for the reminder that the people present had to take off the grave clothes from Lazarus! Details are important!
Monday
2. Read John 20:1-9
Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5.
The disciple whom Jesus loved, other disciple started out for the tomb with Peter, he outran Peter and reached the tomb first, he saw the linen wrappings but didn’t go into the tomb.
Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
That’s what he remembered about himself and what happened. I think that’s true of what we do when retelling a story…to show proof that it really happened.
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head?
He went inside the tomb (so much like Peter, just barge ahead) and noticed the linen wrappings laying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded and lying apart from the other wrappings.
I think what’s going through his mind is, if someone stole His body why were the wrappings left behind, something is off here. There was such thought and order in the cloth wrapped around His face being folded. God is not a god of confusion, 1 Corinthians 14:33. I have heard it said that Jesus being a carpenters son, that whenever they completed a job they folded a cloth to show the job was finished.
C. What do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
I think John received in faith that Jesus was alive, even before he saw Jesus…I don’t think they knew the meaning of resurrection at that time but still believed! There is so much in scripture that I don’t know the complete meaning of but I still believe and receive it in faith.
I found this article from John Piper as to why he believes the disciple is John.
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/who-is-the-disciple-jesus-loved
I agree with Piper — though Lazarus is fun to think about!
Thank you for sharing the Piper article, Sharon. This is excellent.
Thanks for posting the link to the article. I’m going to read this over with my husband. We were talking about it yesterday.
Thanks for this article Sharon.
Tuesday
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
They feared that if Jesus continued performing miracles that everyone would believe in Him. If that that happened then the Roman army would come and destroy their temple and nation.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
He said they didn’t know what they’re talking about. Didn’t they know that it would be better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed?
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
He didn’t say it on his own but was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. It’s interesting that he really wanted to put Jesus to death but the words didn’t come out that way due to prophesying involuntary
That is so interesting about Caiphas!
Monday: Breathless
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. Tim Keller says that there are many details in the scriptural accounts that are not pertinent to the storyline but are simply put in because they really happened — evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture. (Such as the catch of “153 fish.”) Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details? – He mentions the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved; Both disciples were running to the tomb and the other disciple outran Peter; He bent over and looked in but did not immediately go inside the tomb.
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why. – Peter went inside the tomb right when he got to it and saw that the strips of linen were lying in the tomb along with the burial cloth and it was folded up by itself separate from the linen strips. I think Jesus was making a point to let the disciples and others who came to see that his body was not stolen, or the burial cloth would have just been thrown to the ground in a heap of mess with the linen strips as they grabbed the body. Also, I would think if Jesus’ body was stolen the thief would have wanted to keep the linen strips on the body so they wouldn’t be seen carrying a naked man around? Another sign that he was not stolen.
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen? – I think what they finally believed was the account of Mary Magadelene’s account of seeing the empty tomb.
Good thought on linen clothes, Julie.
A.Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
John describes himself as “the one Jesus loved” and ” the other disciple”. Peter went into the tomb, but John just bent over and looked in.
John may have refered to himself in this way because it was something he was certain of…he was loved by Jesus. Perhaps he did not enter the tomb because he was frightened and uncertain of what was happening.
B.What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why?
Peter saw an empty tomb, but for the burial cloths and head scarf neatly folded. I heard somewhere that the folded cloth represents the “it is finished”! Jesus will not be dying again!
John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
They believed what Mary Magdalene and the other women had told them. Jesus body was gone.
I am going to just jump back into the study today as we were traveling back home to Nebraska on Sunday and Monday from our visit in Texas. He richly blessed our time with our family there and in our travels. So grateful to Him.
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
Because Jesus was doing amazing miracles and many people were believing in Him the Pharisees were afraid they would would be discredited by the Romans and lose their place of influence and power.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
He was saying that the nation of Israel was not going to be lost because of the one man Jesus but it would be better for that one man to die for the sake of the nation (the people).
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
As the Jewish high priest He was being used by God to speak the truth but the irony was he had no idea the depth of that truth concerning the death of Jesus.
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to
change the sign?
There was no way they wanted Jesus to be acknowledged as King of the Jews let alone their king.
B. Why do you think he refused?
It would seem to me Pilate didn’t care about their picky attitudes associated with their self importance. Even as leaders of the nation of Israel they had opposing sects and different beliefs. Also he had seen all their conflicting reports and testimonies about Jesus who it was apparent to Pilate was an innocent man.
C. What is the irony?
The irony is that Jesus was truly the King of the Jews and actually the King of Kings who was dying for the sins of not only the nation of Israel but for all people.
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
For one thing I think she couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that he could be standing there before her as a whole and healthy person. Just two days before she had seen his body beaten beyond recognition and physically destroyed. How could anyone be restored after that horrible scene. She couldn’t yet grasp his being alive and she was still concerned with finding his dead body so it could be handled properly in death. Even though she knew a resurrection was coming in the future none of them comprehended it to be so soon.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
Gardeners cultivate and plant new life. The tend to and nourish their gardens with life giving water and care. That’s what Jesus does for us.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
In the first encounter the angels in the tomb told her and the women that Jesus was alive but when she encountered him personally she then knew he had been resurrected and was alive.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
I first believed in Jesus as a small child so I had the faith of a child but over the years the evidence for Christianity mounted in my mind as I learned truth from the Bible. I have set under many good teachers through the years but it is really God’s Word alone that mattered in seeing and sealing the truth in my heart and mind. That and the practice of prayer.
So glad your time away was blessed — welcome back, Bev.
My God hunt for last week was this Blog! and some wonderful people through the week. I am always encouraged by all of you in so many ways. Reading what God is doing in your lives, I see His fingerprints everywhere. We had a week of everything stressful happening at once. Our granddaughter, who lives in Seattle, got Covid, we needed to made her several meals and took them to her on Easter and it was a huge blessing that we were able to help her! I had a tooth issue that was so painful and had to go to a Specialist, a huge car problem, my husband had health appts, we were finalizing a re-do of our will ….I felt so overwhelmed i couldn’t breathe. YET, God brought something beautiful out of each of those terrible events! Krystie loved the meals, she is well, the tooth specialist was kind and caring~ so much so that I was crying tears of joy after I saw him, my tooth was repaired yesterday by our own wonderful dentist, the car problem was totally covered by a warranty, the place where we take it is owned by believers and they were all so sweet! my husband’s appt went well, we had a wonderful meeting with our dear attorney…..and at the end of the week, we could finally breathe. Way toooo many rabbit trails, but my heart is so grateful for Jesus, who can unravel any mess and make it into a beautiful quilt!
What a wonderful God hunt, Patti! I am always blessed, challenged and refreshed by reading the posts from my sisters here.
I am too, Dawn. Iron sharpens iron!
Patti, such an encouraging God Hunt!! I’m glad you’re daughter is feeling better. After being down with it for 10-12 days and going to the doctor yesterday, I pray it just goes away. God is so good and your testimony here is proof of that. It’s amazing how a tooth can effect us physically…no fun. Thanks so much for sharing🙂 and keeping you in my prayers.
I am praying for total wellness for you, Sharon! Covid is not fun!
Thank you Patti❤️
oh Patti-what a week you had! But I love how even amidst such strain you saw God’s hand! What a testimony to remembering to open our eyes in the storm, trusting His provision and giving Him all the glory!
Patti, you sure had your hands full! Love hearing how God was there all the time, working through these things with you and your loved ones!
Oh my Patti — hard times make us dependent and then joyful! For sure!
Amen, Dee! I feel very dependent on the Lord daily! The 3 year granddaughter of a friend got up on the couch early in the morning~ she pulled back the drape and said: “Oh, look! God gave us another day!” Melts my soul with joy!
Thank you for sharing the video/song of In The Garden. My grandmother, my mom loved that old hymn….I do too. I love to go out in the garden early and if I could sing, I would sing that. I hear the birds, my pups are with me, I pray, it is peaceful (even picking weeds) and I think of that hymn, hear the wind chimes, see the sun rising, feel the light breeze….heavenly in summertime! Thank you, Dee!
You have the most beautiful garden, Patti!
My heart is full for you Patti!
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. I think the details are important because they show the thought process of Mary Magdalene, Peter and John. She ran ~ she was excited and frightened ~ she needed to tell someone what she saw. Peter and “the other disciple” ran to the tomb. They each must have had lots of thoughts running through their heads. Was His body taken? Did He really rise? I love the linen lying there, and the face-cloth which was separate was folded up. I picture Jesus quickly getting out of the wrappings and then folding the head cloth neatly….a clue….
B. Jesus’s body was glorified after the Resurrection. The body linens and the face cloth were treated differently. Did His glorified body go through the linens, yet He chose to fold the head wrapping? Mysteries. He appeared in places suddenly after the Resurrection. In Luke 24:36, He suddenly appeared in a locked room, in His glorified body ~ they thought, at first, they were seeing a spirit appear and yet, they were able to touch Him and He ate. Luke 24: 39 “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. “The Jesus who surprises!
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen? I think he possibly believed Jesus’s words that He had risen…but He perhaps thought Jesus went directly to heaven….maybe they did not expect to see Him. They did not have the whole story to review, like we have. We do not always “see” and perceive what Jesus in doing in our lives, but looking back we can see what He has done.
That’s a new good thought — that perhaps they thought Jesus went directly to heaven!
2. Read John 20:1-9
A. Tim Keller says that there are many details in the scriptural accounts that are not pertinent to the story line but are simply put in because they really happened — evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture. (Such as the catch of “153 fish.”) Find some of those details John reports about himself in verses 2-5. Why might he have reported those seemingly irrelevant details?
The details about the two running and who was ahead. Whenever anyone is recounting their experiences they always add details as they remember them.
B. What did Peter see and what thoughts do you think went through his head? Some see it as significant that the cloth was folded. Alistair Begg says it simply means Mary taught Jesus how to make his bed. I think it is bigger than that — but eager to hear what you think and why.
It must have had significance or both the body sheet and the face cloth would have been either tossed aside or folded, but not one of each. The most plausible thing that I’ve read is that the folded napkin means “I’m not done, I’m coming back.”
C. John’s statement that “he saw and believed” is followed by “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” So, what do you think it was that they believed if it was not yet that He had actually risen?
They saw and believed that what the women said was true.
I’ve hard that too and love it:
I’m not done, I’m coming back.”
Dawn: “I am not done, I’m coming back!” WOW
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
They were afraid the Romans would destroy their nation.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
He said that it was better for one man to die than for the whole nation.
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
Because he was high priest, he was led by God (?) to prophesy that Jesus would die for the world.
Actually, Laura — thought that once too. But he was saying it would be good for that rabble rouser Jesus to die so that Rome could be spared.
So the Jewish highest leader wanted Rome to survive even though the Romans were so abusive to the Jews?
Good point. You make me think. He must be talking about the Jewish people — I will do some checking!
Okay — correction! He was talking about the Jewish nation, feeling that the Jewish religious leaders were right in opposing Jesus as a false Messiah! Thank you, Laura.
Tuesday: Ironies
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49? – They were worried about all the miraculous signs Jesus was performing and that others would start to believe in him. They were worried that Romans would come and take away their place and their nation.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50? – He told them that they didn’t know anything and told them it is better that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish.
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony? – He said it as the high priest the year that he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation. I think the irony is that this was prophesied and yet they still tried to find a way to kill him on their own.
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign? – I wonder if it was because if the truth was revealed and Jesus was the King of the Jews they would all be able to come back and blame them for killing an innocent man.
B. Why do you think he refused? – Pilate believed that Jesus did no wrong and they he was innocent and yet others still wanted Barabbas released and Jesus crucified. He knew what he was writing was the true title of Jesus.
C. What is the irony? – The truth was told, the truth was written for all to see and yet Jesus died a terrible death for all just like it was prophesied.
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus. – Jesus was not ready to reveal it to her. The moment had to be right for her to know without a doubt that it was Jesus. She had not completely believed what Jesus was saying all along that he was going to have to die and then he would come back. She was still in shock from what was done to Jesus and that her Savior was no longer among them.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.) – Jesus was always saying I am the vine you are the branches. He made many mention of garden like parables and prayed in the garden to have the cup be taken away from him. It seems fitting that he would appear to them again in the garden.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting? – The difference this time is that Jesus actually revealed himself to her and spoke her name. The first time she was just being told what happened by two angelic like figures.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.” – I grew up catholic so I always knew there was a God and Jesus was born of a virgin. But my knowledge of how deeply he loved me was not there. That came much later when I was in my early thirties. I was working for a Christian real estate company and a friend of the broker came in to visit and told us his testimony. That was all I needed. It was so amazing at how his life had turned out and how the presence of God was in his life even before he turned it around. He was so crazy for God that he wanted everyone to know just what Jesus did for him. He was the one that led me to the Lord that same day.
Great thoughts on gardener.
Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
In verse 48 the pharisees say “If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in him and then the Roman’s will come and takeaway our place and our nation. ”
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
(B. Caiaphas says “You know nothing at all!You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish.”)
(C.He had prophesied earlier that year that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation. So God imspired him. The irony is that as High Priest Caiaphas was intent on keeping all of the Laws, not necessarily listening to God. )
Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
(Because they probably considered it an insult to have a man killed as a criminal given the title “King of the Jews”, and it was Passover, there were many important people there for the celebration.)
B. Why do you think he refused?
(Pilate believed that Jesus was innocent, maybe he wanted to insult the Jewish leaders that demanded his death.)
C. What is the irony?
(The irony I see is that Jesus really is King, Messiah, Emmanuel!)
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
(Mary witnessed Jesus torture, crucifixion, death and burial. She believed that He was dead! Jesus was in His resurrected body, there was no evidence of His recent suffering and death. )
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (Once there was another garden, Eden. Designed and made by the Almighty Gardener, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.)
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
( This time she knows where Jesus is, as an eye witness. The two Angels tell them He has Risen just as He told them He would.)
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
(I grew up in an evangelical church, most of my family were believers. But when I went to college and was challenged by many professors to give evidence of my beliefs…I was at a loss. After several years of bad decisions and their consequences, I began a “God search”. I did not want to continue down the path of destruction I had been on. He began the long process of healing me and I have never turned back! Hallelujah!)
Lydia — your story reminds of the story of Alyssa Childers (Another Gospel)
I have never heard of Alyssa Childers, will have to look her up. I think my “story” is a fairly common one from my generation.
You would LOVE her book on audio or softcover.
2. Read John 11:45-53 A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
They feared everyone would believe in Him and the Romans would take over.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
He said they didn’t know anything and that “it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
The Spirit led him to say this as a prophesy that Jesus would die in order to save the world from death.
3. Read John 19:19-22 A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
They did not want it to declare Jesus as King, they bowed to Caesar.
B. Why do you think he refused?
He did not want to give in to them, and maybe it was conviction in his spirit that Jesus was who He said.
C. What is the irony?
Jesus IS the King.
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
Maybe it’s that when we are in the midst of deep pain and grief it can be hard to “see” truth, light.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
I think it is that Jesus IS the Gardener. He restores what was lost in the Garden of Eden, He prunes us, and through Him is light and life and growth.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
When she had given news the first time, they heard it as “an idle tale”, which makes me think she was more insecure in sharing, probably mixed with uncertainty, some fear at what had happened. This time she “announced” to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”. She was confident and bold, excited.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
I was thinking about this the other day—I have never felt like I needed evidence that Christianity is true, which is actually unlike me to be that way. In all other areas I am logical, practical and even a skeptic at times. But my faith has always been childlike and simple, I think maybe because that’s when He drew me to Him, as a child.
Love this from Lizzy:
When she had given news the first time, they heard it as “an idle tale”, which makes me think she was more insecure in sharing, probably mixed with uncertainty, some fear at what had happened. This time she “announced” to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”. She was confident and bold, excited.
Tuesday
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
They didn’t believe Jesus was the King of the Jews and wanted it to say that’s who He said He was.
B. Why do you think he refused?
I think he actually believed that Jesus was telling the truth, He was the King of the Jews.
C. What is the irony?
Pilot got it and the chief priest didn’t!
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
She thought He was dead and His body had been taken away. She didn’t know where to find Him. He must of looked like a regular person thinking He was the gardener and that he did something with the body.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
She wasn’t looking for someone who was alive.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
The first time it was about the tomb being empty and didn’t make sense. This time she said, “I have seen the Lord.”
One person has actually seen the living Jesus!
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? No
If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
Did you never need any evidence? If so, why do you think?
Dee, being raised in a Christian home, I was not only taught His Word but it was lived out by parents. I saw God work in many ways being a missionary kid and seeing great faith in other missionaries.I had the privilege of taking care of my Moms parents when I was in high school and they had an amazing influence in my life for Christ just in how they lived…such trust and faith in Him. Also, marrying a man of faith and the influence of his parents too. I think too that the various trials that Jim and I have gone through not only drew us closer to Him but to each other. Jesus has been faithful over and over again in my life…that’s evidence enough for me and for that I’m very thankful.
What a heritage you had, Sharon!
Sharon I’m sure that your children and grandchildren can say the same about you and your husband.
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why, according to verses 45-49?
They feared that because of Jesus’ many miracles, everyone would come to believe in Him. He would create such an enormous following that it would draw the attention of the Romans, who would then come in and take away “both our place and our nation”. I believe the “place” they meant was their temple. The Pharisees feared losing their power and exalted position.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
He told the Pharisees that didn’t they understand – how much better for them that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. He was referring to Jesus when he said that one man should die for the people.
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
Could we say that the Spirit inspired him to say this? I’m not sure….it could have been just his human logic or reasoning, and it was a twisted logic. The irony of what he said though is that it WAS better for the people; all of us, in fact, that Jesus die for us, because that was God’s plan for our salvation. His death, ironically, is exactly what was needed.
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
The chief priests were adamant that Jesus only claimed to be a king, namely, God’s Son. During some of their confrontations with Jesus, they had insisted things such as they were not slaves, they had no father but God, they were Abraham’s children, and that Jesus was definitely not going to be recognized as their king.
B. Why do you think he refused?
When Pilate sentenced Jesus, he ceremoniously washed his hands of the matter, saying that he had found no guilt in Jesus, but he was afraid of the crowd demanding the death of Jesus and even more afraid that it would draw the attention of his superiors. I think he was done dealing with these Jewish leaders. Perhaps his ordering of the sign was a passive-aggressive way of getting back at them, too, and so he wasn’t about to change a single word.
C. What is the irony?
The irony is that Pilate could not have had truer words put on that sign, and his idea to put it into three different languages ensured that most everyone would be able to read it.
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
She was crying hard, so perhaps her eyes were blurry with tears. I also wonder why she wasn’t startled at the two angels in white, sitting in the tomb. The appearance of angels usually has people frightened. She speaks to them as if she were speaking with two guys sitting there. She’s bending over, looking into the tomb, and then she turns around and sees Jesus standing there. Could it have been that she was looking into the darker tomb, and then turned around and the light made it hard for her eyes to adjust? Perhaps it was Jesus himself who momentarily kept her from recognizing Him. If there was a garden there, she assumed this person was the caretaker, or gardener. Maybe Jesus’ resurrected body looked somehow different. The last time she had seen Him, His body was so disfigured, bloodied, and DEAD, that it wouldn’t have occurred to her that this man was Jesus.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener?
Hmmm….Jesus used a lot of metaphors such as Him being the true vine and His Father the vinedresser, about seeds being scattered on different kinds of soils. A gardener tends to things to make them grow and flourish; he gets his hands in the dirt; he turns up the soil, he plants, he weeds and prunes and waters. He enjoys looking at the beautiful flowers or produce in his garden. These things are beautiful metaphors of the Lord Jesus as The Gardener.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
In Luke’s gospel, the women, including Mary Magdalene, didn’t see Jesus, but they saw and spoke with the two angels, who reminded them of what Jesus had said about being crucified and then rising on the third day. In this account, the disciples think they’re just being hysterical, but Peter runs to the tomb. In John’s gospel, Mary goes to the disciples saying that she has seen Jesus. The evidence is mounting from seeing angels to actually seeing the risen Lord.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true?
No; although I was not raised in church, somehow I did believe that God existed, and Jesus. I didn’t know anything about God, except for what I learned from a book of children’s Bible stories and from watching The Ten Commandments every year on television. I remember when I was in my high school years, and I didn’t want to watch what my parents were watching on TV, I’d go out into the kitchen and watch the little black and white TV there, and if I ever came across Billy Graham on TV, I would watch him. I didn’t seem to have trouble accepting that Christianity, or the gospel was true, but it took a while for me to really understand it all.
I didn’t always realize this but if you look at the context of Caiphas he was saying that rabble rouser Jesus should die so that Rome could be spared. Of course God made it prophetical the way he said it!
Correction: So the Jewish Nation could be spared as Caiphas thought Jesus a false messiah.
Susan, I love that you watched Billy Graham on the little black and white tv….how sweet it is.
Me, too! You were definitely being called to Him.
I always love reading your insightful answers.
Wednesday: The Third Day
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
Raised from death as the firstfruits of all who have died.
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
Because of Adam we all die but because of Christ we shall all be made alive.
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
Jesus was first to be resurrected and given a glorified body and we will be next at his coming to receive our glorified bodies.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
Vegetation, plants and fruit trees were created bearing seed and fruit of it’s own kind.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
It’s own kind (like itself)
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
Jesus
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
It was glorified and eternal.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
They will be glorified and eternal like Christ because he was the original and first so we are his seed and we will be like him.
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
It is the work of a gardener to plant and sow seed which grows from that vegetation or tree and produces the same kind of seed or fruit like itself. So it is with Christ. He was first and the new life we have comes from him and is just like him and so it will be with our resurrected bodies.
Looking forward to Mike Reeves sermon. 😊
And you, Bev, will love that heady sermon!
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
They didn’t want anyone to think He was really the King of the Jews.
B. Why do you think he refused?
He could; he was the man in charge. He had already been overruled with the death, and now he had a chance to regain his control.
C. What is the irony?
The irony is that Pilate was like a “king” and he was posting a kings tombstone. (?)
OR
He said He was King of the Jews. He really was/is king of the Jews.
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
She saw angels…not normal.
Maybe their (angels) brightness was such that she could only see His outline?
Maybe she was stunned by seeing the angels, and was not focusing well at that point?
Jesus asks her who she is looking for and why she is crying. That is confusing as well, if it is He who is asking. Wouldn’t He already know the answers to those questions?
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
Haha Dee, I’m sure you wrote that last line for me!
A gardener tends to the garden. He tills the soil, plants, waters, weeds, and enjoys the beauty of His work. Maybe she (unknowingly) equates that care to the gardener not thinking He was the true caretaker of her.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
The first time they merely came back to say that He was missing. This time, she comes to say that she has seen Him; she even has instructions from Him. He is slowly revealing what He said would happen after the crucifixion. He would ascend to heaven.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
Because I have been a Christian since I was a child, I don’t remember not having that child-like faith. It was reinforced when God spoke to me at my father’s deathbed. I strayed away when I was a college student but it wasn’t as if I doubted His existence. I do think that I have questioned the heartache of my life; oh have I seen some pain! But it is with deep study (you, Dee, and the sisters here) that I now understand why those struggles have occurred. He spoke to me in different ways throughout those times as if to encourage me and to let me know He was here. Tears.
Laura, I, too over the years through this study have come to realize that our faith and maturity grow best in trials and struggles.
♥️
2. Read John 11:45-53
A. What did the Pharisees fear and why according to verses 45-49?
They fear that if Jesus continues with His works, everyone will believe in Him, and “the Romans will come and take away our temple and our nation”.
B. What did Caiaphas say in verses 49-50?
They know nothing at all. It is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes.
C. Who inspired him to say this and what is the irony?
Pilate wrote Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
3. Read John 19:19-22
A. Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
They wanted Him to change the sign that Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews. They do not want to acknowledge the truth about Jesus.
B. Why do you think he refused?
Pride? And he does not want to change what he has already written.
C. What is the irony?
He was not the one who wrote it. God did sovereignly prompt him to write the sign. And Jesus is really The King!
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
Grief can alter our senses. She wasn’t looking for a risen Jesus; she was looking for the dead body of her Lord. Did she realize that she was talking to angels the first time! Jesus addressed her as “woman” the first time. She must have been used to Jesus calling her “Mary” because she recognized Him right away when He called her by name.
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
Jesus is a gardener. Creation began in the garden.
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
First an empty tomb and then, no physical body. And now, she reports she has seen Jesus in the flesh!
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
Creation has pointed me to God. Answered prayers that seemed humanly impossible. I have seen the change in people’s lives as they surrender to Jesus. The discipline of a God Hunt has helped mount the evidence for me. The Word of God became alive to me. The Spirit connecting with my spirit.
I love that the God Hunt is mounting evidence for you!
Amen to Dee! I love this too, Bing: Answered prayers that seemed humanly impossible. I have seen the change in people’s lives as they surrender to Jesus. YES!!
Tuesday: Ironies
2.A.) The Pharisees feared that people would come to believe in Jesus, because He raised Lazarus from the dead. They feared that the Romans would take their place (possibly their temple?) and their nation.
B.) Caiaphas felt that it was expedient for all that one man die for that people, so the entire nation would not perish.
C.) He was inspired by the chief priests and the Pharisees. The irony is that Caiaphas’s word were prophetic. Jesus was killed and His death would be to save all who believe in Him. In 70 A.D. the nation still perished.
3 A.) Why do you think the chief priests wanted Pilate to change the sign?
The chief priests did not want to acknowledge that Jesus was the King of the Jews~ they wanted it to say “He said He was King of the Jews” so Jesus would look like a fool and a fraud. They wanted Jesus’s death identified with the sinners who were hanging on either side of Him.
B. Why do you think he refused?
Pilate was used by God to fulfill prophecy~ he was writing the truth whether he knew it or not.
C. What is the irony? JESUS IS KING in ALL Languages!
Love that Jesus is King in all languages!
Yes, HE is KING in all languages. In mine,: Jesus, hari sang tanan!”
4. Read John 20:10-18
A. Give all the reasons you can think of for why she didn’t realize it was Jesus.
Mary’s expectations and grief were so strong, she never thought that Jesus would be there in that form! The Jesus who surprises!
B. What ironic significance can you see in her thinking He was the gardener? (If you don’t get it, help is coming this week.)
Jesus is the Master Gardener of our souls. He is our Creator God, who has been here since the beginning. Yet, when He called her by name she knew Him. John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me.”
C. This is the second time she reports to the disciples. How is her news different from what the women told Peter and John the first time? (Luke 24) How is the evidence mounting?
This time Mary has seen the risen Jesus, heard Him speak and she spoke to Him.
D. Did you need evidence that Christianity was true? If so, share how God “mounted the evidence for you.”
I don’t remember a time of not believing in Jesus, even as a child. I have not always followed well, I have failed Him so many times, I have sinned, but He is always patient. I feel that there is evidence everywhere in the world of His creation; I feel in my heart that He is near; I fear and have doubts, not about Him, but about what is happening when things go upside down in my life; retrospect helps me to see that He was carrying me, when I might have felt He was not there. It is sometimes so hard when you feel you are in the fire, but then you remember what the clay goes through to become a porcelain tea cup….always so much to ponder…..but He Is Everywhere.
Wednesday: The Third Day
Tomorrow and Friday you will listen to Mike Reeve’s amazing sermon, but I want to pull out just one thing he said that was new to me.
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20? – He is described as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22? – those who do not believe in Christ who like Adam are from the world they will all die, but those in Christ all will be made alive.
C. What do you learn in verse 23? – We will each have our time to die. Christ will come first then those who believe in Him will be taken.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation? – The seed-bearing plant producing vegetation were created from the land and another day was created when God saw it was good.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12? – plants were bearing seed according to the kind of plant that it was and the trees were bearing fruit with seed in it according to the kind of tree that it was.
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation? – God was the Master of all creation in the garden. He spoke it all and created it all.
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body? – Well his earthly body was formed miraculously by the Holy Spirit when the Virgin Mary became pregnant and he was delivered by an earthly delivery like the rest of us. His resurrected body was made glorious by our Heavenly Father and there was no strain or suffering with his resurrected body.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12? – Our bodies for those who believe in Christ will be like his, we will have no suffering the minute we are with him. We were created in His Image and will become like him at death just like the plants that bear fruit according to the type of plant or tree it is.
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener? – Jesus was always reciting earthly images in his parables or writing in the dirt or using it to heal those who were blind so it is only fitting that he be in the garden when he revealed himself. We were created from the dirt. All items we can find in a garden.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
“the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
In Adam, all die/ in Christ all may be made alive.
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
I will be made like Him, when He returns.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
God created plants with seeds of their own kind.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
Seed bearing fruit.
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
God
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
Indestructible, He did not depend on anything (food, water, oxygen) for life. He was not confined by time and space, He could walk through walls, thought travel.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
We will be like Him, He is the first fruit of the Resurrection.
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
He actually was the Gardener!
I’m pondering your answer to 8! Probably right. But I’m so glad we get to eat!
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
He is raised from the dead; the first of a great harvest. But, wasn’t Lazarus really the first?
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
Death came from Adam, but life comes from Christ!
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
There is an order to how the resurrection will occur. Christ is first and then those who belong to Him will be raised when He returns.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
God commanded that all seeds grow and plants and trees, all vegetation (fruit included) was created.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
They produced seeds of the same kind.
Side note….I am reading the collection of The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis, and just got to the part where Narnia is formed. All the trees and plants are just popping out of the ground! So ironic….
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
God was the Master Gardener!
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
His body was scarred. It was radiant too.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
I read down in 1 Corinthians to get the answer to this question. We will have heavenly bodies rather than earthly bodies. Grace has been concerned about this lately. She and I have had discussions about the soul. It is hard to describe to a 5 year old…not sure I get it either! I’m still trying to figure out if it’s ok (with God) to be cremated (and if I want that when I die) or not.
“It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!”
1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51 NLT
“Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.”
1 Corinthians 15:47-49 NLT
They are both alike because they talk about beginning with a planted seed (the seeds planted by God initially and the physical dead body). We will be transformed from that “seed” into our heavenly bodies.
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
I think I got this partially correct the first time we answered it! Yay! The irony is that He IS the gardener! THE MASTER GARDENER!!
Lazarus didn’t have a glorified body — he had to die again!
I see. Thanks!
Also in 1 Kings 17 Elijah raises the widow’s son from the dead and Jesus raised the captain’s daughter from the dead, but like Dee said all of these people did not have glorified bodies and would dies again.
Wednesday
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
The first great harvest of all who have died. (NLT)
The Message…”But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.”
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
Death came into the world through Adam, vs, resurrection from the dead began through another Man, Christ.
Everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, vs, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
There’s an order to resurrection…Christ was raised as the first harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when He returns.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
The land sprouted vegetation-all kinds of seed bearing plants and trees.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
They produced the kinds of plants and trees they came from.
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
God
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
His resurrected body unlike Lazarus’ body would not die again.
I understand that new growth came on the 3rd day of creation just as Christ’s body was made new/resurrected on the 3rd day. Just pondering how this all ties together…slow and cautious thinker.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
They will be made new as Christ was.
Christ is the “vegetation” and we’re “the seeds.” Just as Paul said in Corinthians, “there’s an order in the resurrection.
I have a hard time putting my thoughts to words so I may be way off here🤷♀️!
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
He is the Master Gardener!!
I have a hard time putting my thoughts to words too, Sharon…but your words make perfect sense. I love the words from Paul: “There’s an order in the resurrection.” AND: He is the Master Gardener!! Amen to this!!
Praying that you are feeling much better.
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
Raised from the dead
The firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
By Adam came death
By Jesus came resurrection from the dead
By Adam all die
By Christ all are made alive
C. What do you learn in verse 23eternal life, then we follow into eternal life as His believers
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13.
A. What happened on the 3rd day of Creation?
God created plants, whose fruit bear seed.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
Each plant or tree bears fruit “according to its kind”, fruit like itself.
7. Who was the Master Gardener in creation?
God
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
He could enter through walls, appear, disappear…not needing rest.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like — why? How is this like Genesis 1:12?
We will be like Him, like fruit of His tree. Phil. 3:2, Paul says that Jesus “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body”
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
He IS the Gardener. The fall of man began in a Garden, and the decision of Christ to submit His life to save man, also came in a Garden. Jesus came to restore what was lost in the first Garden. He tenderly, patiently prunes, weeds, nourishes, renews, grows…a new Garden. If we abide in Him, we bear much fruit.
Such great notes, Lizzy. Thank you! This says is all. He IS the Gardener!
I like this from Spurgeon on Jesus as the Gardener:
“If we would be supported by a type, our Lord takes the name of “the Second Adam,” and the first Adam was a gardener. Moses tells us that the Lord God placed the man in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Man in his best estate was not to live in this world in a paradise of indolent luxury, but in a garden of recompensed toil. Behold, the church is Christ’s Eden, watered by the river of life, and so fertilized that all manner of fruits are brought forth unto God; and he, our second Adam, walks in this spiritual Eden to dress it and to keep it; and so by a type we see that we are right in “supposing him to be the gardener.” Thus also Solomon thought of him when he described the royal Bridegroom as going down with his spouse to the garden when the flowers appeared on the earth and the fig tree had put forth her green figs; he went out with his beloved for the reservation of the gardens, saying, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Neither nature, nor Scripture, nor type, nor song forbids us to think of our adorable Lord Jesus as one that careth for the flowers and fruits of his church.”
Spurgeon is amazing on this — thanks, Lizzy.
Lizzy, this is great from Spurgeon!! Will have to add to my quotes…thank you for sharing.
Oh, Lizzy! This is a beautiful quote by Spurgeon. Says it all so well! Thank you so much for sharing it. I will save this in my journal!
11. Share your observations and comments. The Resurrection of Christ: Michael Reeves
There is so much I love about this sermon! We have read and heard the Resurrection story so much, yet I pray I always look at it with eyes of realizing the Power of that Day!
Christ Bursting out of the grave, overcame the old order of Adam! Beyond the reach of the Curse.
Quote from Daniel: Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life! some to shame & everlasting contempt.
Quote from JRR Tolkien: “Euchatastrophy” A “Good” Catastrophic Event: A sudden happy turning ~ a story which pierces you with a joy that brings tears!
History turned around at the tomb; it became a womb of New Creation; the First born from the dead. First Fruits of a Royal Harvest of Life.
Resurrection: GRAND and COSMIC
Mary first thinking Jesus is the Gardener is significant. Caiaphas in total ignorance prophesied: “It is better for one man to die than the whole nation should perish.” is significant. Pilate in ignorance prophesied “Behold the Man” is significant.
In this new day, in the garden, like a new Eden, was the Man, God, the Gardener, walking in the garden again; Ruler of all things, in perfect harmony with His Father; no threat; no serpent to destroy it; death had been swallowed up in Victory. The serpent’s head crushed. (paraphrase of Michael Reeves statement).
The Seed, The Source of the New Eternal life that God has to offer. Eternal life can never be the product of some Evolutionary leap; cannot be worked at or self willed by us. **Eternal Life is a gift of God, given only To and Through His anointed ONE. The Head of the New Humanity. (Michael Reeves)
* Adam and Christ are the First Fruits of two very different crops: Adam=Death Christ=Life All of us are seed in One or the Other of those. We are dependent on one of these choices.
We are born into Adam’s identity ~ We need to Choose to have a union with Christ. Our very identity with Adam is a problem. We need to be taken out of Adam’s identity and born into Christ’s identity= A New Creation. My identity is in Christ; He is my Righteousness.
Reeves’ Quotes: “Jesus’s Righteousness clothes us, as the fruit around the seed”. Jesus says “Because I live, you shall live.” (not because you have done well) “My fate is determined by the Head of the humanity to which I belong. If I belonged to Adam, I would share his guilt and death. Despite my failures, I am beyond condemnation as Christ is beyond the Cross.” “We are weak temples and sin steals our joy.”
Paraphrase: (I love this one!!) On that day (of our Resurrection) we will be fully released from all the effect of the curse! We will share His glorification!
Love this: Creation itself will be brought into glorification!
Patti-thank you for these great notes! I’ve listened but was driving and need to re-listen & write!
I hope they made sense, Lizzy! 🙂
You certainly are paying attention! Hope to see you face to face soon.
Yes! Cannot wait to see you face to face!
11. Michael Reeves message.
Towards the very end he says some hope-infusing words:
“We can face and defeat the accuser. And because of it (the resurrection), like a backbone of steel, in our joy – we can have hope. And so, friends, when you hear the whispering of Satan, when you feel the weight of sin and death and fallenness – remember the glory of the risen one. The one who has given us his life and righteousness, the one who will finally destroy the accuser – utterly , destroy sin, destroy death. The one who will have no enemies left, but will have all things under the feet that were pierced for us.”
This Andrew Peterson song, “His Heart Beats” dovetails here. A few of the lyrics:
“His heart beats, His blood begins to flow
Waking up what was dead a moment ago
And His heart beats, now everything is changed
‘Cause the blood that brought us peace with God
Is racing through His veins
And His heart beats
His heart beats
He breathes in, His living lungs expand
The heavy air surrounding death turns to breath again
He breathes out, He is word and flesh once more
The Lamb of God slain for us is a Lion ready to roar
And His heart beats”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K-hwQr_bdw
Thank you for sharing “His Heart Beats”, Nila. Lovely!!
Nila, I just listened to His Heart Beats. Andrew Peterson is a favorite of ours. My husband and I have attended his Behold the Lamb concert in years past. This is a wonderful song of the resurrection. A great compliment to the teaching this week. Thanks for sharing it. I am blessed by it.
Nila — I always love our poet’s posts.
Amen Sister! “remember the Glory of the Risen One”!
I love Andrew Peterson’s music too!
Nila, the quote from Reeves was one of my favorites.
11. Share your observations and comments.
Michael Reeves always fascinates me. He has such a way of bringing forth connections between OT and NT.
He builds them up to where by the end of his sermon, one can have a greater understanding of what he is impressing in my heart. And the beautiful thing about it is Jesus is always discovered for who He is.
I love this one: If I belong to Adam, death is my destiny. If I belong to Christ, life and righteousness are my destiny. Christ is the firstfruit of resurrection and we are His seed. We will be raised according to Christ’s kind and bear His image.
Amen to Reeves!
11. Share your observation and comments.
I really can get swept away in Michael Reeves sermons. There is so much to grasp, I could listen over and over and learn something new each time! The two things that stood out to me this time was the quote by JRR Tolkien about the “Eucatastrophy”. Which brought to mind the scripture in Genesis 50:20 where Joseph tells his brothers “you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”. So many times in my own life I can look back and see God’s hand straightening out the crooked path I once walked and the things the enemy meant for harm that God turned into good. Praise the Lord!
Another thing that caught my attention was the fact that when Christ returns, His Resurrection power will transform the entire Earth and all of God’s creation not just humanity. It will be so overwhelmingly beautiful to see…Eden raised!
Eden raised! Beautiful words.
I love Mike Reeves! I think his sermons on Sibbes and the Puritans were some of my favorite of anyone’s! I just got his latest book Gospel People, haven’t gotten into it yet but looks good!
Notes:
What Mary supposed in ignorance was the deepest truth—in this garden, like a new Eden, was the Gardener Himself.
Eternal life is a gift of God, given only to and through His Anointed One, the head of the new humanity.
First fruits reproduce according to their kinds. They have their seed, the next generation, within them- what you do to the fruit affects the seed, because it’s inside it.
Adam and Christ 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. 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 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 but on the fruit in which we belong.
When Adam, the head of the old humanity, was found a sinner, all who were in him shared his fate.
When Christ is justified, declared righteous, worthy of life by His Father, then He was raised to life for our justification, Romans . All in Him share that life-giving righteousness. And so in Him we are given new life, and we become the very righteousness of God. The new life we’re given and born into through the resurrection of Christ is a righteous life, a justified life.
To know my identity, I must look to my head. If I belong to Adam, I share his guilt, and death is my destiny. But I belong to Christ, and so His righteousness, His life are mine. I need to tell myself this daily that despite my many, many failings I, even I, can cry out, “No condemnation now I dread, Jesus and all in Him is mine…”
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.
One day, our bodies will transform to be perfect, splendid, glorious, crowned, imperishable like His. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a righteous standing before our glorious God. We can face and defeat the accuser. And because of it, like a backbone of steel in our joy, we have hope.
*When you hear the whisperings of Satan, when you feel the weight of sin and death and fallenness, remember the glory of the risen one, the one who has given us His life and righteousness. The one who will finally destroy the accuser, utterly destroy sin, destroy death. The one who will have no enemies left but will have all things under the feet that were pierced for us.
Thank you for this, Lizzy! YES! Amen!
*When you hear the whisperings of Satan, when you feel the weight of sin and death and fallenness, remember the glory of the risen one, the one who has given us His life and righteousness. The one who will finally destroy the accuser, utterly destroy sin, destroy death. The one who will have no enemies left but will have all things under the feet that were pierced for us.
Let us know about Gospel People. A Lizzy review.
11. Share your observations and comments.
I got so much out of this video (Has it been recommended before? It seemed very familiar.) A few of the things: are that we aren’t just Adam’s descendants with some grace thrown in, but we have been literally taken from Adam’s seed and rebirthed into Christ’s seed. For the weakest Christian and the greatest heroes of the faith, He is the Lord our righteousness. He surrounds us in His righteousness as the fruit surrounds the seed. There is more righteousness in Him than sin in us so that His righteousness is more than enough to wipe out all of our sin.
I love the spontaneous applause. It seemed to come every time I felt my heart welling up inside of me.
Beautiful observations, Dawn! This was one of my favorite statements too! He surrounds us in His righteousness as the fruit surrounds the seed. There is more righteousness in Him than sin in us so that His righteousness is more than enough to wipe out all of our sin.
Notes and Observations on Micheal Reeves Sermon:
I usually write my comments before I read what others have put on the blog but tonight I took time to read first and I really appreciated the great notes already put here by several of you. The sermon was wonderfully rich with many great thoughts and quotes. I didn’t know where to begin. It was such an encouraging message and like Dawn I found my heart stirred. It was the enthusiasm of Reeves and more importantly the wonderful truths he was teaching us. Twice he said “Praise God for the resurrection of Jesus Christ” that elicited applause. It was sweetly spontaneous on his part. 😊
Yes Dee, I loved this sermon by Reeves. It was a great culmination of the study for this week.
Toward the end of the sermon he talked about how we can face and defeat our accuser with a boldness and assurance because of the resurrection of Jesus. It was a great reminder that Satan’s head has been crushed and death has been defeated. I loved his heart for people who are or have experienced the deep grief of losing someone especially close to them in death. And how he brought encouragement as to that coming day of being together again and living in a glorified state with Christ.
The sermon was so full of hope. His prayer at the end of the sermon was powerful and encouraging.
Thanks Dee for including it this week.
I might as well add my Saturday take away for the week.
I have loved that after our Lenten study from Tripp’s Journey to the Cross we have moved into celebrating Eastertide and the Resurrection. My takeaway is Reeve’s reminder that daily we should remind ourselves of these incredible truths surrounding what Christ accomplished for us by his resurrection and the standing we have in his righteousness. I just finished rereading Gentle and Lowly yesterday and along with Reeve’s sermon it was also so encouraging of the deep truth of the love of God and the love of Jesus Christ for us as sinners. Again way too much to share here.
As to why all this means so much I feel we are living in very dark times with the enemy is kicking a lot of dirt in our faces. Evil is so very present all around and frankly I have a number of sweet Christian friends who are suffering physically right now. I have been struggling with some sciatic pain issues and my sleep has been affected but God in his grace has encouraged me spiritually is very rich measure. I am so grateful to know Jesus and the hope he gives me in spite of trials. And I agree whole heartedly with Reeves.
“Praise God for the Resurrection!”
I so agree, Bev — in these dark times we need the light of the resurrection!
I so love all of your comments, Bev. Yes, we surely need the light of the Resurrection right now in our world. I agree with you and Reeves! “Praise God for the Resurrection!” Our God reigns throughout the universe!
I’ll be praying for relief from pain for you, Bev. Especially that you are able to sleep (so important for our mental and physical health).
My take-a-way for this week is that I am so happy that we are celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for this Eastertide study Dee!
Jesus is our Living Lord. Jesus is the original Gardener of the Earth. Jesus is the first-fruits of eternal life.
“Jesus’s Righteousness clothes us, as the fruit around the seed”. (Reeves)
Jesus is the Master Gardener of our souls.
Patti, love this- “Jesus’s Righteousness clothes us, as the fruit around the seed”. (Reeves) What beautiful clothing He covers us with!
Thursday/Friday
11. Share your observations and comments
The title of this sermon is obviously PRAISE GOD FOR THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST! There was so much that stood out to me but one thing that he talked about and I can relate to is how as a child, justification was defined as just as if I never sinned. But after coming to Christ I did sin again and again and so I thought I needed to be rejustified again. The statement that he made following that is, “The notion that I might need to be rejustified betrayed the fact that I had not appreciated that I’d been taken out of Adam the guilty and had been placed in Christ and my identity is in Christ, the righteous One. Not my behavior, not my feelings, not my faithfulness. He is my righteousness…the same yesterday, today and forever. Because He lives, I live. If I belong to Adam, I share his guilt and death is my destiny. But I belong to Christ (Hallelujah!) and so His righteousness, His life are mine.”
Reeves says I need to tell myself daily…That despite my many many failings, I even I can cry out, no condemnation now I dread. Jesus and all in Him is mine. Alive in Him, my living head and clothed in righteousness divine. Bold I even I approach the eternal holy throne and claim the crown through Christ my own.
My identity is in Christ Jesus, the One who has given me His life and righteousness, will one day destroy the accuser, sin, death, will have no enemies left but will have all things under His feet, the feet that were pierced for me. Amen!
1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”
My take away is seeing for the first time the significance of the garden being created by Jesus (the ultimate gardener) on the third day of creation and being mistaken for a gardener on the third day after the crucifixion.
I think that the fact that Mary didn’t recognize Him even when He was talking to her just shows that we are all spiritually blind until God opens our eyes. He does it repeatedly throughout our lives. And that she recognized Him when He called her name lines up with scriptures that He calls us by name and we respond.
I love your take away Dawn. May I please agree with you and use it as mine too?
I have been so sick this week with sinus migraines, terrible pain. I can hardly think.
God Bless, have an amazing Sunday. 🙏❤🙏
May I use it as well? Beautifully stated!
Of course!
🙂
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
A. How is Christ described in verse 20?
Jesus is described as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
B. What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in verses 21-22?
Death came through a man, Adam. The resurrection of the dead comes through Christ. In Adam, all die; in Christ, all will be made alive.
C. What do you learn in verse 23?
All will be made alive, but in this order: Christ the firstfruits, then, when He comes, those who belong to Him.
6. Read Genesis 1:11-13
A. What happened on the third day of creation?
God said for the land to produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees that will bear fruit with seed in it, each according to its kind.
B. What kind of fruit did each plant or tree bear according to verse 12?
Each type of plant or tree was to bear fruit according to its kind, so each one was reproducing more of its kind.
7. Who was the Master Gardener in Creation?
God was the Master Gardener.
8. How was the resurrected body of Christ different than his earthly body?
His resurrected body apparently could appear in locked rooms, and disappear just as quickly. Time and space did not confine it.
9. What will the bodies of those who are in Christ be like – why? How is this in Genesis 1:12?
Our resurrected bodies will be like His, because if Jesus is the “first fruits”, then He will “produce” more fruit after His own kind.
10. What is the irony of Mary thinking Jesus was the gardener?
I guess in a sense, He really was/is the gardener.
My Takeaway?
This Eastertide study is my God Hunt! And this year, though started beset with many challenges, has just been a discovery journey of the many facets of the Trinity. God has opened my eyes to many truths in His Word- I feel like I am knowing and loving Him more and more each day.
An old song from the Maranatha Singers “The more I get to know you” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGWA9a6EgBY
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
I keep thinking about how death came to man in the first Garden, Eden. And death came to Christ, saving man, in the second Garden, Gethsemane, when Christ submitted to the Father’s will. The first Garden of Life was destroyed by man’s sin, but in the second Garden, Christ restored man, giving us eternal life by His sacrifice. He turned everything upside down. It’s so overwhelming, so humbling—the sacrificial love of Jesus. He gave up all so we could have what we can never deserve. This lesson has been just amazing. I love that we are staying in the Resurrection. This is our lifeline, our hope, our breath.
Lizzy, your take-a-way spoke volumes to my heart…thank you!
Sharon-you encouraged me. I was re-reading it and think it was a pretty jumbled mess! I just got to the Piper article–thank you for this. And I love what you said here, you have such wisdom- “There is so much in scripture that I don’t know the complete meaning of but I still believe and receive it in faith.”
Love this, Lizzy!
Yes Lizzy ~ This is our lifeline, our hope, our breath.
So true, Lizzy. There is so much depth of meaning in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. I love how you put this.
You are all such a blessing to me. I am truly excited for your comments in this week’s study!