In order to fully grasp the amazement of Easter morning, there is one precondition: you must realize that no one was expecting Jesus to rise from the dead. No one!
Michael Card
Photo by Pexels Andrea Piacquadio
Resurrection Sunday 2024!
Tim Keller says that when people say we shouldn’t try to persuade them of our faith, they don’t understand. When something so wonderful happens there is an explosion of joy, and you cannot keep the lid on it! That’s what turned the world upside down two thousand years ago and is still happening!
1. Think of something that happened to you that was SO WONDERFUL that you could hardly wait to tell someone. What was it?
2. Chuck Swindoll said, “Remember when you were a new Christian? You would like on your bed and think, ‘Who can I tell?'” Did you have feelings like that? If so, share.
I am in the Texas prisons – tonight I’ll be sharing with one of the bigger groups who has studied Idol Lies. I would so love a mighty anointing on this glorious day. Pray, please. Here is a picture of me with Linda (founder of Discipleship Unlimited) at their halfway house yesterday with one of the baby kangaroos. The women support themselves by raising kangaroos to sell as pets! Wild –right? But it is working.
Monday: The Pharisees
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way.
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you.
5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53)
Tuesday: The Women (about 6:00 A. M)
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didn’t really happen because God wouldn’t choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this?
7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise?
Wednesday: The Apostles
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think?
9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue — for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning “the delirious talk of the very ill.” Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect?
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking?
11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So what’s going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first.
Thursday: Cleopas and the Other Disciple
It was Christmas a few years ago, and I planned to start the 13-hour drive to Nebraska to be with my youngest and her family. I had an eye appointment in Green Bay and planned to leave after that and get a few hours in. But the appointment lasted three long hours and it was getting dark. My eyes were cloudy from eye drops.
There was a little Asian woman in the waiting room and I walked right past her. But when I walked out the door, she jumped up and started chasing me, yelling “Wait! Wait!”
I asked, “Oh, did I forget something?”
“No,” she smiled.
I was mystified. “How can I help you?”
Still smiling, she said, “I need a ride.”
“Where do you need to go?”
“Kearney, Nebraska.”
Then, I recognized her. “Annie! What in the world?”
She had flown to Green Bay, and taken an huber to the eye doctor, so she could surprise me and ride with me to Nebraska. She had waited three hours! Then I had walked right past her in the waiting room. It wasn’t just my eyes. It was because I had zero expectations!
In the same way, yesterday I met Mele who spent nine years in prison. When released she drove to see her mother whom she had not seen since incarcerated. She was waitressing in a diner when Mele came in. She called to her, “Fran!”
Her mother said, “WHAT!”
Mele said, “Do you not recognize your own daughter?”
Shouts of joy, tears, and a long long hug.
12. Have you ever failed to recognize someone you knew well because you didn’t expect them where you saw them? If so, share.
13. Read Luke 24:13-25 and find all the evidence that they were truly not expecting to see the risen Lord. (There is so much!)
Friday: The Disciples
14. Read Luke 24:33-45
A. Find all the evidence of confusion and astonishment.
B. What do you think it means when it says they still did not believe because of “joy and amazement?”
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
75 comments
Happy Easter everyone! He is risen! He is risen indeed!!
Our pastor did sand art this morning for the sermon. It was cool! Here it is and starts at about 38 min if you want to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/live/B9l9LoFF894?si=iAyQ-s5pU4yPALop
 The sun is out today and it is beautiful! It was supposed to rain. Thank You Jesus!
Wow Laura, this was such a great visual. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for sharing this, Laura. Your pastor is so talented; a great way to illustrate a sermon!
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way.
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 The Lord was definitely with us yesterday! Iâve been singing in our choir and worship team for a few months now. We have the best leaders. We sang a few really powerful songs and it was joyous!Â
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you.
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I read several versions of this scripture. The Amplified version helped me understand the last deception and the first deception. I thought it was interesting they would think His rising was worse than His saying He was the Messiah.
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âTherefore, give orders to have the tomb made secure and safeguarded until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people, âHe has risen from the dead,â and the last deception [the reporting of His resurrection] will be worse than the first [the reporting that He is the Messiah].ââ
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5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53)
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I donât think they did at all, based on that scripture (Matthew above). I think they thought he was somehow performing a hoax on people. They felt threatened by Him and just wanted Him dead (according to the John scripture).
I spent Easter Sunday in Texas with the women in prison who are in Discipleship Unlimited. They are so mature, filled with joy in the midst of very hard circumstances. It is always sobering and encouraging to me! Thank you all for covering us with prayer.
I always look forward to your return from the prisons because we get to hear of the ways in which God works in each precious heart!
Praising God that it all went well, Dee. And we never fully know their circumstances. Praising God that so many of these women have come to know Jesus. It reminds me of the Nicole Mullins song, The God Who Sees.   Â
1. Think of something that happened to you that was SO WONDERFUL that you could hardly wait to tell someone. What was it? Each time I was pregnant with each son!
2. Chuck Swindoll said, âRemember when you were a new Christian? You would like on your bed and think, âWho can I tell?’â Did you have feelings like that? If so, share. Yes. I wanted to share with everyone on the plane, and as soon as I got off the plane I shared with my husband and anyone else I came across, including my best friend. I was her bridesmaid in her wedding the day after. I told her all about it the minute I saw her at the rehearsal dinner. I felt like the woman at the well after her encounter with Jesus!
This made me smile — I can picture all this!
You are such a sweet woman of God, Rebecca.
Resurrection Sunday 2024!
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1. Think of something that happened to you that was SO WONDERFUL that you could hardly wait to tell someone. What was it?
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âYes,  Iâm back and I have much to share. Something SO WONDERFUL I still can hardly believe it. Some of you will remember when my husband and I got down to Texas the week before Christmas to spend a couple of months living near our oldest son and his wife, their 3 married grandchildren and  6 great grandsons that we encountered a very anger filled daughter in-law. Our concerns about alcoholism were confirmed by what we saw and by our oldest granddaughter. My husband and I knew God wanted us to be there in Texas partly to have some quality time with our grandchildren but God allowed me to have some time consistently with my daughter in-law Steph. I tried to be gentle but she challenged me with questions so I had opportunity to point her back to the Lord. I gave her the daily devotional  âNew Morning Merciesâ by Paul David Tripp and she began reading it. I sent her the link for Paige Brownâs study on Daniel and she watched each lesson. But her drinking was becoming a serious concern.Â
As you remember my precious 99 yr old Mother went home to be with Jesus in early February and we came back home to Nebraska with for 10 days then went back down to Texas and we felt we should stay a few weeks longer than originally planned.Â
There is of course is a lot of back story but what you need to know is that on March 9th while my husband and son were gone on a 3 day trip together and I was alone with Steph at their property in the Texas Hill Country she was very drunk and had a serious accident. She wrecked and was thrown out of a utility vehicle and when I got to her she was face down in a rocky ditch and completely unconscious.  She had no color and had serious head wounds and I thought she was dead. The dispatcher from 911 talked me through determining that she was breathing. From there she was taken by ambulance to a small town 5 miles away and then by helicopter to a trauma center in Austin Texas.Â
Iâve left out so many details because this is such a long story but as traumatic as it all was God is worthy of all praise and glory for his loving care and faithful presence in the midst of it all.Â
Xrays and scans showed that she had 8 fractured ribs and a punctured lung. They put 8 staples in her head wound and she had stitches for a wound on the other side of her face which was very bruised and swollen.Â
But two miracles happened in the night while she was alone in the hospital before any family  could get to be with her. She encountered our Heavenly Father and she gave Him everything. Her drinking, her hate and anger,  her very life and He brought a deep peace to her soul and she experienced his presence. She  said she remembered letting go of my hand but that God took her hand. That was the first miracle. The second is that God healed her physical wounds in an amazing way. She was up and walking the next morning and able to be discharged and come home late on the next day. The doctors were amazed and shaking their heads. She had no concussion which is unexplainable and the lung wound baffled them because it didnât respond as they expected. They had seen blood in the lung and has put in a drain but the next day it was healed and she had no breathing problems. Anyone who knows anything about cracked and broken ribs is aware of usually some long term extreme pain. Outside of being very sore and worn out for about 3 days her healing was beyond amazing for the initial seriousness of her injuries. It took some time for it to sink in to my own mind that we saw a physical miracle first hand. I was  just beyond thrilled with the spiritual miracle. But God unarguably healed her physically too.Â
Steph is literally a new person since the accident. She has no desire whatsoever to drink. She gave it to God and He took it away. Another miracle. But she is drinking in the Word of God and quick to share what He has done for her.  We came back home to Nebraska 8 days after the accident and I left her in the hands of a wonderful God and Father.Â
I cannot minimize the power of prayer in all of this. Many in our family and our circle of believing friends were praying before and after the accident. I remember Dee and a number of the girls here on the blog offering prayer
specifically last January for Steph. We never dare quit praying no matter how hopeless it appears. We serve an amazing God.Â
Dee I trust God has done a wonderful and good work there in the Prison this week. Â
Oh my goodness Bev, this is awesome and such a huge step for Steph and your family. We serve an awesome God, full of mercy, grace and love.
Oh Yes Julie, He truly is an awesome God as you said full of mercy, grace and love.Â
Bev,
Tears as I read your story here. We need this kind of miracle for a loved one.
Thank you for sharing.
Keep praying Nila, Â just keep praying. đ
So happy to read. Â Praise God from whom all blessings flow.Â
I apologize, Bev. Â That was poorly worded. Â What happened to Steph was frightening, but thanks to God for the miracle of healing her spiritually and physically. Â Iâll continue to pray for her.Â
Oh Judy,yes Praise God ! Even Steph would tell you Godâs grace was applied to her life in a hard way but it was what she needed to happen.Â
Oh Bev! What a rollercoaster ride as I read your story! How amazing is our Lord? We sang Psalm 34 yesterday. âThis poor man cried, and The Lord heard me, and saved me from My enemiesâŠâ I am encouraged with the ending of Steph’s saga. I will continue to pray. đđđ
Laura,Â
It was a bit of a roller coaster experience but what a great Psalm to be applied. I deeply appreciate prayer not only for Steph but our son Chris who still struggles to bend his knee to Jesus. Even in the face of what he has seen he struggles to give all to God. So we pray. đ đ
Oh Bev, that is SO WONDERFUL. I rejoice with you and pray God will continue to work in her life and that she may truly be victorious!!!
I am very encouraged by what I see and hear in Steph. At first I thought we have to get her into some kind of rehab but I believe she has accountability with family members and the Word of God is powerful in her life right now. She came back to Jesus and she is clinging to Him but I know she feels He is holding on to her.Â
Wow Bev! This stopped me in my tracks. What a story and what a testimony of God’s passionate pursuit, and His power to rescue and redeem!Â
Rebecca, It has been a wonderful thing to see as you said Godâs passionate pursuit and his power to rescue and redeem.Â
What a beautiful story of redemption for Steph! Thank you for sharing and giving us hope for our prodigal loved ones as well!
Bing, Â Yes this is huge reminder to me personally of the power of prayer and the wonderful hope we have in God that he is still much at work in lives around us.Â
OH, Bev. I have not been to the blog this week, but I am reading this just now. Oh, What an amazing God of Miracles we serve! So many answered prayers here! God’s Grace is so Great! The power of prayer is so strong! My heart is so full, hearing your story. Praise God that Steph is healed in so many ways!Â
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you. That they put a seal on the stone, and if he were taken from the grave that “this last deception will be worse than the first”. Why would they think it would be worse than the first deception? If the first deception failed, which they thought it did because Jesus was crucified, then they would assume the second deception would fail. Maybe they knew that if it appeared he rose from the dead, then what He claimed to be true about Himself would be interpreted as true? How could that change things if it was a lie. It was clear they felt threatened by it, but I can’t figure out why if they didn’t believe it.Â
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5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53) I don’t think they expected it. The disciples didn’t understand it when Jesus told them He would rise from the dead. I’m thinking they wouldn’t have put Him to death if they expected Him to rise from the dead.
Resurrection Sunday 2024!
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1. Think of something that happened to you that was SO WONDERFUL that you could hardly wait to tell someone. What was it? – It was a year after I gave my life to Christ. It finally hit me, I got it I was so excited that it finally clicked and I knew the importance of being born again.
2. Chuck Swindoll said, âRemember when you were a new Christian? You would like on your bed and think, âWho can I tell?’â Â –Â I remember being excited that I finally felt the difference of having Christ in my life. I told my husband at the time (a non believer) and my catholic family. It was not received very well. Ended up getting divorced for infidelity and my family put my âsinsâ on the table when I messed up in some way and would say, âI thought you were a Christianâ thankfully it didnât stop me from growing deeper with Christ.
I’m glad it didn’t stop you, Julie!
Monday: The Pharisees
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way. –Â A friend I met here in Tennessee that Iâve been ministering to finally reached out that she wanted to come to church. It was a God moment to hear her excitement about the clarity she got from the message of Jesusâ death and resurrection that our Pastor dissected. At the end of service she said, âI thought I would get through the service without crying.â What a blessing to see how God used our Pastor and his words to bless her. She even said, I was meant to be here today.
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you. –Â After all Jesus went through, being beaten, hung on a cross and suffered a terrible death, the chief priests and the Pharisees were still afraid of the power that Jesus had. It seems that deep down they truly knew who Jesus was but wouldnât admit they had been wrong. Their pride got in the way of a true blessing of eternal life.
5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53) –Â I think they knew he would, but were to afraid they let their pride get in the way. They were taking extreme measures it seemed to make sure the tomb was sealed up tight. Funny I think that with all the miracles they did see that they still thought sealing up the tomb would stop him.Â
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didnât really happen because God wouldnât choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this?
I think itâs more like Tim Keller said. He thought that because they were listed as eyewitness accounts, it must be true. He says, in Mark, it is repeated 3 times that these women were there. Why 3 times? Because it is truth. When the Bible  repeats itself, we know to listen!
The only way these women would be in the writings would be if they were actually there, because they wouldnât have been in the writings otherwise. They were known to not be acceptable witnesses. So, for Mark to include them must have been what he knew and saw.
My thoughtsâŠPlus, they went and got two of the disciples (men) who came to confirm as well.Â
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/the-empty-tomb/
7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise?
The women went to the tomb where He was buried.Â
They brought spices to anoint His body.
They wondered who would roll away the stone.
For some reason, they forgot, and then remembered after the angels visited. Iâm  not sure why they wouldnât remember. đ€·đ»ââïž They surely didnât understand what He meant when He said it, because it wasnât common. However they had seen Him raise LazarusâŠ.
I suppose, if I thought He was raised, I would still go to the tomb to check. Not with burial items, but just myself. Where would I look otherwise? Where would He be raised âto?â I would think heaven, not here on Earth. So I wouldnât look anywhere other than the tomb. They believed Him when He said it, but just didnât think/understand the mechanics of how it would play out.
Monday: The Pharisees
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way.
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âBeing back at our home church after several months was a wonderful time of reconnecting with our church family. The fellowship was particularly sweet.  Because it was Easter the worship songs and the preaching seemed extra celebratory and the gospel made very clear.Â
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4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you.
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âThe fact that they called Jesus an imposter or another translation said deceiver. They accused Him of being what they themselves were. They were the liars and deceivers. Jesus had exposed them as hypocrites. They had orchestrated illegal trials and they paid off guards to lie. Jesus was very much their opposite. He had taught openly and truthfully. He was truth embodied. Their accusations were empty.Â
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5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53)
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âI think what He had said that He would rise again in 3 days was giving them pause for the reasons you list. The miracles performed by Jesus were irrefutable. They knew He was different even as they hated him.Â
Tuesday: The Women (about 6:00 A. M)
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didnât really happen because God wouldnât choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this?
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âHe makes a good point in light of the cultural setting of that time but it showed his ignorance of the way God works. Men at that time had a low view of women but Jesus was the exception to that and demonstrated it clearly throughout his ministry. Jesus exalted the place of women and this was actually another demonstration of that fact. He gave women the privilege of seeing and hearing the wonderful truth that Jesus was alive.Â
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7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise?
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âThe women came with the burial spices to care for the body fully expecting it to be there. They had seen Him bleed and die. His body horribly beaten and a sword piercing his side. Based on what they had  witnessed they just didnât expect a true physical resurrection. It may have caused them to conclude what he had spoken about rising again would not be literal.Â
I think about many things that we have been told by God in his Word yet do I really believe Him in how I live out my life.  Sadly I is am often slow to take his promises literally. This flesh is weak at best.Â
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The Pharisees
3. I experienced the presence of God yesterday at a sunrise service. The passionate message, combined with the beauty of the morning and the voices of everyone raised in song acapella (Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Allelujah!), brought me to a place of joy and wonder. It is a precious thing when believers worship together in spirit and in truth.
4. Mathew 27:62-66 The Pharisees had to have been listening closely to Jesus in order to know he said he would rise from the dead after three days. They also knew that Lazarus had been resurrected by Jesus, and the other miracles he performed. So when they requested Pilate seal the tomb, was it really the disciples they worried about stealing the body, or were they suspicious that Jesus might be the One he said he was after all?Â
5. LOL, I wrote my response to #4 before reading #5. It is interesting I was thinking about this very question as I meditated on Matthew 27. I think the Pharisees understood EXACTLY who Jesus was, but refused to accept Him and humble themselves. They KNEW He had the power to rise from the dead, that He was the Chosen One. The Pharisees had more than a working knowledge of scripture (prophecies), they were dedicated to the study of it, and they knew all the miracles Jesus had done.
From Cheryl Ann: The passionate message, combined with the beauty of the morning and the voices of everyone raised in song acapella (Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Allelujah!), brought me to a place of joy and wonder. It
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didnât really happen because God wouldnât choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this? I can see his logic, However, the fact that they weren’t credible witnesses shows it had to have happened. No one making up a story would pick an unreliable witness.Â
7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise? The women brought spices for Jesus’ body so they fully expected him to be there. I don’t think they understood what Jesus meant when He told them He would rise. I don’t see how they could unless His Spirit revealed it to them.Â
From Rebecca:Â No one making up a story would pick an unreliable witness.Â
Resurrection Sunday 2024!
Tim Keller says that when people say we shouldnât try to persuade them of our faith, they donât understand. When something so wonderful happens there is an explosion of joy, and you cannot keep the lid on it! Thatâs what turned the world upside down two thousand years ago and is still happening!
1. Think of something that happened to you that was SO WONDERFUL that you could hardly wait to tell someone. What was it?
When Richard took me out for my birthday and asked me to marry him! I couldn’t wait to show my engagement ring to the people I love the most -my parents and an older American missionary couple who loved me as a daughter. Then from them were a slew of extended family, church friends, co-workers, students etc.Â
2. Chuck Swindoll said, âRemember when you were a new Christian? You would like on your bed and think, âWho can I tell?’â Did you have feelings like that? If so, share.
I remember sharing my testimony to a gathering of my extended family during an after baptism party which happened to also be a birthday celebration of a cousin of mine. Having been raised in a Christian home and having many Christian relatives, I thought that accepting Christ and being baptized was just a normal outflow of my upbringing.. I have always been an introvert and I do not remember going to bed and thinking, “Who can I tell?” It was more, “What now?”
Monday: The Pharisees
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way.
We had our traditional Easter breakfast for our small congregation that my husband and I host. We usually have a sign-up sheet so we know how much food to prepare. LO, and behold, the number more than doubled when a few families came in for the early service! I would say that God multiplied our “loaves and fish”, indeed! I was in the kitchen flipping pancakes and was not aware of the number of people coming to eat. Not only did the Lord provide enough for the breakfast, but He also allowed me to see the joyful and deep conversations among the attendees. Seeing several people who have not been to church for a while or not attending church elsewhere gave joy to my heart. And we had a few leftovers! Well, not the bacon, though. LOL
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you.
The enemy will use every ploy to hinder the fulfillment of Scripture. I thought it was a futile attempt on the part of the religious leaders to secure Jesus’ tomb with a stone and a guard. All man’s maneuverings are no contest to the power and fulfillment of God’s plan and purposes.
5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53)
I think their pride kept them from acknowledging the veracity of what they were seeing. from Mark 4:12 “so that, ‘Seeing, they might see and not perceive; and hearing, they might hear and not understand; lest ever they should turn, and they should be forgiven.’
I thought of the parable of Lazarus the beggar and the rich person. When they both died, Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom while the rich person was in torment. When he asked Abraham to send somebody from the dead to warn his brothers, Abraham said, they have Moses and the prophets. “âIf they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.ââ
Tuesday The Women
6. I think Less Strobel’s response is a typical male attitude and certainly widely accepted by the culture in Jesus’ time on earth. Although Jesus treated women with greater kindness and respect, it it did not change the attitude of others. Even the disciples discounted the women’s testimony.
7. Luke 24:1-8 I think the women were filled with great sorrow and found comfort in tradition. The Sabbath was barely over, and I’m sure they had been focused on anointing Jesus’ body with spices (who would bring what, what time would they meet and go, what about the stone/seal, etc). His death was so fresh in their minds, they were not thinking about anything he had said or done. The women were perplexed that the tomb was open and empty. The angels had to remind them of what Jesus had told them.
Tuesday: The Women (about 6:00 A. M)
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didnât really happen because God wouldnât choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this? –Â The Jewish leaders did not respect women, but I believe God did. They were part of his followers and they showed their love toward him during his ministry. My note in the ESV Bible for Mark 16.7 says that the women stayed and witnessed his crucifixion, burial and the empty tomb. I also saw that the disciples did not stay except for John and also Peter from a distance. They were all afraid of the Jewish leaders. If the disciples were the first to the empty tomb, the Jewish leaders were definitely think they stole Jesusâ body.
7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise? –Â The women went to the tomb with spices to use on Jesusâ body; they were wondering why their was no body; it doesnât seem to phase them that the stone was rolled away; they had forgotten that Jesus told them he would be raised and only remembered when the two men mentioned it. I think all along in his ministry they were confused at some of the things Jesus was teaching them. This was one of those times that they just didnât understand the magnitude of his words.
Wednesday: The Apostles
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think?
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âIn verse 11 it says the words or story the women were telling them seemed like an idle tale or  another translation says nonsense. So they didnât believe them. I donât think they were dismissing these women as foolish or not credible. This wasnât a cultural thing of seeing them as having no value or place. They loved these women who were a mother to some of them and probably sisters and friends. I think they just simply couldnât believe it. As we say they couldnât wrap their brains around it. I am encountering that a little bit as I tell the miracle of what God has done in my daughter-in-lawâs life. I sense a bit of skepticism that she could be truly set free from her alcoholism and I get it. I was a little slow to grasp it myself. As I look at verse 12 and consider Peterâs response I feel more like him. It says he looked for himself and went home marveling at what had happened. The sense that something bigger happened here. Something that defies logic. I think sadly at times logic contributes to unbelief.Â
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9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect?
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âContinuing my thought that a group of men would respond logically to a group of excited and Iâm sure animated women under the extreme circumstances they had all experienced that was probably how they sounded to the men.Â
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10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see?Â
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âThe linen cloths for burial were there and we donât know what that would have looked like but many commentators feel the linens were like a cocoon because Jesus in being resurrected would have moved up and through them. Â But even if the body had been taken away as Mary Magdalene first thought it would not have made any sense to unwrap it and leave the grave cloths there. And in the gospel of John it says the face cloth was folded and lying separate from the linens that had wrapped the body of Jesus.Â
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What do you think Peter was thinking?
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âWell his mind was obviously full of questions because this was all so unusual. Peter had been with Jesus long enough in their 3 years of ministry together to know much of what happened regarding Jesus was not normal and he was regularly being taken by surprise. This all had him as the scripture says wondering.Â
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11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first.
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âIâve been trying to clarify the sequence of Mary Magdalene coming and going to the tomb. The accounts from the different Gospels are somewhat confusing because each author relates it a bit differently. I donât think they are contradictory but just recorded from different points if view of others or from personal experience like John. I think we lose some clarity in the details because of different writers making different points.Â
Looking at what John wrote it appears when Mary Magdalene got to the tomb still in the dark and seeing the stone had been rolled away she immediately assumed the body had been taken away and she specifically ran and found Peter and John (the writer if this account) to tell them. It would seem from this account she had followed Peter and John back to the tomb and was weeping there. After they left she remained and in her deep grief thinking the body had been taken didnât see clearly for one thing because of many tears. Also a commentator I read earlier this week said in her thinking Jesus was a gardener because of cultural propriety she would not have looked directly at an unknown man. And she was not expecting him to be alive here. Anyway at this point she then had a definite personal encounter with the risen Christ.Â
But Dee I am anxious to see your theory on this.   đ
I think she returned to the tomb after she told the men he had risen because she thought it was a spiritual resurrection, so still expected to find the body. But I could be wrong.
That would make sense. I can see that as a real possibility.Â
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think? When the women went to tell them, they thought it was nonsense.
9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect? Maybe he thought the women were in such deep grief, they temporarily lost their minds.Â
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking? They saw Jesus’ linen but didn’t see Him. John believed, but Peter was wondering what happened. Yet they both still didn’t understand from scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.Â
11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first. I think she knew he’d risen bodily because she was looking for his body (alive via thinking he is the gardener? ). I don’t think the disciples or Mary, or any of them understood why he had to rise from the dead.Â
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12. Have you ever failed to recognize someone you knew well because you didnât expect them where you saw them? If so, share. Yes. Sometimes my son Isaac who’s 23 years old will go with me to Costco. I’m helping him become more independent so whenever we go to Costco, we split up. He shops for his food and I shop for ours. On more than one occasion when we’ve crossed paths at first I don’t realize it’s him. I’ll say, excuse me and then “oh, it’s you Isaac!” So it’s more of a double take. This might just be my age, because I know he’s in the store. lol!
13. Read Luke 24:13-25 and find all the evidence that they were truly not expecting to see the risen Lord. (There is so much!)
Here are a few:Â
– They were walking along together talking about the crucifixion and the women telling them what they saw on the third day. Yet they weren’t filled with Joy. They were downcast.Â
– When Jesus came alongside to walk with them on the third day, they weren’t thinking it was him because they were kept from noticing him. They weren’t expecting Him.Â
– They thought Jesus was there to redeem Israel, and that he was a great prophet. They still didn’t understand why Jesus came and the resurrection.Â
SO…now I’m ruminating on my answer to #11.. I’m not sure now!! I’m starting to rethink my answer. Hmmmm.. though they heard from the women who heard from the angels that Jesus was alive, they still aren’t expecting to see him because no one could find him near or in the tomb standing upright and alive? Am I getting warm? đ I REALLY want to know the answer, so I look forward to reading everyone’s answers and hearing Dee’s theory!
Tuesday: The Women (about 6:00 A. M)
6. Lee Strobel, before he came to Christ, thought that the fact that the Bible said women were the first at the empty tomb showed that it didnât happen because God wouldnât choose those who were not considered credible witnesses. What are your thoughts on this?
Women were included because this MUST have happened or else why would they include it since they think women are not credible witnesses? I think sometime before, somebody here on the blog, somebody said this was another way of God elevating women as part of His kingdom. âIn Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek,âŠneither male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus⊠Galatians 3:28
7. Read, prayerfully, Luke 24:1-8. What evidence do you find of no expectations of the risen Lord? Why not, do you think, since He had told them He would rise?
They took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They were expecting a dead Jesus. They wondered when they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
They must have been overcome with grief. They were expecting death as a natural consequence of crucifixion. Did they need to see to believe?
But THEN, they remembered His words. How often do we need to be reminded of His Word? I see the importance of reading and memorizing Godâs Word.
Wednesday: The Apostles
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think?
They would not believe what the women told them in spite of the fact that there were several women and not only one. Because they were talking nonsense (to the apostles)
9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect?
I have taken care of a few very ill patients, and they do talk ânonsenseâ. They sounded like they were in a different world. Luke as a doctor would have been privy to taking care of the very ill and they must not have been like nonsense to him.
I have found out, though, that the ânonsenseâ talks of the very delirious can be their âtruthsâ. Like calling out to a deceased loved one or dealing with some long-forgotten grievance. Or even expressing their deepest heartâs desires.
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking?
Strips of linen lying by themselves. Peter may be thinking, âWhat did Jesus say to us???â
âHow could this be? â Maybe even thoughts of Lazarus being raised from the dead?
11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first.
Grief can mess up with our thoughts. Maybe Mary Magdalene was looking for the risen Christ in bodily form just like Lazarus living again after he was raised by Jesus. She wanted to see Jesus in the flesh. Yes, He has risen! But where is He? I need to see Him and that He is okay. She wanted to care for Him just as He had taken care of her.
Wednesday: The Apostles
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think? –Â when the women returned from the tomb and told the 11 disciples, they didnât believe them. In the ESV verse 11 says they thought it was an idle tale. In the NIV it says the word seemed like nonsense. It seems that they again couldnât comprehend just how much power and authority Jesus held. With all the miracles Jesus performed, it almost seems that they were not paying attention to anything he did. To be surprised at his resurrection is pointing to unbelief.
9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect? –Â I would think a resurrection after the beating they saw Jesus go through would seem impossible. So anyone that would come and tell them he is gone, would seem a little out there and sound crazy.
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking? –Â They saw an empty tomb and the linen clothes laying by themselves. I think he may have been a bit confused, ashamed for denying Jesus and happy that Jesus was not dead.Â
11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first. –Â I wonder if she knew, and loved him so much she still wanted to be around him again. My ESV says that it may still have been a little dark still and she may have turned quickly and turned back without really getting a good glimpse of him. It also says he may have a looked different and have his original youthful appearance of perfect health. But knowing how much Mary loved him, she probably didnât want to be away from him. She needed His love, grace and mercy.
Wednesday The Apostles
8. Luke 24:9-12 -they did not believe the women’s account of what they had seen and heard -Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself. – After seeing the empty tomb and linen cloths, he went back wondering what this meant In John 20 John also went with Peter to see for himself.
9. Idle tales, nonsense The women’s account sounded like the ramblings of someone that made no sense to the apostles, because they were not expecting this miracle. I am reminded of Zachariah who saw and heard the angel Gabriel, and even with that he doubted. The apostles reaction is not that different, because they were hearing it second hand from women.
10. Peter and John saw an empty tomb, grave cloths, and neatly folded cloth that was around Jesus’ head lying separate.
Peter went away wondering about what he had seen. Could it be true? What other explanation could there be? What is going to happen now?
11. I think Mary wanted to see Jesus, and that she might not have been sure of what she’d seen and heard earlier. After all, the apostles hadn’t taken her seriously, maybe she’d misunderstood after all. She wanted to see Jesus! She had to know! I don’t think it’s surprising that she thought Jesus was the gardener. Remember the last time she’d seen Jesus, he was naked, bloody and disfigured on the cross then wrapped in graveclothes head to toe. I’d always imagined Jesus looked exactly the same as he always did, BEFORE the cross and AFTER his resurrection. There is nothing in scripture that points to this. It’s only now that I’m rethinking my assumptions. No matter what His appearance, she recognized His VOICE. She responds to a question with sorrow, but then He says her NAME.
“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep HEAR his VOICE: and he CALLETH his own sheep BY NAME, and leadeth them out.”
“Jesus saith unto her, MARY. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Thursday: Cleopas and the Other Disciple
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12. Have you ever failed to recognize someone you knew well because you didnât expect them where you saw them? If so, share.
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âA few years ago I was having a garage sale when a couple parked their car on the street and came walking up to the garage. Initially I did not recognize them. But I noticed they were smiling and as they came closer I suddenly realized they were old friends from our teen years and college days who lived several states away. He had been in our wedding. We had not seen each other for at least 5+ years. They no longer had family in the area and had not been to our home town since his parents death. But it was a great surprise and joy to have them show up unexpectedly.Â
13. Read Luke 24:13-25 and find all the evidence that they were truly not expecting to see the risen Lord. (There is so much!)
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âThey were going home even though they had heard the report from the women who had gone to the tomb and that angels had told them Jesus was alive.Â
âThey were very sad and discouraged about what had taken place leading up to the crucifixion. I sense they were in a state of mind that they just couldnât believe what had just taken place after all the amazing works He had performed.Â
âThey considered Him to be a mighty prophet and said they had hoped Jesus was the Messiah but it had all ended in deep disappointment for them.Â
âThey understood that the tomb was empty and the body of Jesus was not there by the witness the women and Peter and John. They seemed bewildered that the body was gone. And presumably thought they would never see Jesus again or know what happened to his body.Â
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think?
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They donât believe the women. Peter has to go to check on the tomb and walks away confused.
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Women werenât considered legitiment sources of information in those days. Not sure about Peter? He seems to be pondering the events in his head as he walks away.
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9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect?
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Iâm not sure. Maybe since they had been mourning for 3 days they were in a state of disarray?Â
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking?
Peter saw the wrappings. It doesnât reference John in this scripture (Luke), only Peter. John is mentioned in the Gospel of John.Â
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I think Peter must have been rewinding them events in his head, trying to make sense of his situation at the moment; putting 2 and 2 together. Maybe he was remembering the death and resurrection of Lazarus?
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In John 20, the Amplified Bible gives an explanation that no one would remove the wrappings if stealing a dead body, because it would be way too difficult and nauseating. It doesnât make sense.
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11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first.
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Again, not sure đ€·đ»ââïž. Was she crying so much her eyes were nearly swollen shut? Allergies? Was it really spring with flowers? Was she not really looking at Him, rather looking at the ground and assuming it was Him? Or, was He more ghost like and didnât look like Himself? Was He far away from her? I think Tim Keller did a sermon on this once and explained convincingly. Or, maybe she did know that He had risen and was sad that she would not see Him again? It surprised her when âthe manâ spoke to her and thatâs why she thought He was the gardener.
Allergies?
It was just a thought đ€·đ»ââïž!
Thursday
12. I don’t recall an instance where I failed to recognize someone that I knew well.
13. Evidence that they truly were not expecting to see the risen Lord.
– They left Jerusalem. – They were deep in conversation when Jesus joined them, and they ignored him. – Jesus joins the conversation, and they reply to his question, asking if Jesus was a stranger to Jerusalem. – Jesus asks for further information, and Cleopas then begins to describe Jesus…to Jesus! Prophet, mighty in deeds and words before God and to all people. He then describes the way the priests and rulers had delivered Jesus to be crucified (interesting that the Romans are not mentioned). – They state ” But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel21″
HAD BEEN, they thought they were mistaken. – THEN it’s mentioned that it is the THIRD DAY since this took place (still don’t understand who they are talking to). Â
– goes on to recount the women’s testimony of empty tomb and angels, and how Peter and John verified the empty tomb. Peter and John could not verify the resurrected Lord, because they didn’t see him. – So Cleopas and the other disciple left Jerusalem, why stay?
I’m sorry I’ve been MIA — first I was in prison with no internet and then flew home to no internet and no power due to a blizzard for two days. But I enjoyed reading all your comments and theories. I think all these factors may have played a part:
“They didn’t believe for joy and amazement” — I’ve interpreted that to mean they were afraid to believe it was really true and then be let down
Mary Magdalene might have thought it was a spiritual resurrection not physical — so still was looking for the body.
Or it simply took time for the penny to drop!
My time in Texas was great. The women are amazing. In one prison many knew the verses, even from Isaiah, and were saying them with me. They have such joy. They had a skit for me of all the events of Sunday morning.
I was also at Protective Custody where the women are finally being allowed to be together instead of in isolation because of their growth in Christ.
Please pray for Discipleship Unlimited — plans for going forward once Linda is gone. We thought we had some, but uncertain due to some new things. Linda knows God has this, but we’d love to know too.
Prayers for the right person with leadership and vision to step into the position.Â
I will pray for Discipleship Unlimited. May God prompt open hearts for serving and may God make clear His plans and give direction to those involved. .
Prayers for everything and everyone to line up all in Godâs timing so His work can continue on.
So glad you had a wonderful trip but sorry you came home to a blizzard Dee.Â
Wednesday: The Apostles
8. Prayerfully read Luke 24:9-12. What evidence of unbelief do you find with the apostles? Why, do you think?
They would not believe what the women told them although there were several women and not only one. Because they were talking nonsense (to the apostles)
9. Luke, the physician gives us one clue â for the word for nonsense is a medical term meaning âthe delirious talk of the very ill.â Why do you think he used that term, in retrospect?
I have taken care of a few very ill patients, and they do talk ânonsenseâ. They sounded like they were in a different world. Luke as a doctor would have been privy to taking care of the very ill and they must not have been like nonsense to him.
I have found out, though, that the ânonsenseâ talks of the very delirious can be their âtruthsâ. Like calling out to a deceased loved one or dealing with some long-forgotten grievance. Or even expressing their deepest heartâs desires.
10. Obviously, Peter and John had some curiosity aroused. What did they see? What do you think Peter was thinking?
Strips of linen lying by themselves. Peter may be thinking, âWhat did Jesus say to us???â
âHow could this be? â Maybe even thoughts of Lazarus being raised from the dead? I listened to Tim Keller’s message on Easter and he said the Hebrew word for “see” means a rational thought. He was putting two and two together as pieces of evidence.
11. I need your help with one. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, after telling the apostles Jesus has risen from the dead. But now she is searching for his body and thinks Jesus is the gardener. (John 20:10-18) I thought she knew He had risen? So whatâs going on? I have a theory, but I want to hear from you first.
Grief can mess up with our thoughts. Maybe Mary Magdalene was looking for the risen Christ in bodily form. Just like Lazarus living again after he was raised by Jesus. She wanted to see Jesus in the flesh. Yes, He has risen! But where is He? I need to see Him and that He is okay.
That makes sense too, Bing. Though she was looking for his body — which makes me wonder if she thought it was just a spiritual resurrection.
12. Have you ever failed to recognize someone you knew well because you didnât expect them where you saw them? If so, share.
I canât think of a time off the top of my head, but I can see and understand how it might happen. I get that feeling when I see someone who is not âin place.â Like, I always see this person at church, but then encounter them at my school. It throws me off.
13. Read Luke 24:13-25 and find all the evidence that they were truly not expecting to see the risen Lord. (There is so much!)
There was a man (Jesus) who joined them on their walk. They did not recognize Him.
He speaks to them and they still do not recognize Him.
They speak to Him explaining what happened to Jesus, and they still do not recognize Him!
He calls them foolish (?!) and references the prophesies. They are still blind to Him.
Friday: The Disciples
14. Read Luke 24:33-45
A. Find all the evidence of confusion and astonishment.
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âThis was happening fast and in a matter of a few hours they are dealing with reports of Jesusâs body missing from the tomb and then him appearing to Mary and Peter and Cleopas and his companion all in different places. And finally He is there among them and they think it is his ghost or spirit not really his human body that has been resurrected. Then he eats something and begins opening up their eyes by teaching them and reminding them what the scriptures had said all along about the Him as the Messiah.Â
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B. What do you think it means when it says they still did not believe because of âjoy and amazement?â
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I agree with Dee in that I think they felt like it was just to good to be true. They had witnessed Jesusâs death and the extreme cruelty of it but now here He was appearing to them and talking with them in person and it was wonderful and unbelievable at the same time.Â
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Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
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After having just recently experiencing the miracle of my daughter in-lawâs healing I understand the reactions of the disciples and Christâs followers.  I identify in a new way. I was slow to grasp what God has really done in her life and the miracle of physical healing. After the trauma of her accident it is amazing and hard to believe at the same time. But there is great joy in our hearts for what God has done. Because of all this God is being magnified in my own heart and life to continue in praise and continue in prayer.Â
You do have first hand understanding!
3. Share how you experienced the presence of God yesterday through your service or in another way.
Resurrection Sunday was special this year because my granddaughter, Hannah and her husband to be, Tony, were with me. They are both Christians and we all were very emotional during our church service. Our pastor told the story of the Risen Christ, acting it out as John. Pastor Keith always designs the Easter service to make it very clear to unbelievers, who may be coming to church just once or twice a year. We were all in joyous tears. It touched my soul that Tony is such a man of God, and truly wants to be a godly husband to Hannah.
4. Read Matthew 27:62-66. Meditate and share anything fresh God gives you.
The importance of the seal. I read this about the seal and it gave new meaning to me.  The seal, whether it was a Roman seal or the High Priestâs seal, represented a fixed closure that no one was allowed to breach. When it was set upon the tomb, there was a finality, a stamp of ultimate authority, that said, âthis tomb is closedâ.
And this:
In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13
5. Do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to rise from the dead? Why or why not? If not, why, since they had seen so many miracles, including the raising of Lazarus? (See John 11;53)
I think the some of the Pharisees may have believed in Jesus, but were afraid to admit it, because of their position. They seemed to fear someone stealing His body to make it appear that He had risen. Most of them were threatened by Jesus’s power and feared His popularity was rising. There was so much fear, even among the disciples, because things did not happen the way that they expected.Â
Oh I love hearing about Hannah and Tony — and that they were with you on the highest holy day.
14. Read Luke 24:33-45
A. Find all the evidence of confusion and astonishment.
The group was startled and frightened. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
Even though He showed them His hands and feet they stood in disbelief.
They watched Him eat the fish!
B. What do you think it means when it says they still did not believe because of âjoy and amazement?â
I suppose they were so startled to see Him, they were joyful because He was back! They were also amazed because they saw Him beaten, tortured, and hung on a cross. How could He be standing in front of them??
Thursday: Cleopas and the Other Disciple
12. Have you ever failed to recognize someone you knew well because you didnât expect them where you saw them? If so, share. –Â I canât remember if that ever happened to me or not. I recently turned the tables and surprised my mom and sister. I went to Florida with my son and his family when they went to see my mom and sister and we didnât tell them I was coming. They all went in first and then he came back out to the van and got me. They were all standing around and I walked up and stood next to my sister and didnât say anything. She finally realized I was there and her and my mom were shocked. The look on their faces was priceless.
13. Read Luke 24:13-25 and find all the evidence that they were truly not expecting to see the risen Lord. (There is so much!) –Â vs 14 they were talking about things that HAD HAPPENED; vs 16 they were kept from recognizing Jesus; 17 they were sad; vs 19 they recognized him as a prophet still; vs 21 they hoped he was the Messiah but didnât believe he was and it was the third day already; vs 22 they were amazed at what the women found at the tomb; vs 25 Jesus called them foolish and slow of heart
Friday: The Disciples
14. Read Luke 24:33-45
A. Find all the evidence of confusion and astonishment. Vs 34 they exclaimed that Jesus had risen indeed; vs 35 they told them what had happened and that they recognized Jesus when he broke bread with them; Vs 36 Jesus stood among them again; vs 37 they were startled and afraid; vs 38 Jesus asks them why they are troubled and doubting; vs 39 he showed them his hands and feet so they can see the holes where he was pierced; vs 41 they were still in disbelief but with joy and were marveling; vs 42 and 43 he got something to eat and ate before them; vs 44 and 45 he reminded them again of what he had told them in the past and he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.Â
B. What do you think it means when it says they still did not believe because of âjoy and amazement?â –Â it seems to me that they were in shock of all that had happened and with having Jesus among them again that they still werenât understanding what it all meant.Â
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why? –Â What Iâm seeing this week is that I need to take everything in the Bible as one big story. If I take it in bits and pieces I will miss the true meaning of Godâs Word. Itâs all inspired by God and I need to be looking deeper to find Him in all of it. It all has meaning and a purpose.
The same goes for me, Julie, “one big story.”
Julie and Cheryl – -certainly an evidence that God is the author!
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
The last verse of Luke 24:45:
Then He opened their minds so they could understand Scripture.
Everything is by grace alone. What God has revealed and will reveal is a gift.
I need to read the Word and ask God to help me understand Scripture.