This is not just my favorite Easter song, it’s my favorite song. the one I’m requesting at my funeral. I love to sing it in church and watch Ron Harmer, the man who shouted at me: “WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TEACHING MY WIFE ISN’T WHAT I’VE HEARD IN CHURCH ALL MY LIFE!”
But now that Ron grasps the gospel, he weeps through this song, for the gospel changed that grizzly bear into a teddy bear.
We are going to continue our hermeneutics this Resurrection week with one section that is so familiar, but my challenge is to see more, to learn more about our God by slowing down and with another short podcast from Tara-Leigh-Coppell.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the presence of God this Holy Week or this Resurrection Sunday?
Monday: Matthew’s Account of The Women Walk, Don’t Run
- Context: Read Matthew 27:62-66. Albert Mohler says there is great irony in verses 63-64. Do you see it?
One way to see more in a narrative is to ask the journalism questions of who, what, where, why, and how.
2. Read Matthew 28:1-10
A. When is this happening?
B. Who is going to the tomb? (Tara-Leigh calls the unnamed Mary the “bonus Mary.”)
C. What supernatural events happen when they arrive? (verses 2-4)
D. What does the angel look like? Remind you of anything?
E. Find at least six things the angel tells the women.(5-7)
E. How did they feel? (v. 8) Have you ever felt fear and joy simultaneously? Why would they have?
F. What did they do when Jesus met them? Does this remind you of another incident with another Mary?
F. What did Jesus tell them and how did they respond?
G. What were they to tell the men?
H. Did this help you see more? What stood out to you?
Tuesday: Different Details from Mark & John
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different?
3. Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.)
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen?
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
Wednesday-Thursday
If it does crazy when I post it, go to you-tube and type in
Bible Recap Tara-Leigh Cobble Matthew 28
6. What stood out to you and why?
Friday: Questions on Tara’s Talk
7. Did you know that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 only 30 years after the fact? Significance?
8. What thoughts did you have on the Bible referring to angels as human males?
9. What reason did Tara give for the apparent contradictions from the gospel writers?
10. Why did she say it was “such a Jesus move” to appear first to Mary Magdalene?
Saturday: What’s Your God Shot?
I’m going to steal this closing from Tara much more often — it’s so much better than what is your take-a-way because we become like Him by beholding Him.
11. What’s your God shot?
54 comments
Happy Easter!
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this Holy Week or this Resurrection Sunday?
That version of âIs He Worthyâ makes me cry. Thank you Dee, for posting it.
We had a joyous celebration at church this morning! Our pastor does such a nice job with telling stories using sand art. Today it was the Parable of the Sower. If you are interested, here is the link. The kids sang (Cooper and Grace are in this), our choir sang, and the whole place was wonderfully sweet! I loved it. The sermon is at 40 min or so.
https://www.youtube.com/live/EiS_SYBqnhs?si=eME4ncYr4UaXzRcl
I love this song as well.
I watched the kids sing-so lovely. And the sand art, I love that. So glad you could have a sweet time at church.
Laura, What a blessing! So nice to see Cooper and Grace in the choir. I love this! Thank you for sharing.
How blessed you are to see your grandkids singing in your church!
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence of God this Holy Week or this Resurrection Sunday?  The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. He is working in my heart regarding matters that are too difficult to handle in this world. Grief, pain, loss, sickness, cruelty, despairâŠthe many trials we face in this challenging world with sin. We were challenged at our Good Friday service to nail our sins to the cross. We were given a paper and pen to write down 3 things. Our sin we struggle with, our shame, and the weight that is crushing us. We were given actual nails and put our papers on a literal wooden cross. We had a time of reflection & communion afterwards and left the sanctuary in silence, encouraged to leave our sin, shame and crushing weights behind us. On Easter Sunday, the Pastor read some of the sins that were listed. He reminded us that this moment was not forgiving us, but that we were forgiven in Christâs death, 2,000 years ago. We can know this story and not get the point. The disciples didnât get it either. We celebrate the empty tomb. We know it happened-do we trust what Jesus did for us? Not do we know the story BUT Do we believe it? Is it transforming our lives? I have heard myself over and over saying THIS is too much, Lord. Itâs too hard. When Corrie faced the horrors in the concentration camps, she recognized that this was her fatherâs train case lesson all over again. The case that was too heavy for her to carry, was what her earthly father carried for her. And so Corrie prayed in the camps, âHeavenly, Father, carry it for me!â I believe this is what the Lord is teaching me this week. I need to name those things that are too heavy for me to carry, and ask the Lord to carry them for me. I havenât asked Him for this. Iâve only been allowing these things to crush me. So today, I am going to believe the Lord is good. He is my strong tower and He cares for me. Lord, please carry the weight that has been crushing me. Forgive me for not seeing that You are there to take it from me. Give me your strength to go on and walk into tomorrowâs heavy weight. Let me hold onto You and not walk alone, but trust Your strong arm to carry me when I am too weak to walk. Amen.
What a powerful lesson for Good Friday, and a powerful sermon on Easter, Chris. Â It is so true that we can know the story and not get the point. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Chir, I ,too, tend to carry heavy weights, and your post held great comfor and meaning for me. Thank you.
Oh Cheryl, how true for you. How good to see you back. May the Lord surround you and yours with His comfort.
Cheryl, glad you are back. Whenever, I have a question that Iâm not sure of the answer, I can always count on you ;). Continuing to pray for your family.
Good post Chris! I love what Corrie said, âHeavenly, Father, carry it for me!â Yes Lord please carry it for me.
Monday: Matthewâs Account of The Women Walk, Donât Run
Context: Read Matthew 27:62-66. Albert Mohler says there is great irony in verses 63-64. Do you see it? The chief priests and Pharisees remember Jesus’ claim that He would rise again after three days, but they did not believe it would happen. BUT, just in case, let’s put a seal and guard on the tomb to prevent any disturbance of the body. The irony I see is that by doing this, they only helped prove that the resurecction DID happen, because no human could get past their preparations of seal and guard.
One way to see more in a narrative is to ask the journalism questions of who, what, where, why, and how.
2. Read Matthew 28:1-10
A. When is this happening?After the end of the sabbath, before the dawn of the first day of the week.
B. Who is going to the tomb? (Tara-Leigh calls the unnamed Mary the âbonus Mary.â) Mary Magdalene and another Mary.
C. What supernatural events happen when they arrive? (verses 2-4)Â An earthquake, an angel descends, rolls the stone away and sits on it
D. What does the angel look like? Remind you of anything? The angel was shining brightly (glare of light) and clothing was a pure white (like snow)Â Â This reminds me of Jesus when He was tranfigured (Matt. 17:2).
E. Find at least six things the angel tells the women.(5-7) 1. Don’t be afraid  2. I know you are looking for Jesus 3. He was crucified 4. He is not here 5. He is risen as He said 6. Come see where His body was laid
E. How did they feel? (v. 8) Have you ever felt fear and joy simultaneously? Why would they have? They left the tomb with fear and great joy. I think the Marys had fear because they had been in the presence of an angel, a heavenly being, which could have been terrifying and the earthquake. The great joy was that Jesus was not dead in the tomb, but risen and alive!
F. What did they do when Jesus met them? Does this remind you of another incident with another Mary? They knelt and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. It reminds me of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus and wiping His feet with her hair.
F. What did Jesus tell them and how did they respond? Don’t be afraid, go and tell… They responded by continuing on their way to tell the disciples what had happened.
G. What were they to tell the men? Go to Galilee, and Jesus would meet them there.
H. Did this help you see more? What stood out to you? In searching for the irony (which I had not really considered before) it struck me that the priests and Pharisees remembered that Jesus had said He would rise in three days. They were anticipating somehing might happen. The disciples on the other hand did not remember and were suprised by the resurrection.
2. Context: Read Matthew 27:62-66. Albert Mohler says there is great irony in verses 63-64. Do you see it?
It didnât matter how tightly the tomb was sealed!
2. Read Matthew 28:1-10
A. When is this happening?
Early on Sunday morning.
B. Who is going to the tomb?
(Tara-Leigh calls the unnamed Mary the âbonus Mary.â)
Mary Magdalene and the âotherâ Mary.
C. What supernatural events happen when they arrive? (verses 2-4)
The earth quakes as an Angel comes down from heaven, rolls away the stone and sits on it. He is radiant, white, and had white clothing.
D. What does the angel look like? Remind you of anything?
See above đ. Jesus?
E. Find at least six things the angel tells the women.(5-7)
Donât be afraid.
I know you are looking for Jesus. He is not here.
He has risen from the dead, like He said He would.
Come see where He was lying.
Go tell the disciples.
He is going ahead of you to Galilee.
E. How did they feel? (v. 8)
They were frightened but joyful too.
Have you ever felt fear and joy simultaneously?
Having babies.
Why would they have?
They just spoke to an angel! That would be scary. They were joyful because Jesus was actually alive!
F. What did they do when Jesus met them?
They grasped His feet and worshipped Him.
Does this remind you of another incident with another Mary?
When Mary of Bethany anointed His feet with her hair.
Â
Oh, good one-having babies! Haha. I think though, it was fear and joy after-lol, but maybe both at once in the excitement.
Just like our Laura — that is true!
Monday: Matthewâs Account of The Women Walk, Donât Run
Context: Read Matthew 27:62-66. Albert Mohler says there is great irony in verses 63-64. Do you see it? I did feel it was ironic that the chief priests who should have believed Jesus and been joyful that the was alive, are the ones covering up is resurrection. They have the scriptures and are experts, but did not see the fulfillment of the prophecy. The disciples had just been told days before and yet were surprised. They did not understand. Some still doubt after seeing His resurrected body. I admit I had not thought about this, too much, but appreciate it now.
One way to see more in a narrative is to ask the journalism questions of who, what, where, why, and how.
2. Read Matthew 28:1-10
A. When is this happening? After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week.
B. Who is going to the tomb? (Tara-Leigh calls the unnamed Mary the âbonus Mary.â) Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
C. What supernatural events happen when they arrive? (verses 2-4) A violent earthquake, an angel appearing, the stone rolled back, the guards reaction to the angel appearing
D. What does the angel look like? His appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. Â Remind you of anything? There is a vision in Daniel 10:6 and the transfiguration.
E. Find at least six things the angel tells the women.(5-7) 1. Do not be afraid. 2. They know she is looking for Jesus 3. They know He was crucified. 4. He is not here. 5. He is risen. 6. Just as He said.
E. How did they feel? Â (v. 8) Afraid but filled with joy.
Have you ever felt fear and joy simultaneously? Iâm not sure. Why would they have? They were filled with joy that Jesus was alive, but filled with fear at the sight of the angel.
F. What did they do when Jesus met them? They clasped his feet and worshipped Him.
Does this remind you of another incident with another Mary? To be honest, I have not tried to keep all the Maryâs straight. I should. Iâm sure it matters or they would not be distinguished as in the âother Maryâ. I cheated and looked ahead to Cherylâs answer-Mary of Bethany who anointed Jesus feet.
F. What did Jesus tell them and how did they respond? He said to not be afraid and go tell the others He would meet them in Galilee.
G. What were they to tell the men? They had seen Jesus and He would meet them in Galilee.
H. Did this help you see more? What stood out to you? I think the irony of the actions of the disciples, the women, the chief priests, and the soldiers helps me see that we who are privileged with much truth in the scriptures need to be on guard for what we might not understand. We should clearly look for the Lord to surprise us. As Corrie noticed in her reading of a full gospel at once, the Lord has a pattern of activity. After what looks like defeat, there is victory!
Such a good reminder from Corrie and Chris:Â Â As Corrie noticed in her reading of a full gospel at once, the Lord has a pattern of activity. After what looks like defeat, there is victory!
Tuesday: Different Details from Mark & John
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different? Similar: Dawning of the first day, Mary Magdalene, two Marys, women were afraid, angel’s words to them (don’t be afraid, looking for Jesus, crucified, risen, not here, come see where He lay, go tell…)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Different: other Mary/Mary the mother of James and Salome, who will roll the stone/angel descending, open tomb when they arrive/see angel move the stone, earthquake/no earthquake, guards/no mention of guards, women standing outside tomb/enter tomb, angel outside sitting on rock/angel sitting inside
3. Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.)Â I haven’t really heard any explanations other than eye witnesses remember different details of an incident, and it’s always best to hear/read all accounts to get a complete picture.
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen? The linen cloths that had be around Jesus’ head, at the burial, were lying folded in a separate place than the rest of the burial cloths. Anyone stealing the body would not have unwound it first (moving a dead body is easier when wrapped), and certainly would not take the time to neatly fold any of the wrapping.
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22 Very interesting! So much symbolism in the ark and the tabernacle foreshadowing future events. This is new for me, too The angels at either end of the mercy seat and the angels at each end of where the body lay in the tomb. God said He would meet them above the mercy seat (2 angels there), God meets us thru Jesus death/burial/resurrection (2 angels there). Mercy seat=Jesus, He is the ultimate example of mercy!
That is basically the explanation Tara gives.
So I’ve been hearing, BUT I still gleaned some new points as recorded in my Wednesday post. AND I never would have even thought of Exodus if you had not mentioned it, Dee, in the study questions. You are such a good teacher, leading us into some prior background BEFORE we hear a speaker. It makes everything that much richer. Thank you.
Thank you, Cheryl. I learned it from Tara-Leigh Cobble! And she probably learned it from someone else. đ
Wednesday
The first thing that stood out to me was that the angel did NOT tell the guards, Fear not. It’s fine for God’s enemies to be afraid! I had never thought about this before. If the guards were temple guards, and they witnessed these events, how could they NOT believe the truth? SMH Instead we know that they became part of the plot to cover up the truth later.
I like how Tara puts the recorded events together in a timeline. I learned something new when she talked about the tunic men wore. The tunic Jesus had worn was gone, taken at the crucifixion. What he was clothed in after the resurrection, we don’t know, and this would have contributed to Mary’s confusion about Him being the gardener.
**Side note: In John’s gospel it’s recorded the tomb is located in a garden. Listening to Alistair Begg Sunday, he pointed out that there was a garden in the beginning (Eden) with the first Adam who rebelled and was cast out. Now we have a second garden with the second Adam who obeyed and was resurrected in powere and glory.** I just thought this was an awesome thought, equal to the comparison of the mercy seat (Exodus) and the empty tomb (John). I love it when everything in the Bible ties together! A living book, always something new! Imagine being in heaven with the COMPLETE story!
Okay, I’m stopping here for now, about 6 minutes in.
I heard the message from Alistair as well about the gardens. I love that, too, about he gardens and the mercy seat. And the tunic was new to me as well-makes sense. I do wonder if the angels said anything to the guards. We arenât told if they did. Interesting perspective that it is fine if they are afraid. I think of the guards that Corrie had in the camps and how she would pray during an inspection for the Bible to remain hidden and miraculously, they did not check her or find the Bible. God can provide this kind of protection, but this is a rabbit trail. Nice post, Cheryl. I do love that I am always learning something new in Godâs word.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence of God this Holy Week or this Resurrection Sunday?
First of all, Dee, thank you for sharing Andrew Petersonâs song, âIs He Worthy?â I also loved that song and this arrangement. The words are so meaningful about who Jesus is.
I have been continually blessed by another study we have been doing in church. This week was on the shield of faith. God has been working on my heart about stepping out in faith for something I have been fearful to do. Please pray that I will have the courage to do it. I know it is the right thing to do. And God has been ever present.
Today was a wonderful time at church. I have been learning to pray from my heart, but not be quick to be disappointed when my expectations are not met. More and more, I find myself truly trusting the sovereignty of God.
Monday: Matthewâs Account of The Women Walk, Donât RunÂ
Context: Read Matthew 27:62-66. Albert Mohler says there is great irony in verses 63-64. Do you see it? Why make secure the tomb util the third day when what Jesus said He will rise again AFTER three days?
One way to see more in a narrative is to ask the journalism questions of who, what, where, why, and how.
2. Read Matthew 28:1-10
A. When is this happening?
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week.
B. Who is going to the tomb? (Tara-Leigh calls the unnamed Mary the âbonus Mary.â)
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
C. What supernatural events happen when they arrive? (verses 2-4)
A violent earthquake happened
An angel of the Lord came down from heaven
The angel went to the tomb, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.
D. What does the angel look like? Remind you of anything?
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. Revelation (the Son of Man), Daniel (the Ancient of Days), Matthew (during the transfiguration), (all referring to Jesus)
E. Find at least six things the angel tells the women. (5-7)
Do not be afraid
I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Come and see where he lies.
He is not here.
He is risen just as He said.
Go quickly and tell His disciples.
He is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see Him.
E. How did they feel? (v. 8) Have you ever felt fear and joy simultaneously? Why would they have?
Afraid but filled with joy. Yes.
F. What did they do when Jesus met them? Does this remind you of another incident with another Mary?
They came to Him, clasped his feet, and worshiped him. Mary washing Jesus feet.
F. What did Jesus tell them and how did they respond?
Do not be afraid.
G. What were they to tell the men?
To go to Galilee, and they will see Jesus there.
H. Did this help you see more? What stood out to you?
The angel told the women to tell the brothers to go to Galilee and that Jesus would meet them there. Jesus said the same thing to Mary Magdalene when she met Jesus by herself.
Would the angel be a theophany?
One internet site I checked had an interesting thought: âJesus is the fulfillment of all theophanies.â
I guess I missed the question about a theophany-interesting. If theophany means encounter with God I am not sure-we are told it is an angel, a created being. There is a word for this, angelophany.
I love “Jesus in the fulfillment of all theophanies!
2F. What did Jesus tell them and how did they respond?
Don’t be afraid. Go tell the disciples. They left to do what Jesus said.
G. What were they to tell the men?
They were to tell them to leave for Gallilee and he would see them there.
H. Did this help you see more? What stood out to you?
Yes, but confusion. Was the âangelâ really Jesus?
The angel stood out to me.
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different?
The women are Mary and the other Mary in the Matthew account. In Mark itâs the 2 Marys (Magdalene ans the mother of James – was this Jesusâ mom?) and Salome.
Both had spices.
The stone was rolled away in Mark. The angel rolled the stone away in Matthew.
There was an earthquake in Matthew not in Mark.
Both have the angel, one sits on the stone and the other on the right side. He is dressed in white and is bright/radiant in the Matthew account.
The angel says to not be afraid. He says Jesus is not there. He has risen from the dead. They should go tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. The Mark version calls the angel a young man before he is referred to as the angel. The tells them to come and look where the body was.
In the Mark account, the women were scared and told nobody about what they encountered. In the Matthew account, they run frightened, but also joyful. They encounter Jesus along the way to tell the disciples, and He tells them not to be afraid and to tell the disciples that he is risen and will meet them in Galilee.
Â
3. Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.)
I donât think Iâve heard an explanation about this before, but Iâm guessing that they are true accounts because they are not the same. I think that Tim Keller might have said something like this in the past.
Â
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen?
The wrappings were off to the side and the head wrapping was folded. Why would a thief fold the head covering and put it away from the body wrappings?
Â
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
In both passages there are angels at the head and the foot, or the two ends of the Ark of the Covenant. Never thought of it or put it together. Seems interesting though!
Jesus did have a half brother named James, so could be. I think Salome was the mother of the other James and his brother John.
I thought so too, but my Catholic friends would say I was speaking blasphemy! They say Jesus didnât have any sisters or brothers. Crazy to think that Joseph and Mary would not have had other kidsâŠ
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different? Similarities are: They arose early Sunday morning to go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his with spices; they found the stone rolled away; they spoke with a person in bright clothing that told them Jesus was not there, but had risen; they were told to tell the others that they would find Jesus in Galilee. Differences are:Â Salome wasn’t mentioned in Matthew; the bright being was outside the tomb sitting on the stone in Matthew, he was inside the tomb in Mark; the women met Jesus on the road in Matthew, but appeared to Mary Magdalene alone in Mark.
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this Holy Week or this Resurrection Sunday? My grandson was baptized on Easter by my son who is the assistant pastor of our church. I am so blessed to get to see my children and grandchildren being saved and following Christ.
Wonderful!
What a wonderful Easter, Dawn!
Tuesday: Different Details from Mark & John
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different?
Same: 2 Marys mentioned. Both say the Sabbath has past. Both say first day of the week when the sun had risen. Both accounts the women go to the tomb, the angel moves the stone, the women bring spices, clothing of the angel is white, the angel produces fear and instructs the women to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee as instructed.
Different: Mark mentions they had bought spices to anoint him in the tomb. Mark says they were talking together about who would roll away the stone and then looked up and saw it was moved and very large. Matthew tells of the earthquake and the angel of the Lord who moved the stone. Matthew describes the angel with more drama-appearance like lightning~Mark describes the angel as a young man dressed in white. Matthew tells about what the angel said to the guards and their response~Mark leaves this out. Matthew says they meet Jesus as they are departing quickly from the tomb and they worship Him before going on to tell  the disciples ~Mark does not record this but ends his account with they fled in fear and didnât speak to anyone out of fear.
3. Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.) I have heard previously that the reason for these conflicts is differing perspectives. I also just had an experience where my daughter went on her first date. The boy who took her out first called my husband to ask permission. My daughter is 18 and the youngest of our 7 bio kids and the whole family has been anticipating this date since our son introduced the two of them. Everyone was interested to hear about this conversation when the boy called to ask permission. My husband shared with me and I relayed this information as best I could remember to some of our kids. Then I heard my husband share the story again last night to another of our kids and there were details that I do not think he shared with me or at least it was slightly different. I can totally see how the details get changed or how certain details stand out more to one person than another.
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen?
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
Tuesday: Different Details from Mark & John
2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different? I did spend some time on this and lost my answers -it did make me think about how perspective can change a story.
3. Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.)
The details differ based on perspectives and this happens in everyday conversation. Fun story: our daughter had her first date! The boy called to ask permission of my husband. All the older kids wanted to know about the details of this conversation regarding the baby of the family and her love interest. I shared what I could remember my husband saying regarding the phone call. When he shared again last night with another of our kids, there were more details I had not heard. This is normal.
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen? They were folded.
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
I had not made this connection before. I love that. The bible ties together beginning to end!
I love the analogy you made with details about your daughter’s first date. đ
đ
When I posted the answers to the first couple questions on this day, I realized that I had not answered 4 & 5 and hit the back button to try to re-do. I thought I had lost my first answers and tried to re-do this quickly. I got a response from the site saying âyou are trying to post answers too quickly, slow down.â Hahaha!
4. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen? They were folded.
5. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
I had not made this connection before. I love that. The bible ties together beginning to end!
Thursday – finish Tara
I had not focused on the word “brethren” before until Tara mentions it, how Jesus calls the disciples brothers even though they had left Him in His greatest hour of need. So I did a little more study and found out that this was the FIRST time Jesus calls the disciples brothers.
As I considered this, it seems to me to be the establishment of a new relationship because of the resurrection. Before this the disciples had a physical relationship with Jesus as they traveled with Him. Now the relationship is also spiritual, brethren, same family spiritually. Such a small word, brethren, and easily overlooked.
Does anyone have any other thoughts about this?
I finished Tara today and am going to check out her website.
That is really interesting Cheryl — and I think you are right!
6. What stood out to you and why?
I think the angels at the head and foot of where Jesusâ body was lying stands out the most to me. Itâs interesting to relate it back to the Ark of the Covenant. I love it when I can see similarities in the scripture.
Friday: Questions on Taraâs Talk
7. Did you know that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 only 30 years after the fact? Significance? I knew it was the first recorded letter that he wrote during the Acts period, but I had not considered the significance. Only 30 years after the fact would mean that there were still eye witnesness alive to corraborate what took place.
8. What thoughts did you have on the Bible referring to angels as human males? Being in human form, I think, would have helped with the so called fear factor. Although there was still something fearful (Fear not), it was less than the heavenly appearance. When I think back to the angels that were with Abraham and Lot, fear was not alluded to, but both men recognized their supernatural appearance. This was confirmed by the prophcy (Sarah’s pregnancy) and actions (blinding the men in Sodom) of the angels.
I wonder if the angels appeared as males because it was a patriarchal society, and that men held all positions of authority. I’ve just been reading about Deborah in Judges. I can’t think of another woman who had such authority. Men commanded respect.
9. What reason did Tara give for the apparent contradictions from the gospel writers? She said the authors shine the light on the point they are trying to make. It’s not contradiction or manipulation, just a different focus. Since the scripture is the inspiried Word of God, isn’t it actually the Holy Spirit’s focus we are talking about?
10. Why did she say it was âsuch a Jesus moveâ to appear first to Mary Magdalene? Jesus has always gone to the rejected, the outcast, those considered “less than.” He appears first to Mary, a lowly woman, former outcast, formerly possessed by SEVEN demons.
Tara also mentioned that Jesus accepted Mary’s worship. This reminded me of Paige’s study on theh entry into Jerusalem, when Jesus accepted the praise of the people calling Him King, The King.
So good to have you back, Cheryl after a short absence.
I love all you put into this post. Yes, male angels and the patriarchal society makes sense -also, just what the people needed to see? Donât we often see what we want to see? So curious the other scriptures regarding angels, especially in Sodom.
7. Did you know that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 only 30 years after the fact? Significance?
I did not know this. I donât know the significance. Itâs talking about baptism. He says he didnât baptize anyone other than Gaius and Crispus.
8. What thoughts did you have on the Bible referring to angels as human males?
I donât understand. Are you asking why they arenât women? I guess my answer would be they are male because God made them that way đ€·đ»ââïž.
9. What reason did Tara give for the apparent contradictions from the gospel writers?
She said they wrote from the perspective of the thing that they saw and wanted to point out.
10. Why did she say it was âsuch a Jesus moveâ to appear first to Mary Magdalene?
Because He showed Himself to a woman who had been plagued by demons. The lowliest of the low.
You make me laugh again. I had never known that angels were always referred to as males because Jesus said we will be like the angels in never marrying — I just assumed they were genderless, and maybe they are, but you don’t want to refer one as an “it” I don’t know!
Oh! That makes sense. I guess I never thought about it.
Tuesday: Different Details from Mark & John
1.   Catching up after a busy week! Definitely, I should walk and not run when I am reading the Word! I have discovered wonderful things from the Word. Thank you, Dee, for this!
d  2. Read Mark 16:1-8. What is similar to Matthew and what is different?
Similar:
Women
Very early, after Sabbath
They were told not to be afraid.
Jesus was identified as the one they were looking for
Different:
Salome was mentioned in Mark
The other Mary was identified as the mother of James
Matthew mentioned an earthquake, an angel of the Lord; Mark did not, and used âa young man.â
Matthew mentioned the guards
Mark included Peter
Mark did not say anything about the women being filled with Joy
Mark mentioned spices; Matthew did not.
Mark identified a white robe; Matthew added the appearance of âlike lightning, clothes were white as snow.â
2.     Some of the details will seem to conflict. Tara will give one explanation. What explanations have you heard? (She will also give a great timeline that is helpful.)
Grief can cloud the narrative. Could it have been two occasions?
3.   3. Read John 20:1-10. What did they note about the grave clothes and why would that cause them to believe that His body had not been stolen but that He might have risen?
Jesus must have folded the grave clothes. If he were stolen, the ârobbersâ could just pick him up and carry everything with Him.
4.   4. Compare these two passages and share your thoughts. This was new for me! John 20:12 and Exodus 25:17-22
The presence of God, the Son, between the two angels?
The covenant law was between the two cherubim. Jesus, the fulfillment of the law and present there?
Wednesday-Thursday
5. If it does crazy when I post it, go to you-tube and type in
Bible Recap Tara-Leigh Cobble Matthew 28
5.   6. What stood out to you and why?
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. Hermeneutics is a gift from God to give me more clarity of the truth of God’s Word.
Friday: Questions on Taraâs TalkÂ
6.     Did you know that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 only 30 years after the fact? Significance?
30 years of witnesses to Jesusâ resurrection are still talking about it. There would be people who have seen Jesus still alive. Peter and John are mentioned in the book of Acts.
8. What thoughts did you have on the Bible referring to angels as human males?
Perhaps because Jesus is male and theophanies should reflect Him as such?
9. What reason did Tara give for the apparent contradictions from the gospel writers?
They are highlighting a focus point. As a health science classroom teacher and having observed other teachers, it seems fair to say that we discuss clinical scenarios according to what we think is the important principle that day. So our focus point may be totally different, and some details are left off.
10. Why did she say it was âsuch a Jesus moveâ to appear first to Mary Magdalene?
Only Jesus would elevate women from the human standards of the day.
I supposed it could have been two different occasions — or just two different perspectives
Interesting thought on 8. I hadnât thought of that.
Saturday: Whatâs Your God Shot?
Iâm going to steal this closing from Tara much more often â itâs so much better than what is your take-a-way because we become like Him by beholding Him.
11. Whatâs your God shot?
God is in the details. He weaves His Truth in a love letter throughout the 66 Books of the Bible and delights in showing us His treasures, mysteries, and never-ending love.
I also love her phrase “God shot” as it makes me focus on God rather than on myself.
Saturday
I’m not familiar with the term “God shot,” so I am going to piggy back on Bing’s comment. God is in the details. So often I miss the details when reading familiar passages such as we read this week describing the resurrection. Doing the study questions and listening to Tara has shown me that I really need to slow down and “listen” to what the Spirit is teaching me. As we learned here with Dee, I need to ruminate more as I read.
I agree. I find I donât always take the time to pray before studying or maybe I pray in the moment. In my great grandmotherâs profession of faith, her mother shares that at only 10 years old she had decided to skip her closet prayers before starting her day and just pray while doing the morning dishes. She had become difficult to deal with and causing disharmony in the house. Her mother corrected her and harmony returned. Can we really listen to the Spirit when we are rushing about? Certainly, our hearing is better when we are more intentional and careful in our study/prayers. Corrie confessed that at the camps her devotion with the ladies had become dry and unfruitful. She wasnât sure why until the Spirit pointed it out in scripture. She realized she had unconfessed sin. After confessing, her devotion time became fruitful again. I have noticed this in my own life at times. Corrie surprised me with her sin. It was in believing that her small actions could be the cause of life or death for them, when all the time it was only the Lord. Isnât it the way we find our own lives? We think the small things we do have vitality without the Lord and put such pressure on ourselves to make them happen. I know for myself, I need to be watchful and look for the Lord in my life, refusing to take credit for even small things and trusting Him for everything. He gives my strength day to day and I need to acknowledge Him in everything.