HAPPY EASTER: PRAYER

DAY 10: 

PRAYERS:

 

Most heavenly Father who are in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die in our place. Everything Jesus did was to bring us back to You, Father. Thank You for sending your Son to earth as a baby so many years ago.  Thank you that He paid the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross.  And thank You that He rose again to prove that death was truly defeated. We place our trust in You to be our Savior. Guide us through the dark times of our life and give us courage to live for You.  Thank You Lord, for the gift of Your love. May we be a shining example of that love to others each and every day, not just on Passion Week, but always.  Our hearts are grateful for what You have done for us. We were not there, but our hearts burns because we know in our hearts that it is true. Jesus, (personally), I wished I had been there, but then again, I wonder if I could have endured what Your believers went through years ago. I pray that we all endure now what we must, so we can be with You in eternity. Help us, Lord, to share this truth with all who will listen this day and for as long as we live on this earth. As we study these lessons or just our Bible, please help us to live it just as much as we study it, in Jesus' name. Father, give us the passion Jesus had when He went to the cross on our behalf. He didn't have to do it, but You ordained it to be, so He did. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ! Today, we cry out to You, Father, for all in need of a blessing; for our government, every church leaders, teachers, law enforcers, sick and shut-in, those who need jobs, the elderly, all family members, Christian everywhere on this earth, and especially for the youth. Heavenly Father, thank You for the United States of America, which was founded upon Christian freedom and Your Word! Thank You for other nations that also have foundation that reflect biblical principles. Thank You for the Founding Fathers, Lord who looked to You for guidance to develop the kind of government that would be pleasing to You. Our president and his advisors need Your wisdom to safeguard freedom. By wisdom You laid the earth foundation, and by understanding You set the heavens in place. We pray that these leaders will turn their ears to Your wisdom and apply their hearts to understanding. May the light of Your Word run swiftly and prevail throughout the country, and Your love burn brightly in this land, and other nations that trust You. Give us a rebirth of freedom, in the name of Jesus. AMEN. 

Bible Study: Passion Week: Day 9

PRAISES:

 

You are awesome! Lord, we magnify Your holy Name. We worship You with our praises. Glory to our God! Hallelujah to Jesus. Praise Jesus, You are my life, my love. Praise You, Jesus, You are the name above all names. Praise You, Jesus, You are Emmanuel, God with us.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the King of Kings. Praise You, Jesus, You are the King of creation. Praise You, Jesus, You are King of the universe.  Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lord of lords. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Almighty. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Christ. Praise You, Jesus, You are Christ the King. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lamb of God. Praise You, Jesus, You are Lion of Judah. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bright Morning Star. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Champion and shield.  Praise You, Jesus, You are our Strength and our Song. Praise You, Jesus, You are the way of our life. Praise You, Jesus, You are the only truth. Praise You, Jesus, You are the real life. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Wonderful Counselor. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Living Word. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Redeemer. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Anointed One. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Holy one of Israel. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Good Sheperd. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Sheepgate. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lord of hosts. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Rock of all ages. Praise You, Jesus, You are my hiding place. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Savior of the world. Praise You, Jesus, You are the strong tower. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Mountain Refuge. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Font of all holiness. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Living Water. Praise You, Jesus, You are the True Vine. Praise You, Jesus, You are my Spouse. My Maker. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Fortress. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Deliverer. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Victory. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Salvation. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Righteousness. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Wisdom. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Sanctification. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Justification. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Door. Praise You, Jesus, You are the great I AM. Praise You, Jesus, You are the great High Priest. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Cornerstone. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Sure Foundation. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Joy. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Portion and Cup. Praise You, Jesus, You are my Healing and Wholeness. Praise You, Jesus, You are our Covenant. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Promise of the Father. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Everlasting One. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Most High God. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lamb that was slain. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Just Judge. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Balm of Gilead. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Mighty Warrior. Praise You, Jesus, You are my Defense. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bridegroom. Praise You, Jesus, You are my Patience. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Solid Reality. Praise You, Jesus, You are my Provider. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Alpha and the Omega. Praise You, Jesus, You are the Beginning and the End. Praise You, Jesus, You are all that I need. Praise You, Jesus, You are all that I want. Praise You, Jesus, You are worthy of all praise. Glory Hallelujah to the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Bible Study: Passion Week: Day 4 ANSWERS

1). How did Jesus ascend to heaven?

The well-known narrative in Acts 1 takes place 40 days after the Resurrection: Jesus, in the company of the disciples, is taken up in their sight after warning them to remain in Jerusalem until the coming of the Holy Spirit; as he ascends a cloud hides him from their view, and two men in white appear to tell them that he will return "in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

 

2). Names some of the things that Jesus does at the right hand of God.

He is Priest forever, ruling as Head of the Church, giving power to all who acknowledge Him, He is governing the Universe, helping members in need, fulfilling God's complete plan, He is interceding for the Church, He is advocate with the Father, He is waiting to return to receive His people, and be the final judge of all.

 

3). Where did the Ascension take place?

Scripture does not specify the location explicitly but from the context of Acts 1:6-12, it is generally assumed to have taken place on the Mount of Olives, since verse 12 tells us that "they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives."  That's a small hill outside of Jerusalem; it was once the site of a basilica but now has only a small octagonal chapel to mark the site.

 

4). Did Jesus predict his ascension as he did his suffering, death, and resurrection?

He did indeed!  Just as he told his disciples in advance of his coming crucifixion and resurrection (see, for example, Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, and Luke 18:31-33), so he also told them of his eventual ascension.  In this case, John is our most helpful gospel writer because he includes five separate occasions on which Jesus speaks very matter-of-factly of his eventual return to heaven (John 7:33; 6:62; 14:2; 14:12; 14:18). And see especially Jesus' very forthright declaration before the high priest in Matthew 26:64.

 

5). What happened when our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven?

At the Ascension our Lord Jesus Christ returned to the Father and was glorified - the final proof of His completed sacrificial work. He entered then upon His work as priest and king upon the throne- no longer needing to offer atoning sacrifice to God- giving gifts to His Church, and guaranteeing her security and final presence with Him in heaven. He waits now for the time of His final victory.

 

Multiple Choices:

1). Psalm 68:18 means what?

C) Ascension

 

2). Acts 1:9 says what received Jesus?

B) A cloud

 

3). This statement is true or false.

True (Hebrews 9:24)

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:"

 

4). What was made subject to Jesus as He ascended and seat on the right hand of God? 

D) all of the above

"Who is gone into heaven, and is at the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him." 1 Peter 3:22.

 

5). Fill-in missing words in this scripture

"And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:51)

 

6). All these scriptures talk about the ascension, but one?

D) Matthew 26:28

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

Bible Study: Passion Week: Day 3 ANSWERS

 

1).      Who did Jesus appear to after his death and resurrection?

John 20:10-18

The Apostles returned to their homes. But Mary Magdalene remained by the tomb, crying. Then she turned and saw a man who asked her why she was crying. Mary Magdalene soon realized that the man who was talking to her was Jesus Christ. Jesus had risen from death. Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the resurrected Jesus.

 

2).      What happened to Jesus after he rose from the dead?

In the New Testament, after the Romans crucified Jesus, he was anointed and buried in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea but God raised him from the dead and he appeared to many people over a span of forty days before he ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of God.

 

 

3).     How many days did Jesus walk the earth after his resurrection?

 

In the New Testament, after the Romans crucified Jesus, he was anointed and buried in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea but God raised him from the dead and he appeared to many people over a span of forty days before he ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of God.

 

 

4).      Was  the general resurrection taught in the Old Testament? Yes

 

Daniel 12:2 says "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

 

 

Multiple Choices:

 

1). Jesus rose on the _____ day.

 

 Jesus rose on the third day.

 

2).  Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection beside which sea?

 

Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1) "After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself."

 

3). Which disciple said he would not believe Jesus had risen unless he could see the nail marks in his hands?

 

Thomas (John 20:24-25)
   
4). What did Peter and John see when they entered Jesus' tomb that caused them to believe?

 

c) the grave clothes (John 20:1-10)

5). Jesus told the women who saw Him after His resurrection not to hold on to Him because:

 

b) He had not yet ascended to His Father (John 20:17)

Bible Study: Passion Week Day # 2 ANSWERS

ANSWERS and QUESTIONS:

 

Seven Last Sayings of Jesus: # 7    Luke 23:46 "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."

 

The First Word from the Cross begins with Jesus addressing His Father - "Father forgive" and now it begins the last. God, the Father, had accepted the sin offering made by Jesus, as would soon be demonstrated by his resurrection from the dead. Jesus had come from his Father and to his Father he would return, but first he had to die physically. These words tell us that his life didn't just ebb away - in fact Jesus had previously said that no one could take his life "but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father" (John 10:18). And so it was that Jesus consciously gave his life. He laid it upon the altar, just as the burnt offering of the Old Testament which had spoken of the greater sacrifice to come.

This last Word from the Cross is in fact a quotation from Psalm 31 (v.5). It was composed by David when, in some great trouble, he put his trust in his God. Jesus could identify himself with David's affliction and anguish of soul, having been treated with utter contempt by his enemies and deserted by his friends. Like David he could still say "but I trust in you, 0 Lord, I say 'You are my God', my times are in your hands" (14, 15). "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." This speaks of his confidence in God, his Father. He found security in his Father's hands and in so doing pointed the way to all who die believing. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, left this life with the same security. "Lord Jesus" he said, "receive my spirit." They have been used by countless believers in Christ ever since. This is the security that comes from knowing "him whom we have believed and are persuaded that he is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him." Yes, there is eternal security in the Cross.

 

Day # 2       ANSWERS

 

1). What was the Jewish feast which was being celebrated the week Christ was crucified?

Passover (Luke 22:1)

 

2). When Jesus entered Jerusalem during what is known as His Triumphal Entry, what animal was He riding on?

A young donkey (Matthew 21:1-7; Mark 11:1-7; Luke 19:28-35; John 12:12-15). In eastern tradition it was customary for a king going to war to ride a horse. Yet when the king was at peace he would ride a donkey. The symbolism is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, was coming for purposes of peace between God and man.

 

3). Why is the Sunday before the resurrection called Palm Sunday?

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passion week, the people welcomed Him as king and Messiah. They covered the road with their garments and palm fronds as a symbol of their worship and acceptance of Him as king (Matthew 21:8; Mark 11:8; Luke 19:35, 36; John 12:12, 13).

4). Which disciple cut off the ear of the high priest's servant in an attempt to protect Jesus from being taken as a prisoner?

Peter (John 18:10)

 

5). What was the name of the high priest's servant who had his ear cut off by the disciple and subsequently reattached by Jesus?

Malchus (John 18:10)

 

6). How many times did Peter deny Christ after the abandoned the Lord?

Three times (Luke 22:54-57; Mark 14:69, 70; Matthew 26:73-75; John 18:13-27)

7).  How many pieces of silver did Judas trade the life of Jesus for?

 

30 (Matthew 26:15)

 

8). How did Judas identify Jesus to the soldiers?

 

8. By giving Him a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49).

 

9). In repentance Judas returned the money to the priests that he was given as the price of betrayal of the Lord and then did what?

 

9. Hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5)

 

10). The priests took the money that Judas had returned to them and did what with it?

 

Bought the potter's field with the money which is where strangers were buried (Matthew 27:6-8).

 

11). Who was surprisingly released before Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death?

 

Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:18; John 18:40)

 

Multiple Choices:

1). Where did they lay Jesus to rest after his death?

          B) In a tomb

                   

2). The word Sphragidzo means

          B) The sealing of tombs

                   

3). When the price for your forgiveness was complete, Jesus bowed His head and

          C) Died

      

DAY # 5 QUESTIONS and ANSWERS:

We will finish the seven last sayings:

Seven Last Sayings of Jesus: # 6 John 19:29-30 "It is finished"

"It is finished." The Word tells us there is nothing left for man to do but to enter into the results of Christ's finished work. The Greek word for "finished" was used in business life of the time to indicate that a debt had been paid. It's like the message of a rubber stamp bearing the words 'Payment received' when stamped across a bill. That's what Jesus was proclaiming from the Cross - "it is paid, man's account with God has been settled, the debt is wiped out." That is the very essence of the Gospel. The Redeemer has paid the price for our redemption. Salvation has been obtained for all who accept and rely upon the finished work of Calvary. "A full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world." Yes, there is victory over sin in the Cross.

Day # 1: ANSWERS:
1) How many years did Jesus live before he was crucified?
The common assertion seems reasonable that if Jesus "began his ministry" when he "was about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23)

2) How long did Jesus live on the earth?
He engaged in a three-year ministry (John mentions three Passovers, and there might have been a fourth one), then he was 33 years old at the time of his death, therefore living 33 years.

3) Name the six core things Christ accomplished in his death.
1). Expiation: (removal of sin)
2). Propitiation: (removal of God's wrath)
3). Reconciliation: (removal of our alienation from God)

4). Redemption: (accomplished redemption from captivity)

5). Defeat of the Powers of Darkness: (Christ's death was a defeat of the power of Satan)

6). And He did all of this by dying as our Substitute: (He died for sins once and for all, just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God)

Multiple Choice:
1. What did they do to Jesus before he was put to death? (a) They whipped him.

2. What was put on Jesus' head? (b) A crown of thorns.

3. Who did Jesus ask to take care of Mary, his mother? (a) John

4. How many hours did it take for Jesus to die on the cross? 6 hours

5. Where was Jesus crucified?
Golgotha

6. What did they offer Jesus to drink as he was crucified?
vinegar mixed with gall

7. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Which prophet prophesied that this would happen?
King David
Prophesied: "They divide My garments among them and cast lots upon My vesture" (Psa. 22:18).

Fulfilled: "Then they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots for it to determine whose it shall be'; that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, 'They divided My garments among them, and they cast lots for My vesture.' Therefore the soldiers did these things" (John 19:24).

Bible Study: Passion Week: Day 4

Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension

Day 4                   Jesus' Ascension

 

What happened when our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven?

 

At the Ascension our Lord Jesus Christ returned to the Father and was glorified - the final proof of His completed sacrificial work. He entered then upon His work as priest and king upon the throne- no longer needing to offer atoning sacrifice to God- giving gifts to His Church, and guaranteeing her security and final presence with Him in heaven. He waits now for the time of His final victory.

 

THE ASCENSION:

The Ascension was a vital link in a chain of fulfilled prophecy, promised both in the Old Testament (Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:32-36) and by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 26:64; John 6:62; John 7:33; John 14:28; John 16:5; John 20:17).

It took place forty days after the Resurrection (Acts 1:3).

It took place at the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50; compared with Mark 11:1; Acts 1:12).

It was witnessed by the apostles, after He had talked with them (Mark 16:19) and then lifted up His hands to bless them (Luke 24:50-51).

He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9).

The return of the Lord Jesus Christ will be after the pattern of the Ascension (Acts 1:11).

WHAT THE ASCENSION WAS:

It was an act of God's power (Ephesians 1:19-22).

It was the necessary completion of our Lord Jesus Christ's death and Resurrection: it proved the full acceptance by God of His single sacrifice for sins for all time (Hebrews 10:12); it marked Him out as Lord, even as the Resurrection marked Him out as the Son of God (Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:34-36; compared with Romans 1:4).

It was the visible ascent of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to His human nature, from earth to heaven (Mark 16:19; 1 Peter 3:22): He was exalted to the place in the universe He had laid aside when He humbled Himself to assume our humanity (Ephesians 4:9-10).

It marked the Lord Jesus Christ's return to the Father: He went to Him who had sent Him into the world (John 6:62; John 7:33; John 14:28; John 16:5; John 20:17).

It included a further glorification of the human nature of our Lord Jesus Christ: He carried His humanity with Him back to heaven (Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:14-16), and He was highly exalted and glorified in doing so (Acts 2:33; John 7:39; 1Timothy 3:16), the Father honouring Him with the highest possible honour (Ephesians 1:20-22).

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION:

God the Father's acceptance of His Son into glory declared decisively and finally His acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:11-14).

The Lord Christ entered upon His work as a royal priest upon the throne, no longer needing to offer atoning sacrifice to God (Hebrews 7:26-27; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:21); He entered into heaven to appear now before God on our behalf, representing our cause before the Father (Hebrews 9:24).

The Lord Jesus Christ, demonstrated by the Ascension to be Lord (Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36), entered upon His work as King; He is seated at the right hand of God (Matthew 26:64; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22), a picture of the unique position the Father has given Him of kingly power and authority over angels, authorities and powers in heaven and on earth (Daniel 7:13,14; Matthew 26:64; Ephesians 1:21,22; Ephesians 4:10; Colossians 1:16-18; Hebrews 1:13; 1 Peter 3:22).

The Lord Jesus Christ ascended to receive, as Conqueror, the gifts promised Him for His Church (Ephesians 4:8; Psalms 68:18): He ascended to send forth the Holy Spirit (John 7:39; 16:7; Acts 2:33).

The Ascension of Christ and the consequent outpouring of the Spirit made possible the numerous gifts of the Spirit that the Church enjoys (Ephesians 4:8,11-13).

The Lord Jesus Christ ascended to prepare a place for Christians (John 14:2): He is their forerunner, preparing the way for them (Hebrews 6:20; compared with Acts 7:56).

Christians are already set with the Lord Jesus Christ in heavenly places, for they are made to share by grace, through faith, the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ (Ephesians 2:6): their citizenship is now in heaven and their thoughts and affections should be set there (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1, 2).

In Christ's Ascension Christians have the assurance of a place in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:14; John 14:19) and of their own glorification (Philippians 3:21): God's purpose in giving Christians a share in the Resurrection and Ascension of their Lord is that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward them in Christ Jesus (John 17:24; Ephesians 2:7).

WHAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DOES AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND.

He lives forever, holding a permanent priesthood (Revelation 1:18; Hebrews 7:24).  

He rules and protects His Church as its Head (Ephesians 1:22-23), helping the members in need (Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15), and giving them power to do great works (John 14:12).

He governs the universe, and to the end that God's purposes for the Church may be fulfilled (Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:5-14).

He intercedes for His people on the basis of His completed sacrifice (Romans 8:34): He is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1).

He waits for the time of His final victory: all His enemies shall be subdued (Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:35; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Hebrews 10:13).

His Ascension in power is the prelude to His coming in power as the divine Judge (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 26:64; John 14:28; Acts 10:42; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

 

Seven Last Sayings of Jesus:   # 5

John 19:28:  "I thirst"

 

Jesus had earlier refused to drink a drugged wine designed to alleviate to some extent the intensity of the coming suffering, but now his mission almost complete his cry of thirst could be met from a sponge dipped in wine vinegar. In fact it was necessary that his lips should be moistened because he had yet two momentous Words to utter which the world must hear clearly. The second reason was that there was a Scripture still to be fulfilled. Psalm 69:21 had predicted that the Suffering Servant of Israel would say "They ... gave me vinegar for my thirst." Jesus knew that for him to do his Father's will required him to fulfil all that had been prophesied of the Messiah down the ages. This Fifth Word from the Cross serves to tell us that there is suffering in the Cross.

 

Day 4                   QUESTIONS:

1). How did Jesus ascend to heaven?

2). Name of the things that Jesus does at the right hand of God.

3). Where did the Ascension take place?

4). Did Jesus predict his ascension as he did his suffering, death, and resurrection?

5).  What happened when our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven?

 

Multiple Choices:

1). Psalm 68:18 means what? A) Jesus second coming B) Death on the cross C) Ascension D) The devil on the earth

2). Acts 1:9 says what received Jesus? A) An angel B) A cloud C) A tree D) A hand

3). What was made subject to Jesus as He ascended and seat on the right hand of God?  A) Angels B) Authorities C) Powers D) all of the above

4). Fill-in missing words in this scripture

"And it came to pass, while he ______them, he was ________ from them, and carried up into _________.

5). All these scriptures talk about the ascension, but one?

A) Luke 24:51   B) Acts 1:9   C) Mark 16:19   D) Matthew 26:28

 

TRUE OR FALSE:

1). This statement is true or false.

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:"

2). The Ascension took place forty days after the Resurrection.

3). He ascended to send forth the Holy Spirit.

4). In Christ's Ascension Christians have the assurance of a place in Heaven.

5). His Ascension in power is the prelude to His coming in power as the divine Judge.

Bible Study: Passion Week: Day # 3

Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension

Jesus' Resurrection

DAY 3:

The Resurrection:

 

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" — John 20:1-2

How difficult was it for the One who is Lord of the universe—who had a hand in creation itself, who is the very force of life that holds living things together—to wake up from the sleep of death and set aside the burial cloths draping his body?

As was always the case, Jesus' revelations of himself did not happen with television cameras focused on him. Not even a respectable crowd was gathered. An alarming word from young Mary Magdalene about Jesus' body being gone produced a panic and a footrace among two of Jesus' beloved disciples, Peter and John. One looked and merely saw the emptiness of the tomb; the other saw the connection between this moment and the mysterious words of Jesus—and he believed. Now things were really complicated and the disciples went home. So Jesus first appeared to a brokenhearted Mary who stayed at the tomb. Mary was the first to behold something the world had never seen before—a resurrected, transformed life.

Resurrection day for Jesus was simply the first installment of a resurrection of masses of people when this era of the history of the universe draws to a close. What God promises to those who belong to Jesus is not the loss of self into a nothingness bliss, but the resurrection and remaking of everything that is right and good in the world he created. And until then, he invites us to begin living transformed lives, continually shaped and changed by the hope of the redemption of all that God has made.

Jesus' Appearances after the Resurrection:

Luke and John both describe at length Jesus' post-Resurrection appearances to his followers. (Mark mentions these briefly as well.) Jesus' appearance before "doubting Thomas" and the other disciples (in John and in Luke) are well known and contain a number of little details. For instance, Jesus appeared "when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders"—a minor sentence, but one that communicates the terror and bewilderment that must have plagued the disciples in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion. If you had been one of Jesus' disciples, what might you have done in this situation—reeling from the death of your teacher, fearing for your life, and wondering if everything you believed in was really true?

The Gospel of Luke also describes an encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. With tantalizing but confused rumors of the empty tomb still spreading, Jesus appears in disguise to a pair of his followers. After visiting with and teaching them for some time, Jesus reveals himself in a beautifully-described scene:

When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and begin to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?

The Gospel of John provides a few more memorable stories. First, Jesus (again, unrecognized at first) performs his last recorded miracle, overwhelming the disciples' fishing nets with a huge catch. Shortly thereafter is the moving story of Peter's reinstatement. Peter, who had denied knowing Jesus three times during his master's trial, is questioned by Jesus… three times. It is during this questioning that Jesus gives Peter the famous charge to "Feed my sheep."

Jesus Gives the Great Commission

Matthew and Mark both close with the "Great Commission," Jesus' instructions to his disciples to go out into the world and spread the good news of salvation: (Matthew 28:19-20); This passage has long been the basis of the Christian emphasis on sharing the Gospel with the world through evangelism and missionary work. Mark and Luke describe Jesus' departure from earth into heaven, "taken up into heaven" after speaking to his disciples a final time.

It's clear from the Gospel accounts that the story of Jesus reaches its culmination with the Resurrection. But the tidbits we do get about the post-Resurrection days not only satisfy some of our curiousity about how Jesus' Resurrection was received by his followers, but also give us the evangelistic direction that guides Christ-followers to this day.

 

Seven Last Sayings of Jesus: # 4

Matthew 27:46: "My God, My God, have you forsaken me?"

 

How Jesus felt as his loud cry broke the dreadful silence of that moment of destiny we cannot know. Never before had he stood alone, forsaken by God his Father. Yet, although he was forsaken he never ceased to be his Father's well-beloved Son, for he was carrying out his Father's will and purpose in becoming our atonement for sin. This Word from the Cross points us to the cost of the atonement made. Thank God, there's atonement for sin at the Cross by the Lord Jesus. It's something we must never lose sight of.

Day  3:        QUESTIONS:

 

1).      Who did Jesus appear to after his death and resurrection?

2).      What happened to Jesus after he rose from the dead?

3).     How many days did Jesus walk the earth after his resurrection?

4).      Was the general resurrection taught in the Old Testament?

Bottom of Form

 

Multiple Choices:

1). Jesus rose on the _____ day. (a) first (b) second (c) third

2).  Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection beside which sea?

a. Red Sea

b. Sea of Joppa

c. Sea of Tiberias

d. Dead Sea

3). Which disciple said he would not believe Jesus had risen unless he could see the nail marks in his hands?
 a. Andrew
 b. James
 c. Peter
 d. Thomas

 

4). What did Peter and John see when they entered Jesus' tomb that caused them to believe?

a) that the tomb was empty
b) an angel
c) the grave clothes
d) a note written by Jesus

5). Jesus told the women who saw Him after His resurrection not to hold on to Him because:

a) He was ritually unclean, having just been dead
b) He had not yet ascended to His Father
c) He was in a hurry to visit the disciples
d) it was not proper