Friday, November 29, 2024

#240 (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18) Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene - Life of Christ = Week 48 - Friday

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Mark 16:9-11
John 20:11-18  

Intro Questions

Text Graphic
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN: 
  • Describe a time when you mistook someone for the wrong person.


DIG:
  • Would you have responded more like Mary or like the disciples? Why? 
  • Does Mary appear to be quietly grieving, or more hysterical? What finally breaks through her grief and confusion (John 19:16)?
  • What term (John 19:17) does Jesus use for his disciples here? What is new in their relationship from now on (John 15:15)?

REFECT:
  • How has Jesus spoken your name in a time of grief? How did it affect you?
  • What does it mean to you that Jesus is your brother?



https://youtu.be/cPSDQ0Pqm9s



https://youtu.be/RULSTlLFmN4














Doing the “Impossible” 

            In India, Dashrath Manjh became known as “Mountain Man” because he single-handedly cut a road through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel—and 22 years. In the eastern part of India, Loungi Bhuiya had watched young men, including his four sons, leave the village because farming was almost impossible in the region. There was plenty of water, but the rainfall quickly ran into the Falgu River and swept away. If only a canal could divert water from a forest source into a village pond, it could be used for irrigation. However, the canal would need to be at least two miles long. 

            Remembering Manjh, thirty years ago, Loungi Bhuiya picked up a mattock and a basket while he led his cattle out to the field. While he tended his cattle, he chopped the turf and used a two-foot diameter basket to toss the dirt aside. Slowly, a ditch began to take shape. Absolutely nobody in the village helped. Four feet wide, three feet deep, basket after basket emptied beside the ditch. Teased and ridiculed, Bhuiya kept working. His reputation grew year after year as the ditch lengthened. A couple of months ago, the last few inches fell and water began to flow two miles to the thirsty fields. Suddenly, everybody wants to be his friend and Mahindra has given him a tractor to enlarge and maintain the canal! Doubts washed away in the life-giving flow. 

            “Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God”’” (John 20:18 NIV). 

            During the years of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, His own brothers did not believe Him to be the Christ, the Son of God. Their teasing is related in John 7 and the apostle plainly declares that His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). It is hard for us to accept that even in the face of the miracles Jesus performed, His brothers would not recognize Him as Messiah. And then He was arrested, condemned and crucified—and rose from the dead on the third day. Any doubts they might have had were washed away in the sunburst of glory from the empty tomb. Having seen Him alive again, Jesus’ brothers were utterly convinced and committed themselves to Him. Two of them, James and Jude, contributed inspired books to the New Testament. 

            No matter how “impossible” it might seem for Jesus to rise from the dead, His resurrection is a fact. The reality of His resurrection makes it obvious that He is more than mere mortal. The ancients were far better acquainted with death—and violent death—than we are and they knew beyond any doubt that Jesus died on that cross. They saw to it that He was buried in a rock tomb and a guard was placed to prevent any meddling. And yet on the third day, Jesus walked out alive, doing what couldn’t be done. Now He wants everybody to be His friend and to share in the resurrection life that flows from Him. There is no reasonable doubt about Jesus’ divine nature. Only He could rise from the dead and only He can grant that same life to you and me.



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Thursday, November 28, 2024

#239 (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10) Jesus Rises from the Dead - Life of Christ = Week 48 - Thursday

Jesus Rises from the Dead
Matthew 28:1-7
Mark 16:1-8
Luke 24:1-12
John 20:1-10

Jesus Is Resurrected

Matthew 28:2–4

2Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 243). Holman Bible Publishers.


Women Visit the Tomb to Anoint Jesus’ Body

Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1–4; Luke 24:1–2

Mk 16:1aWhen the Sabbath was over, Mt 28:1aas the first day of the week was dawning, Mk 16:1b–4Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Him… 3And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 243). Holman Bible Publishers.


Women Discover the Empty Tomb

Matthew 28:5–8; Mark 16:5–8; Luke 24:3–8; John 20:1–2

Lk 24:3–4They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus [Jn 20:1On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb]. 4While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes [Mk 16:5bthey saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side].

Lk 24:5aSo the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. Mk 16:6a“Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. Mt 28:6He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Lk 24:6b–8Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8And they remembered His words.

Mk 16:7a“But go [Mt 28:7go quickly], tell His disciples and Peter, Mt 28:7b–8‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” 8So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy [Mk 16:8aSo they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment had gripped them], they ran to tell His disciples the news [Mk 16:8bthey said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid].[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 244–245). Holman Bible Publishers.

Peter and John Hurry to the Tomb

Luke 24:9–12; John 20:3–10

Lk 24:9–11Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

Jn 20:3–5At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. 5Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in†.

6Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb† and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a separate place by itself. 8The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. 9For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples went home again.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 245–246). Holman Bible Publishers.






https://youtu.be/cQU8UQM4_XI





Describe a time recently when you woke up very early to do something outside your normal routine.



The next evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene and Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased embalming spices.
Early the following morning, just at sunrise, they carried them out to the tomb. On the way they were discussing how they could ever roll aside the huge stone from the entrance.
But when they arrived they looked up and saw that the stone—a very heavy one—was already moved away and the entrance was open! So they entered the tomb—and there on the right sat a young man clothed in white. The women were startled, but the angel said, "Don't be so surprised. Aren't you looking for Jesus, the Nazarene who was crucified? He isn't here! He has come back to life! Look, that's where his body was lying. Now go and give this message to his disciples including Peter:
"'Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died!'"
The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, too frightened to talk.
She ran and found Simon Peter and me and said, "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!"
We ran to the tomb to see; I outran Peter and got there first, and stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but I didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went on inside. He also noticed the cloth lying there, while the swath that had covered Jesus' head was rolled up in a bundle and was lying at the side. Then I went in too, and saw, and believed that he had risen—for until then we hadn't realized that the Scriptures said he would come to life again!
We went on home, and by that time Mary had returned to the tomb and was standing outside crying. And as she wept, she stooped and looked in and saw two white-robed angels sitting at the head and foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying.
"Why are you crying?" the angels asked her.
"Because they have taken away my Lord," she replied, "and I don't know where they have put him."
She glanced over her shoulder and saw someone standing behind her. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him!
"Why are you crying?" he asked her. "Whom are you looking for?"
She thought he was the gardener. "Sir," she said, "if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him."
"Mary!" Jesus said. She turned toward him.
"Master!" she exclaimed.
"Don't touch me," he cautioned, "for I haven't yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them that I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God."
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!" Then she gave them his message.




  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • Given what these women experienced in the last few days (Luke 19:37ff; 23:26-49, 55), how would they feel as they went to the tomb? Then, when they find it empty? Finally, when the two men spoke to them?
  • What were the women expecting when we look at their preparations in Luke 24:1?
  • What does the resurrection prove (Romans 1:4)? Why is it so critical? Why was his crucifixion not enough by itself?
  • How significant is it that we worship as a body on the first day of the week?
  • How did the apostles respond to the women's report in Luke 24:9-12? Why wouldn't the Eleven believe them? What must be going through Peter's mind?
  • Suppose you were with the women, excitedly telling the disciples about the empty tomb. How would you feel when the men respond with "Nonsense! You're crazy" in Luke 24:11. Is it any different today?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • How did the meaning of the resurrection first "dawn" upon you? What difference does the resurrection make to you? What do you believe about the resurrection of your own body?
  • What difference does Jesus' resurrection make to your life and the way you respond to life?
  • Where is your spiritual life focused: On "Good Friday"? "Easter Sunday"? Or in between?
  • In what ways was Jesus' body different after the resurrection? The same?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:
  • When something upsets you, who is the first one you tell?

DIG:
  • Put yourself in the place of Mary. What is your emotional state two days after the crucifixion? Why do you visit the tomb so early? Realizing the body is gone, how do you react? 
  • If John was "the other disciple," why did he refer to him-self as "the one Jesus loved"?

REFECT:
  • When a loved one dies, how does the resurrection of Jesus help you to deal with your pain? 
  • What is your proof that Jesus rose from the dead?


========

More Resources:
Mark 16:1-8 — The Ministry of Jesus Begins Anew
http://johnmarkhicks.com/2012/08/20/mark-161-8-the-ministry-of-jesus-begins-anew/
==========

Resurrection, Post-Resurrection Appearances, and Ascension

Jesus was resurrected early Sunday morning, just as He had predicted—on “the third day” (Matt. 16:21). These were not three full days but one full day—Saturday—and part of the day on which He was buried (Friday) and part of the day on which He was resurrected (Sunday).

Jesus did not ascend to His Father immediately after He was resurrected. For 40 days He appeared to His disciples and other believers (see Acts 1:3). He did this to convince them He was alive and to strengthen them for the task He had trained and commissioned them to do. It was now their job to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God to all people and to nurture the infant church to His glory.


The Women at Jesus’ Tomb

These three women were probably the same ones who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most loyal followers after He cast seven demons out of her. She was one of the women who ministered to Jesus in Galilee (Luke 8:2–3). We don’t know for sure who Mary the mother of James was; she may have been the wife of Cleopas (John 19:25) or the mother of James the son of Alphaeus. Salome was probably the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Matt. 27:56). Matthew’s account of the visit of the women to the tomb does not mention Salome (Matt. 28:1).

The role of these women is especially significant in light of the fact that they lived in a male-oriented society. Although only one of the twelve disciples—John—was at the crucifixion (John 19:25–27), these women were present. They were the first people to come to the empty tomb, the first to learn Jesus was alive, the first to see Him alive, and the first to tell the good news of His resurrection.


============

Sunday morning at the Tomb -- The Gospels (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-13) agree that Jesus was raised bodily from the dead on Sunday, the first day of the week. They also agree that Mary Magdalene was the first witness of the empty tomb, and most probably of the resurrected Lord. This is an important piece of historical evidence, since the testimony of a woman was of no legal value in ancient Jewish society. If some early church writers had invented a story of the resurrection, they would not have emphasized Mary's witness in the narrative. 
Like the crucifixion accounts, the resurrection accounts diverge in a number of particulars. Only Matthew reports an earthquake and the rolling away of the stone from the tomb (Matthew 28:2). Since Matthew also reported an earthquake at the crucifixion (27:51), the second earthquake may show the equal significance of the resurrection. Matthew and Mark speak of one angel at the tomb (Matthew 28:5; Mark 16:5), whereas Luke and John speak of two (Luke 24:4; John 20:12). Matthew and Mark report only the women visiting the empty tomb, while Luke and John tell of a visit by Peter (Luke 24:12), with John relating a foot race between Peter and the beloved disciple to the tomb (John 20:3-8).
With other verses (Matthew 28:9-15; Mark 16:9-11; and John 20:14-18) the women met the resurrected Lord outside the tomb, near Jerusalem and again were instructed to tell the disciples to go to Galilee (Matthew 28:7, 10). Jesus' appearance to one woman, Mary Magdalene, is specifically noted by John and Mark. Overcome by grief, and with tear-dimmed eyes, Mary did not immediately recognize the Lord.
Matthew is the only evangelist to report the Jewish religious leaders' cover-up of the resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15). Since Mathew's Gospel is intended for Jewish readers, this story helps explain the disappointing response of Jews to the gospel.
============
Resurrection Reality
The Resurrection is vitally important for many reasons: (1) Jesus kept his promise to rise from the dead, so we can believe that he will keep all his other promises. (2) The Resurrection ensures that the ruler of God's eternal Kingdom will be the living Christ, not just an idea, hope, or dream. (3) Christ's resurrection gives us the assurance that we also will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). (4) The power of God that brought Christ's body back from the dead is available to us to bring our morally and spiritually dead selves back to life so that we can change and grow. (5) The Resurrection provides the substance of the church's witness to the world. We do not merely tell lessons from the life of a good teacher; we proclaim the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


The women purchased the spices on Saturday evening after the Sabbath had ended so they could go to the tomb early the next morning and anoint Jesus' body as a sign of love, devotion, and respect. Bringing spices to the tomb was like bringing flowers to a grave today.

Stages of Belief
People who hear about the Resurrection for the first time may need time before they can comprehend this amazing story. Like Mary and the disciples, they may pass through four stages of belief. (1) At first, they may think the story is a fabrication, impossible to believe (John 20:2). (2) Like Peter, they may check out the facts and still be puzzled about what happened (John 20:6). (3) Only when they encounter Jesus personally will they be able to accept the fact of the Resurrection (John 20:16). (4) Then, as they commit themselves to the risen Lord and devote their lives to serving him, they will begin to understand fully the reality of his presence with them (John 20:28). If people don't understand when you tell them about Jesus' resurrection, give them time. Even the disciples didn't believe it at first!


 The linen cloths that had been wrapped around Jesus' body were left as if Jesus had passed right through them. The handkerchief was still rolled up in the shape of a head, and it was at about the right distance from the wrappings that had enveloped Jesus' body. A grave robber couldn't possibly have made off with Jesus' body and left the linens as if they were still shaped around it.


He Is Near
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first. Her grief had blinded her; she couldn't see him because she didn't expect to see him. Then Jesus spoke her name, and immediately she recognized him. Imagine the love that flooded her heart when she heard her Savior saying her name. Jesus is near you, and he is calling your name. Can you, like Mary, regard him as your Lord? Are you filled with joy by this good news, and do you share it with others?


Jesus did not want to be detained at the tomb. If he did not ascend to heaven, the Holy Spirit could not come. Both he and Mary had important work to do.


https://youtu.be/cQU8UQM4_XI


https://youtu.be/zID6parCkLQ








 Sermon Outlines:
Kevin Rayner Oak Tree Church of Christ
Study Notes  4-19-92
"The Story of An Empty Grave"
Luke 24:1-53

     Have you ever thought what it would be like to have a friend return from the dead to surprise you.  Eleven highly disappointed men who had their dreams shattered experienced such an event.  The eternal hunger to know if there really is hope for eternal life is answered.  How hungry are you to know?

I. The resurrection's effects as a historic event.

II. The resurrection's effects on Jesus' friends. 24:1-53
   A. The empty feeling of an empty tomb. 1-8
   B. Making sense out of non-sense 9-12
   C. Opening the closed scriptures 13-32
   D. Peace in the middle of turmoil. 33-43
   E. Opening the closed minds. 44-49
   F. Hope in the midst of separation. 50-53

III. The resurrection's effects on Christ's teachings.
   A. Salvation connection to the Death, Burial, & Resurrection.

   B. Weekly memorial connected to Death, Burial, & Resurrection.

 Devotional Thoughts:

  I cannot give in to the devil's principal, deceitful tactic which makes so many Christians satisfied with an "Easter celebration" instead of experiencing the power of Christ's resurrection. It is the devil's business to keep Christians mourning and weeping with pity beside the cross instead of demonstrating that Jesus Christ is risen, indeed.

   -- A. W. Tozer in Renewed Day by Day (Vol. 2). Christianity Today, Vol. 38, no. 4.

See: Matthew 28:7; Luke 24:5
===============
Quote = "The empty cross and the empty tomb speak of a full salvation."
Heartbeat = Luke 24:32 (NIV) "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 Story of a Tomb
   On a Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem, I made a tourist trek to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  It is the location venerated from the fourth century as the burial place of Jesus of Nazareth.
I was not prepared for the disappointment that came over me.  For one thing, the alleged place of Christ's entombment has been hacked and broken up for souvenirs until nothing substantial remains of the tomb.  For another, what does remain -- a slab on which the body is said to have rested -- is enshrined and remote from view.  A priest shooed us away from the line of clearest sight, and I was left to peep in through a porthole-type window.
Then Joseph Shulam directed the people in our small group to an unadorned, plain tomb no more than 50 yards away.  It has all the features described in the biblical record.  While it is almost certainly not the setting for Jesus' burial, it gave me a greater sense of contact with the historical event and its meaning.
We had to stoop low to enter it, and the chamber -- hewn out of solid rock -- was dark, oppressive, and stale.  The place was likely intended to hold a small family, perhaps as many as five people.  Two body receptacles were bored horizontally into the rock wall.  Each was almost six feet deep.
Since this tomb is not a primary tourist spot and does not get anything like the volume of visitors its neighbor site receives, we lingered there a while.  Some of us went inside.  And a few of us even decided to wriggle out way into the body receptacles.
What a strange and almost mystical experience!  Was there an end to that dark tunnel?  What was inside the shaft that might represent a threat to me?  Was this "imitation" of death some sort of mocking inducement of its power?
But there is nothing to fear from death because of what happened with Jesus at some place within a stone's throw of where I was that day.  His resurrection has broken the power of death.  Christ is the ultimate victor -- not death -- and I stand with him.
I could only mutter, "Thank you, God, that you would not let death hold him!"  Then someone began singing, "Up from the grave he arose!"  And with the most subdued sense of confidence, we left that dark place, put its threatening presence behind us, and walked away with an invigorated sense of gratitude for Easter.
"He arose!  He arose!  Hallelujah, Christ arose!"

===============

The Eulogy

My son had to write a eulogy of himself for a university course called, The Essence of Man. He asked if I could assist him with the paper.

I wrote...
Dear Son: This is going to be hard since I have to imagine that you are dead but really are alive. This will take on more meaning since we have to go to the funeral home right after this to visit some family who have lost their father.

"Peter Gideon, (known as Gideon) our only son, will be sadly missed by dad, mom, family and friends..."

 Upon completion, I shared the eulogy with my wife. She told me later that she cried after she read it. I thought to myself, "But he is alive; he is not dead." I was relieved. I promptly deleted the article. I did not want to think that my only son was dead.

 At Easter time, many years ago, angels came to some people and said exactly the same thing. "He is not dead but alive! He is risen!" They were referring to Jesus Christ who died a terrible death on the cross for our sins and to give us new life, a new meaning to exist. (Luke 24:5)

Friend, God's only Son is not dead as some believe. He is alive! If Jesus, God's Son was dead, we would have no reason to exist. There would be no purpose for life. The essence of man would be futile. There are so many in this world that believe God is dead. These same people find no reason to live.

Would you consider praying this prayer... "God, I always thought that you were dead. I hear that You loved your Son but chose to send Him to earth to die a terrible death on the cross for my sins. Thank you for making such a sacrifice. I am sorry for the wrongs that I have done to hurt You. Somehow, I really don't have any purpose in my life, nothing really to strive for. Would you come into my life and give me new meaning, a new purpose? You are my last hope. Repair my heart and make me interested in living once again. Open my eyes so that I can see color once more. Heal me so that I can enjoy the nature around me. Amen."

Contributed by George Prins.
mailto:gprins@freenet.npiec.on.ca

===============
Why I Believe In The Resurrection

Text: 1 Cor 15:1-8,13-19, Job 14:14, Matt 27:64, Matt 28:13, Luke 24:11

The case for the resurrection of Jesus.  The two main facts are the empty tomb and the post-resurrection appearances.  Alternate theories are discussed: the body was stolen, authorities moved it, women went to wrong tomb, swoon. For appearances, hallucinations are discussed.

================

The Resurrection of Jesus

Scripture unanimously depicts the personal and bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead by the power of God, but numerous other attempts to explain it have emerged: (1) Jesus never really died-instead, he lost consciousness and regained it after being laid in a cool tomb (the swoon theory); (2) the disciples of Jesus stole his body and then lied about a resurrection (28:12-15); (3) the disciples had hallucinations and dreams that they mistakenly confused with a physical resurrection; and (4) the resurrection is a personal experience in the heart of faith, not an event in history. Behind such suggestions lies a deep-seated skepticism toward the supernatural, or at least toward whether a miraculous event could have happened. Such suggestions fail to take into account the fact that for NT authors and their audiences, the term "resurrection" could only have meant the literal reanimation of a dead corpse (see 1 Cor 15).

The historicity of Jesus' resurrection and the historical reliability of the biblical accounts are supported by (1) the evidence of an empty tomb; (2) the presence of women as witnesses (no one would have made up a story with women as witnesses, since the testimony of a woman was considered to be less reliable than that of a man); (3) the varied but basically unified accounts of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances; (4) the transformation of the disciples from a fearful band into fearless followers; and (5) the disciples' ability to overcome the scandal of following a crucified man (Deut 21:23 indicates that one who dies such a death has fallen under God's curse). Judaism had no concept of a dying and rising Messiah that could conveniently be applied to Jesus. Inventing something no one would find conceivable would have made little sense. The most reasonable conclusion is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the dead.

Matt 16:21; 17:9, 23; 20:19; 26:32; 28:1-10
Mark 14:28
Luke 9:22; 14:14
John 2:19-22; 5:21; 6:39-40; 11:1-44; 14:20; 21:14
Acts 1:21-22; 2:22-36; 3:15, 26; 4:2, 10, 33; 5:30; 10:39-40; 13:29-31; 17:18, 32; 23:6-10
Rom 1:4; 4:24-25; 6:4-5, 9; 7:4; 8:11, 34; 10:9
1 Cor 6:14; 15:4, 12-23, 35, 42-44, 52
2 Cor 1:9; 4:14; 5:15
Gal 1:1
Eph 1:19-20; 2:5-6
Phil 3:10-11
Col 2:12; 3:1
1 Thes 1:10; 4:14
2 Tim 2:8, 18
Heb 6:2; 11:35
1 Pet 1:21; 3:18, 21
Rev 20:4-8, 11-15


https://youtu.be/5i60y01bNwk




Why is it called "Good Friday"?




Humor:
   A minister in Darby, Pennsylvania, tell this one:
   The four-year-old son of an undertaker was puzzled one Easter morning when he heard about the Resurrection. "Do you mean," he asked, "that Jesus really rose up from the dead?"
   "Oh, yes," the teacher said.
   The boy shook his head. "I know my daddy didn't take care of Him after He died," the boy said. "He'd never get up again!"

=============



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

#237 (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42) Jesus is Laid in the Tomb - Life of Christ = Week 48 - Tuesday

Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Matthew 27:57-61
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:38-42

Intro Questions

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:42–46; Luke 23:50–54; John 19:38–42

Mk 15:42When it was already evening, because it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Jn 19:38aJoseph of Arimathea [Mt 27:57aa rich man from Arimathea named Joseph], Lk 23:50aa good and righteous man, Mk 15:43ba prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, Lk 23:51awho had not agreed with their plan and action, Jn 19:38aa disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body.

Mk 15:44–45Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died. 45When he found out from the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph, Jn 19:38bso he came and took His body away.

Jn 19:39–40Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes†. 40Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

41There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. And in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. 42So because of the Jewish preparation day, since the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus there. Mt 27:60bHe left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 240). Holman Bible Publishers.




Afterwards Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jewish leaders, boldly asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down; and Pilate told him to go ahead. So he came and took it away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, came too, bringing a hundred pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Together they wrapped Jesus' body in a long linen cloth saturated with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial. The place of crucifixion was near a grove of trees, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because of the need for haste before the Sabbath, and because the tomb was close at hand, they laid him there.

  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • What do you learn about Joseph of Arimathea? Why would he risk his reputation and status at this point?
  • What did Luke's account indicate about the women in Luke 23:55-56?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • Jesus had apparently failed, but Joseph and the women did not abandon him. What do you learn from this for your life?
  • What does Jesus' crucifixion teach you about success, power, wealth and status?
  • What can the church (or Christians) do to make God's word from the cross relevant to our needy world?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


OPEN:
  • What kind of burial would you like: Large? Small? Somber? Boisterous? Where would you prefer to be buried? Why?

DIG:

  • Why did secret believers, Joseph and Nicodemus, risk public exposure now?
  • Some say Jesus did not really die, but revived in the tomb. How do John 19:1,18, 32-34, 40 disprove this notion?



REFLECT:

  • How does your fear of others and your love for Jesus sometimes conflict?
  • In spite of past failures and fears, what will you do this week to show love for Jesus?




Changed Lives
The Gospel writers described four particular people who were changed in the process of Jesus' death. The criminal, dying on the cross beside Jesus, asked Jesus to include him in his Kingdom (Luke 23:39-43). The Roman centurion proclaimed that surely Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). Joseph and Nicodemus, members of the Council and secret followers of Jesus (John 7:50-52), came out of hiding. These men were changed more by Jesus' death than by his life. They realized who Jesus was, and that realization brought out their belief, proclamation, and action. When confronted with Jesus and his death, we should be changed—to believe, proclaim, and act.


Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Jesus. Joseph was a leader and honored member of the Jewish Council (the Sanhedrin). Nicodemus, also a member of the Council, had come to Jesus by night (3:1) and later tried to defend him before the other religious leaders (7:50-52). They risked their reputations to provide for Jesus' burial.


Links to other information:
* New Tomb
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Monday, November 25, 2024

#236 (Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37) Jesus Dies on the Cross - Life of Christ = Week 48 - Monday

Jesus Dies on the Cross
Matthew 27:45-56
Mark 15:33-41
Luke 23:44-49
John 19:28-37

Supernatural Events Surrounding Jesus’ Death

Matthew 27:45–54; Mark 15:33–39; Luke 23:44–48; John 19:28–30

Mt 27:45–49From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. 46At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!…” 49But the rest said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him!”

Jn 19:28–30After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty!” 29A vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” [Lk 23:46aAnd Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, ‘into your hands I entrust My spirit’ ”]. Then bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.

Mt 27:51–53Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked† and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest were raised†. 53And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.

54When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son [Lk 23:47bThis man really was righteous].”

Lk 23:48All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.[1]


Soldiers Pierce the Side of Jesus

John 19:31–37

31Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him.

33When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. 34But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. 36For these things happened so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” 37Also, another Scripture says: “They will look at the One they pierced.”

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 238–239). Holman Bible Publishers.


Whose death (family, friend or national figure) has affected you most? Why?



That afternoon, the whole earth was covered with darkness for three hours, from noon until three o'clock. About three o'clock, Jesus shouted, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine and put it on a stick and held it up to him to drink. But the rest said, "Leave him alone. Let's see whether Elijah will come and save him."
Then Jesus shouted out again, dismissed his spirit, and died.

And look! The curtain secluding the Holiest Place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and rocks broke, and tombs opened, and many godly men and women who had died came back to life again. After Jesus' resurrection, they left the cemetery and went into Jerusalem, and appeared to many people there.
The soldiers at the crucifixion and their sergeant were terribly frightened by the earthquake and all that happened. They exclaimed, "Surely this was God's Son."
And many women who had come down from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee).



  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • What is the meaning of the darkness (see Luke 25:53)? The torn curtain (Hebrews 9)? Jesus's prayer (Psalm 31:5)? The centurion's confession in Luke 23:47?
  • Describe the attitude with which Jesus met death in Luke 23:46
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • From the elements here, how would you describe to someone what Jesus's death was all about? How does it make difference in your view of sin and failure? Your confidence in God's love?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


OPEN:
  • What movie or book (such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Godspell," or "Jesus of Nazareth") brought home to you most vividly the events of the crucifixion?

DIG:
  • From here and throughout John's Gospel, we see that Jesus' death has a special paradoxical meaning: In what sense was Jesus' death necessary, yet voluntary? Triumphant, yet tragic? Pre-ordained, yet avoidable? Lifted up, yet laid down? Unjust, yet just? Finished, yet ongoing?

REFLECT:

  • How would you explain the need for the crucifixion to someone else?
  • How is Jesus' death real to you? How have Jesus' "blood" and "water" touched your life? What would your life be like without them?



The Cup
Jesus was not questioning God; he was quoting the first line of Psalm 22—a deep expression of the anguish he was feeling as he was taking on the sins of the world, which caused him to be separated from his Father. This was what Jesus had dreaded as he had prayed to God in the garden to take the cup from him (Matthew 26:39). The physical agony was horrible; even worse was the period of spiritual separation from his Father. Jesus suffered this double death so that we would never have to experience eternal separation from God. Jesus has gone through so much for you. What can you do for him?


We do not know how this darkness occurred, but it is clear that God caused it. Nature testified to the gravity of Jesus' death, while Jesus' friends and enemies alike fell silent in the encircling gloom. The darkness on that Friday afternoon was both physical and spiritual.


Direct Access
The tearing of the Temple curtain symbolized Christ's work on the cross. The Temple had three parts: the courts for all the people; the Holy Place, where only priests could enter; and the Most Holy Place, where the high priest alone could enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people. It was in the Most Holy Place that the Ark of the Covenant, and God's presence with it, rested. The curtain that was torn had closed off the Most Holy Place from view. At Christ's death, the barrier between God and man was split in two. Now all people can approach God directly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22). Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we have direct access to God. You can talk to God about anything, at any time. Stay close to him.


Christ's death was accompanied by at least four miraculous events: darkness, the tearing in two of the veil in the Temple, an earthquake, and dead people rising from their tombs. Jesus' death, therefore, could not have gone unnoticed. Everyone knew something significant had happened.


https://youtu.be/VgsycyHAca8
More Resources:
Mark 15:39-47 — The Powers Recognize the Reality of the Kingdom of God in Jesus
http://johnmarkhicks.com/2012/08/15/mark-1539-47-the-powers-recognize-the-reality-of-the-kingdom-of-god-in-jesus/





https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist



Links to other resources:




Jesus’ Seven Last Words from the Cross

            1.   “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

            2.   “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

            3.   “Woman here is your son … Here is your mother” (John 19:26–27).

            4.   “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34).

            5.   “I’m thirsty” (John 19:28).

            6.   “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

            7.   “Father, ‘into Your hands I entrust My spirit’ ” (Luke 23:46).


Working Document for DBS

Series Questions Jesus Asked

Title: Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts:

v  Angel Park

o   Prayer for it to be able to advance God’s kingdom.

v  Darkness at the crucifixion.

o   “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Jesus

§  A gut-wrenching question to His Father.

§  Reflect on that.

 

Text: Matthew 27:45-56

 

The Death of Jesus

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

 

Summarize main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

·          Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  Look at the question, “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

o   Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.

o   Why did Jesus ask the question?

§  It was our sin that separated him from the Father.

·         Isaiah 53:4 Surely he took up our pain and he bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

·         Psalm 22:22-24 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

·         1 John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to this question Jesus asked?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Reward #Jesus #enemies

Sunday sermon link          https://youtu.be/VgsycyHAca8

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more details:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A45-56&version=NIV


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)