Easter: The Relevance of Christ Risen
March 31, 2013
"If Jesus is risen, His message is true… If He is resurrected, it means we know who God is. We know what God is like—we know He’s good, we know He’s holy, we know He loves us with an everlasting love. We know He wants us. He showed us the heart of God. We know who God is. We’re not in the dark. We will be His people, and He will dwell in the midst of us forever."
scriptures cited:
Matthew 27:51-53
John 20:1-18
Luke 24:13-32
John 20:19-29
John 21:1-14
1 Corinthians 15:3-7
1 Corinthians 15:13-19
1 Corinthians 15:29-32
John 14:2
reflection questions:
What was the most memorable thing that happened to your spiritual life during this year’s season of Lent? What insight stood out the most, whether it was through Easter Encounter or personal prayer or life circumstances?
The Resurrection is the chief message that was preached by the early church. They knew that by it, everything about Christianity is true. To claim that we have the one true worldview is considered offensive in today’s society. How can we navigate that social issue with grace and truth?
The disciples at Emmaus were kept from recognizing Jesus until He broke bread in their presence. Why do you think they couldn’t recognize Him? What was it about the moment of breaking bread that helped them to see?
Although Thomas doubted that Jesus had returned, perhaps that doubt led him to live out his faith more fiercely in the end. A place for honest doubting can lead to deeper areas of growth, as long as we take those doubts before God and continue to interact with Him, struggling with Him for answers. What are some doubts that you may not have brought before God yet?