Embracing the Resurrection: Hope and Transformation
Summary
Imagine standing at the tomb on that first Easter morning, as described in Luke 24. The women who came to the tomb were not expecting a resurrection; they were there to complete the burial rites for Jesus. Yet, they were met with an empty tomb and a profound question from the angels: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" This question challenges us to consider where we seek life and hope. The angels remind the women of Jesus' words, predicting his death and resurrection, words that had been spoken multiple times but were not fully understood until that moment.
Joseph of Arimathea plays a crucial role in this narrative. Despite the risk to his status and life, he boldly requests Jesus' body from Pilate, ensuring Jesus receives a proper burial. This act of courage and faith sets the stage for the resurrection. The women, initially coming to mourn, become the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection, transforming from bearers of spices to bearers of the greatest news ever told.
The resurrection is not just an event of the past but a promise for our future. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizes that Christ's resurrection is the firstfruits of those who have died. In Christ, death is defeated, and we are promised a resurrection like his. This victory over death is not just for Jesus but for all who are united with him through baptism and faith. The empty tomb signifies that death does not have the final word; life in Christ does.
As resurrection people, we are called to live in the light of this victory, sharing the hope and promise of the resurrection with others. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain because it is grounded in the reality of the risen Christ. This Easter, let us remember that the grave is empty, and Jesus is victorious. Hallelujah, Christ is risen!
Key Takeaways
- The question posed by the angels, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" invites us to reflect on where we seek life and hope. It challenges us to look beyond the grave and recognize the living Christ who transforms our understanding of life and death. [02:50]
- Joseph of Arimathea's bold request for Jesus' body demonstrates the courage and faith required to follow Christ. His actions remind us that faith often requires risking our comfort and status to honor and serve Jesus. [06:41]
- The resurrection is not just a historical event but a promise of our future. In Christ, we are assured of a resurrection like his, where death is defeated, and life is eternal. This hope transforms how we live today. [09:08]
- The women at the tomb, initially coming to mourn, become the first evangelists of the resurrection. Their transformation from mourners to messengers highlights the power of encountering the risen Christ and the call to share this good news with others. [14:38]
- As resurrection people, we are called to live in the victory of Christ's resurrection, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. This assurance empowers us to be steadfast and immovable in our faith and witness. [14:38]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:50] - The Empty Tomb
[06:41] - Joseph of Arimathea's Boldness
[09:08] - The Promise of Resurrection
[14:38] - Living as Resurrection People
[17:00] - The Women as First Evangelists
[20:15] - Paul's Assurance in 1 Corinthians
[23:30] - Victory Over Death
[26:45] - Our Call to Share the Good News
[30:00] - Conclusion: Hallelujah, Christ is Risen!
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection and Our Hope
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 24:1-12
2. 1 Corinthians 15:19-22
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial purpose of the women visiting the tomb, and how did their expectations change upon arrival? [02:50]
2. How did Joseph of Arimathea demonstrate courage and faith in his actions following Jesus' crucifixion? [06:41]
3. What specific message did the angels convey to the women at the tomb, and how did it relate to Jesus' previous teachings? [09:08]
4. How did the disciples initially react to the women's report of the resurrection, and what does this reveal about their understanding at the time? [09:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The angels asked, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" How does this question challenge the way believers seek life and hope in their daily lives? [02:50]
2. Joseph of Arimathea risked his status and safety to honor Jesus. What does this teach about the nature of faith and the potential costs of discipleship? [06:41]
3. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul describes Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits." What does this metaphor suggest about the future hope for believers? [14:38]
4. The transformation of the women from mourners to messengers is significant. What does this change signify about the power of encountering the risen Christ? [09:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the question posed by the angels: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment in things that cannot truly satisfy? How can you redirect your focus to the living Christ? [02:50]
2. Joseph of Arimathea took a bold step in his faith. Is there a situation in your life where you feel called to take a risk for your faith? What might that look like, and what steps can you take to act on it? [06:41]
3. The resurrection is a promise of our future. How does this assurance of eternal life influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [14:38]
4. The women at the tomb became the first evangelists of the resurrection. How can you share the message of hope and resurrection with those around you? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [09:08]
5. As resurrection people, we are called to live in the victory of Christ's resurrection. What are some practical ways you can embody this victory in your community and church? [14:38]
6. Paul encourages believers to be steadfast and immovable in their faith. What challenges do you face in remaining steadfast, and how can you overcome them? [14:38]
7. Consider the transformation of the disciples from doubters to proclaimers. How can you allow your encounters with Christ to transform your doubts into a stronger faith? [09:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Life in the Right Places
The angels' question, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" challenges us to examine where we seek life and hope. Often, we look for fulfillment in temporary or worldly things, forgetting that true life is found in Christ. The women at the tomb were expecting to find Jesus' body, but instead, they encountered an empty tomb and a reminder of Jesus' promise of resurrection. This moment invites us to shift our focus from the dead things of this world to the living hope found in Jesus. [02:50]
Isaiah 55:2-3 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment in things that ultimately do not satisfy? How can you redirect your focus to find life and hope in Christ today?
Day 2: Courageous Faith in Action
Joseph of Arimathea's bold request for Jesus' body exemplifies the courage and faith required to follow Christ. Despite the potential risks to his status and safety, Joseph acted out of love and devotion, ensuring Jesus received a proper burial. His actions remind us that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks to honor and serve Jesus. This kind of faith is not passive but active, calling us to make bold decisions in our walk with Christ. [06:41]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a bold step of faith? What practical action can you take this week to respond to that call?
Day 3: The Promise of Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a promise of our future. In Christ, we are assured of a resurrection like his, where death is defeated, and life is eternal. This hope transforms how we live today, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. The empty tomb signifies that death does not have the final word; life in Christ does. This assurance empowers us to live with purpose and hope, even in the face of life's challenges. [09:08]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life in Christ change your perspective on current struggles or fears? How can you live more fully in the light of this promise today?
Day 4: From Mourners to Messengers
The women at the tomb, initially coming to mourn, become the first evangelists of the resurrection. Their transformation from mourners to messengers highlights the power of encountering the risen Christ. This encounter compels them to share the good news with others, demonstrating that anyone can be a bearer of the gospel. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the hope and joy of the resurrection with those around us, becoming messengers of God's love and grace. [14:38]
Acts 4:20 (ESV): "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and resurrection? How can you share this good news with them in a meaningful way this week?
Day 5: Living in the Victory of Christ
As resurrection people, we are called to live in the victory of Christ's resurrection, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. This assurance empowers us to be steadfast and immovable in our faith and witness. The victory over death through Jesus gives us confidence and purpose, encouraging us to persevere in our spiritual journey and to share the hope of the resurrection with others. [14:38]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more steadfast and immovable in your faith this week? How can you abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your efforts are not in vain?
Quotes
``"And before they're given an opportunity to answer, the angel responds and continues on and tells them these incredible words. He is not here, but he has risen. Remember how he spoke to you when you were still in Galilee saying, it is necessary that the son of man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and rise on the third day. It's another question. Why do you look for the living among the dead? Don't you remember what he had said?" [00:04:46] (32 seconds)
"He doesn't just say, people aren't going to like me, or I'm going to get arrested, or it's going to get hard, guys. No, he says, I'm going to be delivered into the hands of sinful men. I'm going to be crucified, not just killed. I'm going to be crucified on a cross, which is only reserved for the insurrectionists, the murderers, the worst criminals possible. And Jesus says, that cross is coming for me. But don't worry. In three days, I will rise." [00:06:30] (30 seconds)
"None of them are there that Easter morning, waiting by the tomb for Jesus to come marching out of the tomb and saying, hey, wait, where is everybody? I sent out invitations. I told them I was coming and they're not here. But let's face it, would we have been there? The ladies come to the tomb not to celebrate a resurrection, but they come to finish a burial of a dead guy. But instead of being bearers of spices to a dead body, they come bearers of the most incredible news the world would ever hear." [00:07:14] (38 seconds)
"But then doubters are changed when they see a resurrected Christ, not just on Easter, in a locked upper room, or on a road to Emmaus, but by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and many in other various places, Jesus appearing very much alive to these who first doubted, who weren't ready, who had been told but weren't prepared for what Jesus would actually pull off with his resurrection. Doubters becoming eyewitnesses, still chosen, still worthy to go into the world to proclaim the good news that Jesus has risen from the dead." [00:10:11] (46 seconds)
"It means that our great enemy of death itself is defeated in Christ Jesus. And that we have been, as Paul writes, joined to Christ Jesus in a death like his in baptism. And the good news is, is that because we've been joined to Christ in a death like his, we also get to be joined to him in a resurrection like his. We get our story connected to his story. He is risen and because he has risen, we too will rise." [00:11:02] (29 seconds)
"For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. This is why we're here. We are here to celebrate the good news that death does not get a say over you. That Christ himself who has conquered death gets that say over you. And he has united himself to you in a real way in the water and word of your baptism. He's given you that assurance this morning through his very body and blood, given and shed for you through bread and wine to strengthen your faith, to know that you are, as he declares, forgiven." [00:14:12] (44 seconds)
"Paul writes these at the end of 1 Corinthians 15. After he lays out the evidence, invites the people of Corinth to come and talk to the eyewitnesses of the resurrection who weren't prepared for it but became proclaimers of it after seeing Jesus alive. He ends with these beautiful words. He says, death is swallowed up in victory. Oh, death, where is your victory? Oh, death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:15:36] (40 seconds)
"And then he has these encouraging words. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, be immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. He tells you the resurrection promises so that you would share the resurrection promises with others, so that they too would be prepared for that day, knowing Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord over sin and death and the devil. Friends, we are resurrection people." [00:15:57] (39 seconds)
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