Embracing the Victory of Christ's Resurrection
Summary
In the narrative shared, the central theme revolves around the significance of the covenant established through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the call for Christians to bear witness to this transformative event. The breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup during the Last Supper are highlighted as symbolic acts that Jesus used to represent His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins. This ritual serves as a reminder of the new covenant and the abundant grace available through Christ. It is an opportunity for believers to see, believe, and know the depth of God's love and the victory that has been won through Jesus' death and resurrection.
The narrative emphasizes the importance of remembering and proclaiming the message of Jesus' victory over death. The phrase "It is finished," uttered by Jesus on the cross, is interpreted as a declaration of triumph rather than defeat. It signifies the completion of Jesus' mission to be the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God, who willingly gave His life to conquer sin and death. This victory is a source of hope and assurance for believers, as it means that the fear of death is overcome and eternal life is secured.
The story of a woman named Shirley and her encounter with a helpful stranger who may have been an angel is used to illustrate the mysterious and miraculous ways in which God can intervene in human affairs. Just as angels brought messages of hope and truth to biblical figures like Mary and Joseph, modern-day believers may also experience divine encounters that bring reassurance and guidance.
The narrative also recounts the events of the resurrection morning, where an angel rolled away the stone from Jesus' tomb and invited the women to come and see the empty tomb, and then to go and tell others about what they had witnessed. This angelic invitation is seen as a model for all Christians: to come and see the truth of the resurrection for themselves and then to go and tell others, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.
The transformative power of the resurrection is further illustrated by the reaction of the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb. Despite their military prowess, they were filled with fear at the sight of the angel and the supernatural event of the resurrection. This serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's power and the reality that what may seem impossible to humans is possible with God.
In conclusion, the narrative calls on every Christian to embrace the challenge of witnessing to the resurrection. Believers are encouraged to share their experiences of encountering the risen Christ and to let the world hear the message of hope and victory that comes from knowing that God is alive and active in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Last Supper is a profound moment that encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission and the establishment of a new covenant. Through the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup, believers are invited to remember and internalize the sacrifice of Christ, which offers forgiveness and grace. This ritual is not just a historical remembrance but a present opportunity to experience the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death. [19:38]
- The declaration "It is finished" by Jesus on the cross is a powerful proclamation of victory, not defeat. It signifies the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the triumph over the powers of sin and death. This statement can serve as a source of strength and encouragement for believers, reminding them that in Christ, they too share in this victory and can face life's challenges with confidence. [16:56]
- Angelic encounters in the Bible, as well as personal testimonies of divine intervention, highlight the ongoing presence and activity of God in the world. These stories encourage believers to be open to the unexpected ways God may choose to communicate hope, truth, and guidance, and to recognize that such encounters can have a profound impact on one's faith journey. [14:17]
- The angel's message to the women at the tomb to "come and see" and then "go and tell" is a timeless call to action for all Christians. It emphasizes the importance of personal experience with the risen Christ as the foundation for credible witness. Believers are encouraged to not only seek personal encounters with God but also to actively share their faith with others, fulfilling the Great Commission. [07:42]
- The fear of the Roman soldiers at the resurrection scene serves as a testament to the power of God, which can shake even the most formidable human institutions. This account reminds believers that God's power surpasses all earthly might and that faith in the resurrected Christ empowers them to face life with courage, knowing that God's sovereignty is unmatched. [08:10]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:1-10 (NIV)
> "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him." Now I have told you.' So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings,' he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'"
2. John 19:30 (NIV)
> "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
3. Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)
> "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the angel say to the women at the tomb, and what were they instructed to do afterward? ([07:42])
2. How did the Roman soldiers react to the angel at the tomb, and what does this signify about God's power? ([08:10])
3. What is the significance of Jesus' statement "It is finished" on the cross? ([16:56])
4. During the Last Supper, what did Jesus use to symbolize His body and blood, and what did He instruct His disciples to do? ([19:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the angel's invitation to "come and see" and then "go and tell" reveal about the role of personal experience in sharing the gospel? ([07:42])
2. How does the reaction of the Roman soldiers to the angel at the tomb illustrate the contrast between human power and divine power? ([08:10])
3. In what ways does Jesus' declaration "It is finished" provide assurance and hope for believers? ([16:56])
4. How does the ritual of the Last Supper serve as a reminder of the new covenant and the grace available through Christ? ([19:38])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in an unexpected way. How did this experience impact your faith, and how can you share this story with others? ([10:10])
2. The angel's message to "come and see" and then "go and tell" is a call to action. How can you actively seek personal encounters with God, and what steps can you take to share your faith with others this week? ([07:42])
3. Jesus' statement "It is finished" signifies victory over sin and death. How can this truth help you face current challenges in your life with confidence and hope? ([16:56])
4. The Roman soldiers were filled with fear at the sight of the angel. How can recognizing God's unmatched power help you overcome fears or doubts in your own life? ([08:10])
5. During the Last Supper, Jesus established a new covenant through His body and blood. How can participating in communion deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice and its significance in your daily life? ([19:38])
6. The story of Shirley and the helpful stranger illustrates divine intervention. Have you ever experienced or heard of a similar encounter? How did it affect your belief in God's active presence in the world? ([14:52])
7. The resurrection morning is a powerful reminder of God's ability to make the impossible possible. What "impossible" situation in your life do you need to trust God with, and how can you seek His guidance and intervention? ([18:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the New Covenant
The Last Supper signifies a profound moment where Jesus established a new covenant through His sacrifice. As believers partake in communion, they are reminded of the grace and forgiveness that flow from Christ's victory over sin and death. This sacred act calls for a deep reflection on the transformative power of Jesus' love and the hope it brings to humanity. [19:38]
Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
Reflection: How does participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your understanding of the new covenant and your relationship with Christ?
Day 2: Victory in Jesus' Completion
The words "It is finished" spoken by Jesus on the cross mark the completion of His mission and the ultimate victory over sin and death. This declaration is a testament to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and serves as a beacon of hope and assurance for all who believe. In Christ, we find the strength to overcome life's challenges, knowing that the battle has already been won. [16:56]
John 19:30 - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Reflection: In what ways does the victory of Jesus' completed work on the cross provide comfort and confidence in your daily life?
Day 3: Encounters with the Divine
Angelic encounters and personal testimonies of divine intervention remind us of God's active presence in our lives. These experiences, often unexpected, can bring profound reassurance and guidance, strengthening our faith and encouraging us to remain open to God's mysterious ways. [14:17]
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Reflection: Have you ever experienced a moment that you believe was a divine intervention? How did it impact your faith and perception of God's presence in your life?
Day 4: Witnessing the Resurrection
The angel's invitation to the women at the tomb to "come and see" and then "go and tell" is a call to action for all believers. It is essential to personally experience the truth of the resurrection and to share this life-changing reality with others. This act of witnessing is central to the Christian faith and the Great Commission. [07:42]
Matthew 28:6-7 - "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Reflection: How can you more actively "come and see" the truth of Christ in your life and "go and tell" others about your experiences with the risen Lord?
Day 5: The Power of God's Sovereignty
The fear of the Roman soldiers at the resurrection scene underscores the incomparable power of God. This event reminds believers that no earthly power can match the sovereignty of God, and faith in the resurrected Christ empowers us to face life with courage and awe. [08:10]
Matthew 28:2-4 - "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and rely on God's sovereignty in situations where you feel powerless or intimidated by worldly forces?
Quotes
1) "Jesus wanted his disciples to have something that would help them recognize the covenant that he had made for the forgiveness of sins, the abundant grace given to us by Christ." [19:38] (Download)
2) "The angel said come and see and go and tell, and so today we come and we receive and then we go and then we tell. We tell the world because that's our call as disciples." [20:57] (Download)
3) "Jesus said it's finished in victory. He had become the perfect lamb so that as he died and gave up his life, victory was won. We can hold that victory because of Christ." [16:56] (Download)
4) "Every time you get really down or overwhelmed, you can pull that coin out of your pocket and say it is finished. I have victory in Christ who conquered death and made the impossible possible." [18:04] (Download)
5) "The soldiers, big tough soldiers, shook and got scared and laid there as to be dead when they met the angel. This shows the awe-inspiring power of God's presence." [08:10] (Download)
6) "The angels have always pointed to God's message. They brought hope and truth to Mary and Joseph, and they continue to guide us today, reminding us that with God, everything's possible." [09:30] (Download)
7) "The angel sitting on the stone after rolling it away invites us to come and see the empty tomb, then go and tell. This is the timeless call to action for all Christians." [07:42] (Download)
8) "It is our challenge to celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection, to come and see and then go and tell. This is the call of every Christian." [22:17] (Download)
9) "The angel's message to the women at the tomb to 'come and see' and then 'go and tell' is a timeless call to action for all Christians." [22:17] (Download)
10) "Maybe she encountered an angel, maybe God sent an angel to give her truth and to give her hope. That's what the angels did that day, gave Mary truth and hope." [15:32] (Download)
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