From Doubt to Faith: Embracing the Resurrection
Summary
In my sermon, I began by engaging with the children, reminiscing about the excitement and mystery of Easter egg hunts, drawing a parallel to the mystery and uncertainty that can surround the Easter story ([01:20]). I acknowledged that the story of Jesus' death and resurrection is a large claim, one that can leave us with questions about truth and the nature of God ([03:47]). I emphasized that while it's natural to have doubts, it's also possible to have certainty about God's existence and His actions in history, as Luke aimed to provide through his orderly account ([06:16]).
I recounted the biblical narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who were His followers ([08:07]). Their initial preparation of spices for Jesus' body showed they expected Him to stay dead, highlighting the presence of doubt even among His closest followers ([10:23]). Yet, when they found the tomb empty, their confusion was met with angelic reassurance and a reminder of Jesus' own words about His resurrection ([12:12]).
I then turned to the disciples' reaction to the women's report of the empty tomb, which they initially dismissed as nonsense ([15:11]). However, Peter's decision to investigate the tomb himself showed the importance of seeking and exploring, even amidst doubt ([16:21]). I shared the account of Jesus appearing to His disciples, offering them peace and inviting them to touch Him and see that He was truly alive ([18:06]). This moment was significant as it showed Jesus' understanding and compassion towards doubt and fear ([19:25]).
I addressed the skeptics directly, acknowledging that it's not just about evidence but also about the willingness to consider the possibility of God's existence and goodness ([21:29]). I invited everyone to trust that God is for them and loves them unreservedly, and that true satisfaction and purpose can only be found in Jesus ([23:27]). I concluded by affirming that God has overcome the world and its challenges, and that we can know Him personally and experience the hope and joy He offers ([24:06]).
Key Takeaways:
1. The Easter story, while shrouded in mystery, invites us to explore the depths of our faith and the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Just as children search for hidden eggs with anticipation, we too can approach the claims of the Gospel with a sense of wonder and a willingness to discover the truth. ([01:20])
2. Doubt is not a barrier to faith but a part of the journey towards certainty. Luke's Gospel was written to provide an orderly account so that we may have certainty about Jesus' life and teachings. This historical account serves as a foundation for our faith and a source of assurance in our quest for truth. ([06:16])
3. The response of Jesus' followers to the empty tomb reflects our own varied reactions to the resurrection. Their initial actions, based on doubt, transformed into faith as they encountered the reality of the risen Christ. This transformation is a testament to the power of Jesus' resurrection to change hearts and minds. ([10:23])
4. The skepticism of the disciples, who initially thought the resurrection was nonsense, is an important reminder that faith often begins with questions and doubts. Their eventual belief underscores the importance of investigating the claims of the Gospel for ourselves. ([15:11])
5. Jesus' approach to His disciples' doubts after His resurrection demonstrates that our questions and apprehensions are welcome. He meets us with peace and tangible evidence of His presence, inviting us to experience the certainty and hope found in Him. ([18:06])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.' And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened."
2. Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."
3. John 20:19-20 (ESV)
"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."
Observation Questions:
1. What did the women find when they arrived at the tomb, and how did they react to this discovery?
2. Who appeared to the women at the tomb, and what message did they deliver?
3. According to Luke 1:1-4, what was Luke's purpose in writing his Gospel account?
4. How did the apostles initially respond to the women's report of the empty tomb?
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the women have been perplexed and frightened upon finding the empty tomb, despite Jesus' previous teachings about his resurrection?
2. What does the reaction of the apostles to the women's report suggest about the nature of belief and skepticism?
3. Considering Luke's intention for writing his Gospel, how does an orderly account contribute to our understanding and certainty of the events described?
4. How does the encounter with the risen Jesus and his message of peace impact the disciples' understanding of his death and resurrection?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you encountered something unexpected in your faith journey. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
2. Think about a moment when you doubted a truth about God. How did you seek clarity, and what helped to reaffirm your faith?
3. Identify a situation in your life where you need to experience Jesus' peace. What steps can you take to invite that peace into your circumstance?
4. Choose one person in your life who may be skeptical about faith. How can you lovingly engage them in a conversation about the hope found in Jesus this week?
5. What is one way you can demonstrate the reality of the resurrection in your actions and interactions with others, showing the transformative power of Jesus' love and peace?
Devotional
Day 1: Mystery Invites Discovery
The excitement of an Easter egg hunt, with its hidden treasures and the joy of discovery, mirrors the journey of exploring the Easter story. The resurrection of Jesus, a profound mystery that has captivated believers for centuries, beckons us to delve into the depths of our faith. It is an invitation to approach the Gospel with a sense of wonder, to seek out the hidden truths that lie within its narrative. As children anticipate the rewards of their search, so too can we anticipate the spiritual riches that come from a deeper understanding of the resurrection and its implications for our lives. The quest for truth is not a passive one; it requires active engagement and a willingness to uncover the layers of meaning that surround the Easter event. [01:20]
Luke 24:1-3 (ESV)
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."
Reflection: How can you approach the story of Jesus' resurrection with fresh eyes and an open heart, as if hearing it for the first time?
Day 2: Doubt as a Path to Certainty
Doubt is often seen as a weakness in faith, but it can also be a catalyst for seeking greater understanding and certainty. Luke's Gospel provides an orderly account of Jesus' life and teachings, offering a historical foundation that can help transform doubt into assurance. This narrative invites us to examine the evidence, to grapple with our questions, and to find a deeper conviction in the truth of the resurrection. Doubt does not have to be a stumbling block; instead, it can be a stepping stone that leads us to a more robust and resilient faith. As we confront our uncertainties, we are encouraged to dig deeper, to ask the hard questions, and to discover the solid ground upon which our beliefs can stand. [06:16]
Acts 17:11-12 (ESV)
"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men."
Reflection: What doubts or questions about your faith can you bring before God today, seeking His guidance for greater clarity and conviction?
Day 3: Transformation Through Encounter
The initial disbelief of Jesus' followers upon finding the empty tomb is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of encountering the risen Christ. Their journey from doubt to faith mirrors our own spiritual experiences, where moments of uncertainty can lead to profound revelations of truth. The resurrection is not just a historical event to be acknowledged; it is a reality to be experienced. As the women and disciples came to realize the power of Jesus' victory over death, so too can we allow this truth to change our hearts and minds. The empty tomb stands as an enduring symbol of hope, challenging us to move beyond skepticism and embrace the life-changing implications of the resurrection. [10:23]
John 20:19-20 (ESV)
"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when an encounter with God transformed a doubt in your life into faith? How did that experience change your perspective?
Day 4: Skepticism's Role in Faith
The disciples' initial dismissal of the women's report as nonsense is a stark reminder that skepticism is often a natural part of the faith journey. It is through questioning and investigation that we come to a deeper understanding and belief. Peter's decision to personally investigate the empty tomb exemplifies the importance of not taking others' experiences at face value but seeking our own encounters with the divine. This process of exploration and discovery is crucial, as it allows us to own our faith and to build a personal relationship with God that is not based on hearsay but on genuine experience and understanding. [15:11]
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
"but test everything; hold fast what is good."
Reflection: What aspects of your faith have you accepted without personal investigation, and how can you take steps to explore these beliefs more deeply?
Day 5: Compassion for Our Doubts
Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, where He offers peace and invites them to touch His wounds, demonstrates His deep understanding and compassion for our human doubts and fears. He does not chastise them for their skepticism but instead provides tangible evidence of His presence and His triumph over death. This encounter is an invitation for us to bring our own doubts to Jesus, trusting that He will meet us with the same compassion and reassurance. It is in the moments of our greatest uncertainty that we can experience the certainty of His love and the hope He offers. Jesus' response to doubt is not one of condemnation but of gentle guidance towards faith and belief. [18:06]
Luke 24:38-39 (ESV)
"And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.'"
Reflection: How can you invite Jesus into your current doubts or fears, and what steps can you take to allow His peace to transform your uncertainty?
Quotes
"and on top of this confusion the account tells us that two men in dazzling apparel appear... they convey his heart really well because he meets them in their fear and in their confusion and he meets them with truth and with encouragement... he's full of Truth and he's full of grace." [12:51]
"these are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you... then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures... thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead... you are witnesses of these things." [18:06]
"what I love is God's heart towards us is made so clear as Jesus stands among them... he says peace to you... your doubts your questions your apprehensions they're all welcome here... touch me and see it's it's really me and they begin to Marvel." [19:25]
"he gives us evidence and it's overwhelming and then we agree to be on board... if you earnestly seek God and ask him to reveal himself to you that he's faithful to do so... maybe God is out there but I just don't want to think about that right now." [21:29]
"the men who knew Jesus better than anyone who could recognize his face his eyes even his voice they saw him and they still disbelieved... knowing god is not simply this transaction where we demand evidence and he gives us evidence." [20:47]
"the men who went on to become the leaders of this new movement of God's church that would transform hundreds of millions of lives even to today originally thought the resurrection was nonsense... it's a big claim but we don't have to immediately conclude that that feeling is true." [15:11]
"written down on paper instead of relying on memory alone... a historical written account for the certainty of all those who would read it... this orderly account still exists for each of us today so that just like those who were the original audience of Luke can reach certainty about who God is as well." [06:56]
"God sent his only son to die and and raise for you... God has overcome the world... you can know God and he wants you to know him... continue to ask and seek and knock and the Lord will reveal himself to you more and more because he desires to do so." [24:06]
"and furthermore we're talking about the belief that this act of death and Resurrection has direct Eternal implications to this day... it is an offer a sacrifice for the sins of humanity offering forgiveness of sin and a clean slate with the god of the universe." [03:47]
"the women who had come with him From Galilee followed and saw the tomb... they returned and prepared spices and ointments... they were preparing Jesus's body for burial because they expected him to stay dead... there was doubt in the resurrection even from his disciples." [10:23]
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