From Humiliation to Exaltation: The Resurrection Journey

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we journey through the profound narrative of Jesus' burial and resurrection as recounted in Luke 23:50 through 24:12. This passage reveals the pivotal transition from Jesus' humiliation to His exaltation, a theme that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Sanhedrin, courageously requests Jesus' body from Pilate, defying the norms of the time. This act of devotion marks the beginning of Jesus' exaltation, as He is laid in a new tomb, untouched by death's decay. The burial, often overlooked, is a significant moment where God's providence ensures that Jesus' body is treated with honor, contrary to the fate of other crucified individuals.

The narrative then shifts to the women who come to the tomb at dawn, only to find the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus missing. Their encounter with the angels, who proclaim, "He is not here, but has risen," is a moment of divine revelation that transforms their grief into joy. This resurrection is not just an event to be celebrated on Easter but is the cornerstone of our faith, celebrated every Sunday as the Lord's Day. The disbelief of the apostles, who initially dismiss the women's testimony as idle tales, highlights the human struggle to comprehend the miraculous. Yet, Peter's eventual marveling at the empty tomb signifies the dawning realization of the resurrection's truth.

This passage invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of the resurrection and its implications for our lives. It challenges us to move beyond skepticism and embrace the transformative power of Christ's victory over death. As we ponder these events, may we, like Peter, marvel at the wonder of the resurrection and allow it to deepen our faith and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- The Courage of Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph's bold request for Jesus' body exemplifies a profound act of faith and devotion. Despite the risk, he honors Jesus with a proper burial, marking the beginning of Jesus' exaltation. This reminds us that true discipleship often requires courage to stand against societal norms for the sake of righteousness. [12:51]

- The Significance of the Burial: The burial of Jesus is not merely a prelude to the resurrection but a pivotal moment of divine providence. It signifies God's refusal to let His Holy One see corruption, highlighting the sanctity and honor bestowed upon Jesus even in death. This teaches us about the sacredness of God's plans and the assurance of His promises. [12:32]

- The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative: The women who visit the tomb are the first to witness the resurrection, underscoring their vital role in the gospel story. Their faithfulness and courage in the face of uncertainty challenge us to be steadfast in our own faith journeys, trusting in God's revelations. [19:19]

- The Power of the Resurrection: The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, celebrated every Sunday as a testament to Christ's victory over death. It calls us to live in the light of this truth, embracing the hope and transformation it brings to our lives. [21:30]

- Peter's Journey from Doubt to Marvel: Peter's initial skepticism, followed by his astonishment at the empty tomb, reflects the journey from doubt to faith. It encourages us to remain open to the miraculous, allowing God's truth to transform our understanding and deepen our belief. [25:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Scripture
- [00:56] - The Women at the Tomb
- [01:28] - The Angelic Message
- [03:39] - Old Testament Connection
- [05:22] - Humiliation and Exaltation
- [07:31] - Transition from Humiliation to Exaltation
- [08:10] - The Burial of Jesus
- [10:08] - Joseph of Arimathea's Courage
- [12:51] - The Role of Joseph and Nicodemus
- [14:34] - Joseph's Request to Pilate
- [17:11] - The Anointing of Jesus' Body
- [19:19] - The Women Return to the Tomb
- [21:00] - The Resurrection Proclaimed
- [25:06] - Peter's Marvel at the Empty Tomb

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 23:50 - 24:12
- Isaiah 53:7-9

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Observation Questions:

1. What actions did Joseph of Arimathea take after Jesus' crucifixion, and what does this reveal about his character? [12:51]

2. How did the women react when they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and what was their initial response to the angelic message? [01:28]

3. What was Peter's reaction upon hearing the women's report about the empty tomb, and what did he find when he arrived there? [25:06]

4. How does the burial of Jesus serve as a transition from humiliation to exaltation according to the sermon? [08:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Joseph of Arimathea's courage in asking Pilate for Jesus' body teach us about the risks and rewards of standing up for one's faith? [14:34]

2. In what ways does the burial of Jesus highlight God's providence and the fulfillment of prophecy, as mentioned in Isaiah 53? [12:32]

3. How does the role of women in the resurrection narrative challenge traditional views of gender roles in the context of the gospel story? [19:19]

4. What does Peter's journey from doubt to marveling at the empty tomb suggest about the process of coming to faith in the resurrection? [25:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to take a stand for your faith like Joseph of Arimathea. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? [14:34]

2. The burial of Jesus is often overlooked. How can you ensure that you recognize and honor the seemingly small but significant moments of God's providence in your life? [12:32]

3. The women at the tomb showed faithfulness and courage. How can you demonstrate similar faithfulness in your daily life, especially when faced with uncertainty? [19:19]

4. The resurrection is celebrated every Sunday. How can you incorporate the joy and hope of the resurrection into your weekly routine, not just on Easter? [21:30]

5. Peter moved from skepticism to belief. Is there an area in your life where you struggle with doubt? What steps can you take to open yourself to the possibility of the miraculous? [25:06]

6. How can you support and encourage others in your community who may be struggling with their faith, similar to how the women shared the news of the resurrection with the apostles? [22:39]

7. Consider the transformative power of the resurrection. What is one specific area in your life where you need to embrace this transformation, and what practical steps can you take to do so? [21:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Courageous Faith in Action
Joseph of Arimathea's bold request for Jesus' body exemplifies a profound act of faith and devotion. Despite the risk of being ostracized by his peers, Joseph honors Jesus with a proper burial, marking the beginning of Jesus' exaltation. This act of courage challenges societal norms and demonstrates the essence of true discipleship, which often requires standing firm in righteousness even when it is unpopular. Joseph's actions remind us that faith is not just a private belief but a public declaration that may require us to take risks for the sake of honoring God. [12:51]

Isaiah 50:7 (ESV): "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame."

Reflection: Consider a situation where you feel called to stand up for your faith. What steps can you take today to act courageously in that situation, trusting in God's support?


Day 2: The Sacredness of God's Plans
The burial of Jesus is not merely a prelude to the resurrection but a pivotal moment of divine providence. It signifies God's refusal to let His Holy One see corruption, highlighting the sanctity and honor bestowed upon Jesus even in death. This moment teaches us about the sacredness of God's plans and the assurance of His promises. It reminds us that even in moments that seem insignificant or overlooked, God's hand is at work, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled with honor and integrity. [12:32]

Psalm 16:10 (ESV): "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or insignificant. How can you trust in the sacredness of God's plans for your life, even when you don't see immediate results?


Day 3: Faithfulness in Uncertainty
The women who visit the tomb are the first to witness the resurrection, underscoring their vital role in the gospel story. Their faithfulness and courage in the face of uncertainty challenge us to be steadfast in our own faith journeys, trusting in God's revelations. Despite the societal norms that often marginalized women, their unwavering devotion led them to be the first witnesses of the risen Christ, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty. [19:19]

Luke 8:1-3 (ESV): "Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel uncertain? How can you remain faithful and trust in God's revelations during these times?


Day 4: Living in the Light of the Resurrection
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, celebrated every Sunday as a testament to Christ's victory over death. It calls us to live in the light of this truth, embracing the hope and transformation it brings to our lives. The resurrection is not just an event to be remembered but a reality to be lived out daily, influencing our actions, attitudes, and perspectives. It invites us to experience the transformative power of Christ's victory and to share this hope with others. [21:30]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How can you live out the reality of the resurrection in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to share this hope with those around you?


Day 5: From Doubt to Marvel
Peter's initial skepticism, followed by his astonishment at the empty tomb, reflects the journey from doubt to faith. It encourages us to remain open to the miraculous, allowing God's truth to transform our understanding and deepen our belief. Peter's journey is a reminder that doubt is a natural part of faith, but it should lead us to seek deeper understanding and marvel at God's works. This transformation from doubt to marvel invites us to embrace the mystery of faith and to be open to the unexpected ways God reveals Himself. [25:06]

Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle with doubt. How can you invite God to transform your doubt into marvel and deepen your faith in His truth?

Quotes

Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Sanhedrin, courageously requests Jesus' body from Pilate, defying the norms of the time. This act of devotion marks the beginning of Jesus' exaltation, as He is laid in a new tomb, untouched by death's decay. The burial, often overlooked, is a significant moment where God's providence ensures that Jesus' body is treated with honor, contrary to the fate of other crucified individuals. [00:10:55]

The women who had come with him From Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how the body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments and on the Sabbath they rested according to the Commandments. 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. [00:47:46]

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by 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. [01:18:29]

The moment that marks this change from Dreadful humiliation to exultation is not the resurrection, it's the burial of Jesus. You recall when Isaiah described the ignomy of the suffering servants passion and death he said he was numbered with the wicked and yet it was with the rich he was buried in the Tomb. [08:01:02]

Under normal circumstances, those who were crucified were not buried in Rich men's tombs. I've preached many times in the past about what happens to those bodies of crucified victims and I was under the misinformation for years that how the bodies were usually disposed of antiquity is that there was in the valley of hinen outside the city of Jerusalem a garbage dump. [08:39:19]

The normal report that we hear is that if a person was crucified for various crimes their families could claim the body afterwards and afford them a decent burial, except in the case of sedition those who were executed as traitors were not allowed to be buried by their families but were rather taken out into the fields and to be left to the vultures. [09:47:59]

God said no. We read in the last text before this one of the last words of Jesus and while he was dying at this last breath was strong enough to shout in a loud voice Heaven words saying father into thy hands I commit my spirit. Then he breathed his last and gave up the ghost. [10:51:39]

The son committed his Spirit his soul to the father so the father had committed already the care of the body of his son his word had said he would not allow a bone of his body to be broken in an ax we read the word of God that he would not allow His Holy One to see corruption. [12:14:42]

Joseph of Arimathea, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem from which historically Samuel the Old Testament giant came and we're told he was a member of the council a member of the Sanhedrin who was obviously not present on the day the Fateful decision was made by the conspirators of those who despise Jesus and the Joseph did not consent to the death of Christ. [12:51:36]

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus anointed the body of Jesus with precious ointment and spices that weighed a hundred pounds. I can't even begin to guess how valuable those spices were in today's economy, but it was lavish treatment for a hundred pounds of spices and precious ointments to be used for the burial of Christ. [18:22:98]

The Bible said they found that the stone was rolled away. Here's what they didn't find, they didn't find Jesus, they didn't find his body, it was gone. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly 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, let's ask you a question, what are you doing here? [20:29:34]

Peter Rose thought about it for a second he said I know it's crazy talk but any possibility that what they're saying could be true no no no no it's impossible the dead don't rise buter's theology had not yet developed to the point where he understood that it was impossible for death to hold him that was the impossibility. [24:52:41]

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Transcript
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