Hope and Commitment: The Power of Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: The Cost of True Discipleship

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus exemplify the courage and sacrifice required in true discipleship. Despite their status and the risk of ceremonial uncleanliness, they chose to honor Jesus with a proper burial. This act of devotion challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith. True discipleship often demands that we step out of our comfort zones and make choices that may not align with societal expectations. Their story invites us to reflect on the personal costs we are willing to bear in our journey of faith. [37:34]

Mark 15:43-46 (ESV): "Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even if it means sacrificing your comfort or status?

Day 2: Diverse Expressions of Faith

The reactions of John and Peter to the empty tomb illustrate the diverse ways faith can manifest. John believed immediately, while Peter needed more evidence. This diversity in faith responses is a testament to God's patience and grace as we each navigate our spiritual journeys. It reminds us that faith is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and God meets us where we are, nurturing our belief in His own time. This understanding encourages us to be patient with ourselves and others as we grow in faith. [48:53]

John 20:3-8 (ESV): "So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith journey differed from someone else's. How can you show grace and understanding to those whose faith expressions differ from yours?

Day 3: Recognizing Jesus in Our Lives

Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' presence and voice in our lives. Her ability to identify Jesus through His voice underscores the intimate relationship we are invited to have with Him. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a personal connection with Christ, one that goes beyond physical sight and is rooted in spiritual awareness. It challenges us to be attentive to His voice and presence in our daily lives. [54:07]

John 20:14-16 (ESV): "Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)."

Reflection: In what ways can you become more attuned to recognizing Jesus' voice and presence in your everyday life?

Day 4: Restoring Hope Through Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus restored hope to His followers, affirming their belief in Him as the Son of God. This pivotal event serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope is just around the corner, and God's promises remain true. The resurrection is a powerful testament to the victory over death and despair, offering us assurance that God's plans are always for our good. It invites us to hold onto hope, trusting in the fulfillment of His promises. [57:53]

1 Peter 1:3-5 (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, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where hope seems distant. How can the truth of Jesus' resurrection inspire you to trust in God's promises today?

Day 5: Unyielding Love for Christ

Mary Magdalene's unwavering love for Jesus, demonstrated by her clinging to Him, challenges us to examine the depth of our love for Christ. Her devotion is a powerful example of holding onto Jesus with all our being, regardless of life's challenges. This narrative invites us to reflect on our relationship with Christ, encouraging us to nurture a love that is steadfast and unyielding. It calls us to prioritize our connection with Him above all else, trusting in His constant presence and love. [01:00:14]

Luke 7:44-47 (ESV): "Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What is one practical step you can take today to deepen your love and devotion to Him?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound events surrounding the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on the reactions and commitments of those who were closest to Him. We began by acknowledging the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the opportunity we have to support missionaries and children worldwide during the Christmas season. This is a chance for us to extend our blessings and share the love of Christ with those in need.

As we delved into the scriptures, we reflected on the somber moment of Jesus' burial, a time filled with despair and confusion for His followers. They had believed Him to be the Messiah, the one who would deliver them, yet His death seemed to shatter their hopes. However, we know the story doesn't end there. Jesus' resurrection was imminent, bringing hope and victory over death.

We examined the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who, despite being secret disciples, displayed immense courage and commitment by risking their status and ceremonial cleanliness to give Jesus a proper burial. Their actions remind us of the cost of true discipleship and the sacrifices we may be called to make for our faith.

The narrative then shifted to the resurrection morning, where we saw the contrasting responses of John and Peter. John believed immediately upon seeing the empty tomb, while Peter needed more evidence. This highlights the different ways faith can manifest and the patience God shows us as we grow in belief.

Finally, we witnessed Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ, a testament to her deep love and devotion. Her recognition of Jesus' voice underscores the intimate relationship we are invited to have with Him. Jesus' message to Mary affirmed the disciples' faith, revealing that their belief in Him as the Son of God was not misplaced.

As we reflect on these events, we are challenged to consider our own responses to Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Are we willing to make sacrifices for our faith like Joseph and Nicodemus? Do we have the immediate faith of John, or do we seek more evidence like Peter? And do we love Jesus with the same fervor as Mary Magdalene?

Key Takeaways

1. Commitment in Discipleship: Joseph and Nicodemus demonstrated that true discipleship often requires personal sacrifice and courage. Their willingness to risk their status and ceremonial cleanliness for Jesus' burial challenges us to consider what we are willing to give up for our faith. [37:34]
2. Faith's Diverse Expressions: The contrasting responses of John and Peter to the empty tomb illustrate that faith can manifest differently in each of us. While some may believe immediately, others may require more evidence. God's patience with us in our journey of faith is a testament to His grace. [48:53]
3. The Power of Recognition: Mary Magdalene's recognition of Jesus through His voice highlights the personal and intimate relationship we are called to have with Christ. It reminds us that knowing Jesus goes beyond physical sight; it is about recognizing His presence and voice in our lives. [54:07]
4. Restoration of Hope: Jesus' resurrection restored hope to His followers, affirming their belief in Him as the Son of God. This event reminds us that even in our darkest moments, hope is just around the corner, and God's promises remain true. [57:53]
5. Love's Unyielding Grip: Mary's unwavering love for Jesus, demonstrated by her clinging to Him, challenges us to examine the depth of our love for Christ. Are we holding on to Him with all our being, unwilling to let go despite life's challenges? [01:00:14]
** [60:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:59] - Honoring Veterans
[33:29] - The Burial of Jesus
[34:23] - The Loss of Hope
[35:31] - Joseph and Nicodemus' Commitment
[37:34] - Sacrifices for Faith
[39:46] - Missing the Passover
[41:41] - The New Tomb
[43:40] - John and Peter's Faith
[48:53] - Different Responses to Faith
[51:12] - Mary Magdalene's Encounter
[54:07] - Recognizing Jesus
[57:53] - Restored Hope
[59:31] - Personal Reflection
[61:12] - Prayer and Invitation

Sermon Clips

We know what's going to happen three days later and that Jesus Christ is going to rise from the dead, defeating all of our enemies. Hope was just around the corner. But for those who were grieving, they had no idea what was coming. And as we step through the events of Jesus' burial and the first hours of his resurrection, we're going to see how the various individuals reacted. [00:35:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

They did something at great risk to themselves, at great cost to themselves. The other gospels tell us that both of these guys were part of the Sanhedrin, or the Jewish religious council that unjustly tried and then crucified Jesus Christ. They knew that the other religious leaders could easily do the same thing to them. [00:37:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Joseph, the secret disciple, was willing to give up his own tomb to place the body of Jesus Christ that he had prepared for his family and for himself. To repair a tomb like this would have cost a lot of time and a lot of money, yet Joseph was willing to give it up for Jesus. [00:41:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

These secret disciples did a lot more at a lot more personal cost than many of the followers of Jesus Christ are willing to do today. They were committed to Jesus Christ. They were willing to give for the benefit of Jesus Christ, even at personal cost to themselves. [00:46:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Some people, they hear the word of God and they respond right away in faith. And that was John. But you know, God is so good to us. He's so gracious to us. He doesn't just give up on us. When we're a little slow to believe, when we're a little hard hearted and a hard headed and responding to the way God wants us to respond, God doesn't go, I'm done with you. [00:50:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Hope had been restored. On the resurrection morning, all that agony, all that sorrow, all that heartbreak they were experiencing on Friday evening and all throughout the day on Saturday was now completely wiped away. It was improved. Their relationship with God had been improved. Hope had been restored. [00:58:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

We find disciples who are willing to pay a great price in order to give their master a proper burial. We find disciples who were exposed to the same events of the resurrection but responded in different ways, one believing and one not believing. Then we find a lady who was just so in love with Jesus Christ. [00:59:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Joseph and Nicodemus were willing to sacrifice for Jesus. They were willing to pay a great price. Are you going to believe and trust even if you don't have, even if you don't have all the answers like John? Or are you going to doubt and wait until you have more proof and more evidence like Peter needed? [01:00:02] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

These are characteristics of followers of Jesus Christ. Are these characteristics of you? Are you committed? Do you have faith? Do you love Jesus so very much like Mary Magdalene? Let us pray. Father, thank you for your word. [01:01:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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