Integrity Through Resurrection: A Call to Wholeness

In today's Easter celebration, we reflected on the profound theme of integrity, a characteristic that is deeply rooted in the Trinitarian work of salvation. Integrity, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, encompasses incorruptibility, soundness, and completeness. These attributes not only describe the nature of God but also the essence of the resurrection story we commemorate.

We began with Psalm 41, which speaks to us about Christ and, by extension, about ourselves as baptized believers. The psalm highlights the blessedness of considering the poor and the assurance of God's deliverance and protection. It also touches on the experience of betrayal and the plea for God's grace, which resonates with the events leading to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

The Gospel of Mark narrates the resurrection with a focus on a promise delivered by Christ through a messenger—an angel who announced to the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen and would meet His disciples in Galilee. This promise, foretold by Jesus Himself, was initially met with fear and misunderstanding by His followers. Despite Peter's denial and the disciples' confusion, the resurrection was a fulfillment of Christ's word, a testament to His integrity.

The women who first arrived at the tomb—Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James—were met with the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection. Their initial silence, born out of awe and fear, eventually gave way to proclamation as they shared the news with the disciples. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons and now healed by Christ, had the honor of being the first to see the risen Lord. Her encounter with Jesus, who called her by name, is a powerful testament to the personal nature of Christ's redemption.

The appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples, including Peter and Thomas, were moments of restoration and affirmation of their faith. Jesus' integrity was imparted to them, filling the gaps of their own brokenness and doubts. The disciples' subsequent encounters with Jesus, such as the meal shared with Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus, and the breakfast prepared by Jesus for the disciples in Galilee, further confirmed the reality of His resurrection.

The Great Commission, given by Jesus before His ascension, entrusted the disciples with the task of baptizing and teaching all nations. This commission, coupled with the numerous appearances of Jesus to over 500 witnesses, including His half-brother James and the Apostle Paul, marked the beginning of the apostolic age.

As we apply the concept of integrity to our own lives, we recognize that it is through baptism that we are linked to Christ. Despite our brokenness and the challenges we face, whether in employment, relationships, or personal integrity, Christ restores our wholeness. His resurrection assures us that our integrity is upheld by His righteousness, and we are called to live with the confidence that we will be resurrected to be one with Christ.

Key Takeaways

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Observation Questions

1. What does Psalm 41 say about the blessedness of considering the poor and the assurance of God's deliverance? ([00:31])
2. How did the women react when they found the tomb empty and heard the angel's message in Mark 16? ([06:37])
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28? ([12:10])
4. How did Jesus restore Peter's integrity after his denial, according to the sermon? ([09:46])

Interpretation Questions

1. How does Psalm 41 reflect the experiences of Christ and, by extension, our own experiences as believers? ([00:31])
2. What is the significance of the angel's message to the women at the tomb in Mark 16, and how does it relate to the theme of integrity? ([06:37])
3. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28 serve as a continual call for believers today? ([12:10])
4. How does the restoration of Peter's integrity after his denial illustrate the redemptive power of Jesus' resurrection? ([09:46])

Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed or let down by someone close to you. How can Psalm 41's message of God's deliverance and protection provide comfort in such situations? ([00:31])
2. The women at the tomb initially reacted with fear and silence. Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith or good news about Jesus? What steps can you take to overcome this hesitation? ([06:37])
3. Jesus' Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your community? ([12:10])
4. Peter's restoration after his denial shows that our failures are not the end of our story. Is there a failure or sin in your life that you need to bring to Jesus for restoration? How can you seek His forgiveness and move forward? ([09:46])
5. Integrity is not about our perfection but about Christ's completeness. In what areas of your life do you struggle with maintaining integrity, and how can you rely on Christ's righteousness to uphold you? ([13:23])
6. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ was deeply personal. How can you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus in your daily life? ([09:09])
7. The resurrection assures us that our integrity is upheld by Christ's righteousness. How can this assurance help you face current challenges in your life with hope and confidence? ([13:23])