Easter is approaching, as I write this. I’ve heard some great lessons and had some inspiring discussions recently about the mind-blowing significance of Resurrection. It’s becoming the thing I want to ask about when sharing my faith with new people. It’s polarizing. It’s The Pivotal Moment in all of history.
1. RESURRECTION
The English word, resurrection, is assigned Strong’s Number G386, which matches the Greek ἀνάστασις (anastasis). It occurs 42 times in 40 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.* Almost ¼ of the references take place in the context of Jesus’ discussion with the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection.
Definition of resurrection:
- a raising up, rising (e.g. from a seat)
- a rising from the dead
- that of Christ
- that of all men at the end of this present age
- the resurrection of certain ones history who were restored to life (Heb. 11:35)**
ACTS 1:21-23
- What was the criteria the apostles used to choose Judas’ replacement for the 12th apostle? What is stated as the main event of Jesus’ life and ministry that they were to witness about?
ACTS 2:29-32
- As Peter witnesses about Jesus’ resurrection, he mentions an Old Testament patriarch and prophet who also believed in (or at least, spoke about) the Messiah’s resurrection, centuries before it took place. Who was that?
ACTS 4:1-3
- Which teaching of the apostles was “greatly disturbing” to the chief priests and the temple guards and the Sadduccees in Jerusalem?
- Who can I ask today, if they believe in the resurrection of Jesus? Pray for the opportunity and the faithfulness to have the conversation
2. I KNOW HE WILL RISE AGAIN
JOHN 11
I wonder where Martha was when she came to believe in Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” and when she gained the conviction that there will be a resurrection at the last day (v. 24-27). Was she brought to Jesus by a friend or relative or disciple? Or did she come across him on her own, completely unexpectedly, perhaps on a visit to the temple? Maybe she was there in the crowd at the feeding of the 5000 men in John 6, when people started saying about Jesus, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world, since she used the same words we read in John 6:14.
- “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (Jn 11:14) These words seem to roll so easily off Martha’s tongue. Have I ever in my life spoken these or similar words to anyone? Think of someone in church I can say this to with confidence – about them! Or about a disciple they loved who has passed away. Make a point to seek them out at the earliest opportunity and give them this encouragement, personally.
3. THE BREAD OF LIFE!
JOHN 6
- While reading John chapter 6, make a note of every time Jesus makes a statement about eternal life – try rewriting the verses with my name in them, wherever I can fit it in to make it more personal. I counted 15 references to eternal life just in the passage between John 6:27 and 58!***
- Pray through these verses, thanking God for the incredible inheritance that awaits us
4. CROSSED OVER
ROMANS 1:20; GENESIS 1:1-2; JOHN 1:1; COLOSSIANS 1:15-20
Since the creation of the world, God has made it obvious to people that he is eternal. Somehow we understand: “In the beginning, GOD….” ! Though it’s beyond my understanding, I trust that God has always been there. His Holy Spirit was hovering over the waters in Ge 1:2 as the creation process had begun. Jesus was somehow in God, with God, was God, also before creation. We know God is eternal. I remember being taught as a young Christian that my “eternal life begins now.” I’ve lost some of the wonder and awe I used to have about this amazing fact! Focusing on resurrection this week is helping me renew it.
JOHN 5:19-30
- Write out what it is that Jesus says we already have (those who hear Jesus’ words and believe him)
LUKE 20:34-39
- Write out the truths Jesus teaches in these verses that apply to me, as a disciple: I am considered worthy of taking part in the resurrection; I can no longer die; etc.
- Praise God for the amazing gift of eternal life!
- Decide to talk to someone new today about eternal life and what they believe about it.
*, ** Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for anastasis (Strong’s 386)”. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 15 Apr 2011. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? Strongs=G386&t=NASB >
*** John 6:27; 33;35;37;39;40 2x;44;47;50;51;54 2x;58; for example: v. 27: “Do not work for food that spoils, Tammy, but work for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, Tammy!” WOW; v. 33: For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to you, Tammy;” etc.
