Central Truth

As the greatest event in human history and the cornerstone of our faith, the resurrection should impact every area of our lives and be a message we just can't keep to ourselves.

Reflections

Imagine yourself there that day of the Lord’s resurrection. Picture yourself standing at Christ’s tomb, grieving His death, when an angel appears and announces that “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead.” What beautiful words! What an incredible message! Can you imagine what it would be like to have the resurrected Christ in all of His glory walk up and speak to you? Doesn’t it just give you goose bumps? I can imagine that at this point Mary Magdalene and the other Mary would have told the disciples anything that Jesus instructed them to—no matter how spectacular the message.

Normally, when I have good news, I just can’t seem to keep it inside. I don’t tend to follow the accepted social guidelines. Each time I found out I was pregnant, I was quick to tell everyone who would listen. I never followed the whole “wait-until-after-the-first-trimester” thing. Within two days of confirmation, I had delivered the news to everyone I knew and to some that I didn’t!

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I share the good news of the resurrection with the same excitement and urgency. The gospel is more amazing than any other message in the world, and yet we act like the Jewish leaders who covered it up because they were more worried about their reputations than they were about the truth. In a way, we are guilty of this as well. Maybe we do not actively lead people away from the truth, but certainly we do not lead them to the truth every time we have the opportunity to do so. We serve a Lord who selflessly died for the world’s transgressions and then conquered death through His resurrection. And to top it off, He desires a personal relationship with each of us! What better message is there to share? He is alive! He has risen from the grave!

Discussion Questions

1. Do you view the message of Christ’s resurrection as the most exciting and urgent message you could ever share with someone, or has it simply become a mundane Bible story to you?

2. Do you share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around you? Consider making a list of people who you think the Lord would like you to share this truth with and begin to pray for opportunities.

3. Can you defend the resurrection by explaining the historical evidence? If not, check out www.probe.org and do a search for "resurrection." You will find numerous articles there to prepare you to give a defense for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Did the sealed tomb keep God from raising Jesus from the dead?

2. What did Jesus tell the women to do (verse 10)?

3. Have you ever been afraid to do what God’s Word tells you to do? Talk about when that was. 

4. How can you trust Him and obey His Word?