Easter

Background Scripture: Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-13;
Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Introduction

Some two thousand years have passed since Jesus resurrected from the dead. This message has gone out into all corners of the earth, and thereby many have obtained knowledge of this great event. To gain a heavenly home, however, one must not only acknowledge that Easter happened but partake in Christ’s death as well as His resurrection. Upon passing from death unto life with Christ, we become His children, and He becomes the Lord of our life. The truth that all people, even those who have rejected Jesus, can repent and become worthy subjects in Christ’s kingdom is more wonderful than tongue can express.

Key Verse

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept (1 Cor. 15:20).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Malachi, the writer of the last book in the Old Testament, reproved the Israelites for their sinful ways and then prophesied the glorious coming of a Redeemer. Following Malachi is the time known as the 400 silent years, when no inspired writers of the Holy Word or prophets brought God’s message to His people. It was a time of great darkness. Malachi prophesied that this dark night would someday end as “the Sun of righteousness” would arise with healing in His wings (Mal. 4:2).

Into this dark world came Jesus. Born in Bethlehem, He grew up and began the ministry given to Him by His Father. The truth brought by this rising “Sun” was as a great light illuminating the darkness of sin. Some turned away from the light because they wanted to continue their evil deeds. Others followed with great interest for a time, but when the message came too close to their lives they were offended and turned away. There were many more, however, who found hope and healing through the Light, and they became followers of Jesus.

Many of Jesus’s disciples were expecting Him to set up an earthly kingdom. Possibly others just basked in His presence, thinking that the plan was complete. After all, had not the long-awaited Messiah finally come? Jesus knew their thoughts and gently warned them that He would be crucified and then rise again, but their earthly minds could not grasp the meaning of His words.

Quickly, after the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples, the events turned. Angry crowds, false accusations, rigged trials, and cruel beatings were all part of that dreadful day. Then they led Him to the hill of Golgotha to be hung as a despised criminal. As Jesus hung there, a great darkness fell over the land and an earthquake shook the ground, opening graves and tearing the great veil of the temple. As Jesus’s life ebbed away, He called out to His Father, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46), and then He died.

In fear and confusion, the disillusioned followers of Jesus forsook Him and scattered. It is not hard to imagine their deep disappointment.How could He, who they believed to be the Messiah, die such an ignominious death? The Bible says little of the next few days. One can only speculate when the disciples began to assemble again. Were they ashamed of forsaking their Master in His darkest hour? We do know that on the third day Mary Magdalene found those that had been with Jesus together as “they mourned and wept” (Mark 16:10). She, together with several other women, had brought spices to the sepulcher of their Lord and found the stone rolled away from the entrance of an empty tomb. Angels attending the site told them the Lord had arisen. They hurried back to the saddened group of disciples with the joyous message. The bands of death had been broken. Satan had been defeated; Jesus was alive!

Two men traveling to Emmaus encountered Jesus unawares, and He began to open unto them the Scriptures. Then He appeared to the eleven disciples. Slowly they began to understand the meaning of the recent events. Rather than some terrible mistake, this was the wonderful plan of salvation that God had formed to save sinful mankind. The gospel principle of life through death that previously seemed so mysterious was now wholeheartedly embraced by the disciples.

Before Jesus made his final ascent to heaven, He earnestly commissioned the disciples to go and preach this wonderful gospel to all people, beginning in Jerusalem, and then reaching out to the whole world. At Pentecost Peter preached boldly the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Convicted in heart, the multitude cried, “Men and brethren what shall we do”? Thousands repented (were “buried” with Christ) that day and, together with Christ, rose to a new life.

Practical Truths for Today

The cross has become a popular icon. It is found on churches, graves, and hung about many people’s necks. It seems ironic that a world consumed with indulging self is interested in the cross, which is “the emblem of suffering and shame.” 1 Possibly the fascination with the cross is related to man’s inner cry for respite from the burden of sin. To claim the cross may bring a certain relief that one is partaking of the sufferings of Christ. However, a mere superficial knowledge will be insufficient to bring an individual to the place where he is truly reconciled to Christ.

The New Testament writers have drawn the parallel of Christ’s death and resurrection and the experience that a sinner encounters when he receives Jesus into his heart. Upon realizing his lost condition and finding the answer in Jesus, the sinner brings his burden to the cross. In doing so, he allows his carnal self to be crucified. Upon the death of self, he is prepared to arise to a new life with Christ. Paul clearly teaches this truth in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” This newness brings forth tangible fruit in the believer’s life which identifies him as one possessing the Spirit of Christ. Jesus also taught that as a tree can be recognized by the fruit it bears, so a Christian is known by his spirit and deeds—do they identify with the Spirit and life of Christ? To claim Jesus’ forgiveness and yet not possess the Spirit of Christ is false Christianity.

After the new birth, we are challenged to continue living the resurrected life. Although facing many temptations, one who has become a child of the risen Lord will not easily be turned back by Satan’s opposition. For him the trip to Calvary is not a one-time occurrence. Rather, as he walks the Christian way, he continually submits himself to the cleansing blood of Jesus. Sin no longer has dominion over him and, as the psalmist describes, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Ps. 1:3).

Illustration

The Word points us to nature as another illustration of death and resurrection. From the tiniest seed to the greatest of them, all must fall to the ground and die. As these seeds, though apparently lifeless, begin to absorb moisture they begin to swell and sprout. The dying seed becomes sustenance for the new growth, which becomes a plant many times the size of the seed. Jesus said, “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). Even so the person who has experienced death and resurrection with Christ will bear fruit unto eternal life.

Questions

1. Would it help us to accept the plan of salvation by faith if we had seen the risen Savior in person?
2. What could be the cause of placing too little emphasis on the resurrection in the salvation story?
3. Discuss the meaning of Christ becoming the “first fruits of them that slept” as stated in the key verse.
4. 1 George Bennard (1873-1958), “The Old Rugged Cross”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).