Christ Arose

Background Scripture: John 20
Lesson Scripture: John 20:19–31

Introduction

Christ arose! No message is of greater import, carries greater joy, or has brought more hope to the world than the message that Christ has risen. The cross could not destroy Him, the tomb could not hold Him, and the sins of all humanity were not sufficient to suppress his glorious and miraculous resurrection. He came forth as the victor! What a mighty God we serve!

Key Verse

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The first part of our lesson text takes place in the evening of the resurrection day. Many amazing events had taken place throughout the day. Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene had discovered the empty tomb. Two of the disciples ran to the tomb, confirming for themselves that the tomb was indeed empty and that Jesus’s body was gone. The guards, who had been given orders to secure the tomb, reported their experience to the chief priests. The soldiers were given large sums of money to propagate the lie that Jesus’s disciples had stolen his body. The account of the soldiers and the response of the chief priests lent themselves to further skepticism and misgiving for anyone who may have doubted Christ’s resurrection. Later in the day, Jesus appeared unto Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus.

As the evening drew on, another amazing event was about to unfold. The disciples were gathered together, no doubt with a certain amount fear in their hearts. Likely they expected that the Jewish leaders would be coming for them next because they had, after all, been followers of Jesus. Additionally, a rumor was floating around that they had stolen Jesus’s body. The disciples were almost certainly recounting to one another the unusual events of the day, sharing with each other their personal impressions. Perhaps even in this first day of the resurrection, there were those in the group who were grappling with the prophecies and the full scope of Jesus’s mission. As they talked among themselves, the reality of the day’s events began to sink home.

For a moment, let us step into that room with the disciples. As the chatter ebbs and flows around us, we sense a mixture of feelings. Fear of retribution from the Jewish leaders, amazement at the empty tomb, and confusion in putting the puzzle pieces all in the right places were surely some of the conflicting personal emotions. Their King had allowed Himself to be crucified, a most disheartening turn of events, but now, his tomb was empty, and some were reporting they had actually seen Jesus. If He was truly alive, where was He now? Could the grief of their loss be so quickly and easily erased by these stories of his resurrection? Doubt, hope, fear, excitement, and anticipation must have surely raced through their hearts as these men conversed together.

Then suddenly, near the close of this never-to-be-forgotten day, Jesus was right there standing among them. So well He understood their confusion. “Peace be unto you,” He said. Quietness and rest descended upon their hearts as their Master’s words and very presence assuaged their fear. Yes, He was indeed alive!

This was a remarkable and special ending to the day. Sadly, one of the disciples missed this experience. The Bible does not tell us why Thomas was missing. As the other disciples told him later of their meeting with Jesus, Thomas refused to believe. It seems he was perhaps a doubtful man by nature. Maybe his grief and disappointment had changed into bitterness. For whatever reason, Thomas chose to not believe until he had personally seen Jesus. As is so characteristic of our Savior, Jesus gave Thomas another chance, and Thomas believed.

Practical Truths for Today

What does a life look like that has been touched by Christ’s victory over death? How can we personally know not only the work of Calvary but also the transforming work of the resurrection? What are the marks of a resurrected life?

The work of resurrection bolsters our faith. As Jesus’s death and resurrection become personal, it inextricably knits us more closely with the heavenly Father. Who could possibly fail to trust the One who cared so much, gave so much, and who ultimately was so altogether victorious?

The resurrection instills hope. The unrelenting battle of daily life can cause our hope to dim. Often these feelings are not grounded in reality but are rather the result of undisciplined and negative thought patterns. If we find ourselves in such a valley, we will find welcome relief as we spend a moment of meditation at the open sepulcher.

The resurrection induces us to personal growth and sanctification. Our aspirations change. Instead of protecting ourselves and sheltering within our snug, little comfort zones, we step forward courageously and allow ourselves to be shaped and molded for our Father’s use.

The resurrection prompts us to assess our values. It gives us a purpose beyond the material things of life. There truly is life after death; there really is an endless eternity. With the vision of the empty tomb freshly impressed upon our hearts, there is a story to tell, an encouragement to give, and a burden to lift.

The resurrection changes the way we talk. We become a source of encouragement to others. Our influence can become positive energy because the resurrection inspires us to lift our eyes upward. A persistently negative outlook is incompatible with a heart touched by Jesus’s resurrection.

Our homes, our church, and the world at large need Christians who carry in their hearts a personal connection to the resurrected Christ. The power of the resurrection gives us courage to face the challenges of a broken relationship, a straying child, failing health, financial disappointments, a crumbling marriage, or a difficult personality; none of these things are the end of the world. If the cross could not destroy Jesus, and if the rocky tomb could not imprison Him, then truly there is hope in our difficulties.

Christ’s resurrection brings grace, purpose, and vitality to our lives. If we find these attributes lacking, what can we do so this blessed life can be ours? Nothing steals the blessing of the resurrection as much as a will not surrendered completely to God. Perhaps everything looks good on the surface, but an undercurrent of self-interest and self-preservation will rob us of the grace found in the resurrection. This condition, in turn, leaves us vulnerable to the temptations of Satan.

The power and beauty of the resurrection are experienced by those who have laid down their lives and accepted the call to become disciples of Jesus. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it (Matt. 16:25).

Questions

1. Others can often detect an unbelieving spirit in us before we see it in ourselves. What causes the attitude “Except I shall see, I will not believe”?
2. How can we become more aware of the victory and enthusiasm that can be ours through Christ’s resurrection?
3. What are the indicators that the graces of the resurrection are lacking?
4. When living in the power of the resurrection, do we experience fewer temptations?
5. Is the power of the resurrection sufficient to overcome negative personality traits?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).