Day 314, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Matthew 28:11-15; Luke 24:13-43; John 20:19-31; Matthew 28:16-20; John 21:1-25; Luke 24:44-53; Mark 16:9-20
From Despair to Peace
If we lose someone or something precious, all our hopes and dreams seem to vanish. We sympathize with Jimmy Stewart as George Baily in the 1947 film, It’s a Wonderful Life. He got an opportunity to see what the world would be like without him. When everything he loved was gone, he cried, “I want to live again! Please, God, let me live again.” There is good news! Jesus arose from the dead to offer us forgiveness, spiritual life, and peace.
Peace is not for everyone
When God raised Jesus from the dead, a violent earthquake shook the ground. About the same time, an angel, as white as light, descended from heaven and rolled the stone away from the tomb’s entrance. The guards were paralyzed with fear at the burial place.
In today’s Bible reading, the guards recover and run to the chief priests and elders to report what happened. They confer together and then pay the soldiers a large sum of money to say someone stole the body (Matthew 28:2-4, 11-15).They can’t let word get out that Jesus had risen. They live by their wits; however, there is no peace for the wicked, those who will not turn to God from their sins.
A higher purpose for pain
Death is disillusioning. Many times it comes unexpectedly, and people lose their faith. Jesus’ disciples are no different. In such circumstances, what brings believers peace? Sometimes, comfort and peace come from a new understanding of God’s higher purposes. Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates this.
Two of Jesus’ disciples are on the road to Emmaus when he joins them. Grief fills their minds so much that they do not recognize him. Strange reports of some women and two of the Lord’s apostles, Simon Peter and John, leave them confused. They claim Jesus’ tomb is empty, and they have seen a vision of angels saying Jesus is alive. The two disciples wonder what it all means.
After they tell the strange companion their confusion over recent events, he rebukes them for their unbelief. Then Jesus explains to them the plan and purposes of God. He chronologically traces the Scriptures from Moses’s times to the present, showing them the need for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead. They don’t recognize Jesus, however, until the Lord has supper with them. As he breaks open the bread and says a prayer of thanksgiving, their eyes widen in recognition— there are scars from the nail prints in his hands (or wrists)!
Immediately after Jesus leaves, they race and tell the other disciples, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34, NIV). The disciples receive a wake-up call, which brings them unbelievable peace and great joy. But not for long.
Death and persecution bring fear
Most of Jesus’ disciples are not sure of the truthfulness of the reports about his resurrection. They are hiding in fear of possible persecution from the Jews or arrest from the Roman soldiers. Jesus knows they need to see him to give them peace and courage—they are going to be the first witnesses to his resurrection.
Do we need peace and courage? Let us draw near to God and ask him for a new sense of his presence in our lives.
Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection
Thomas (“Doubting Thomas,” as people call him) isn’t with the rest of the disciples when Jesus first appears to them. He says he will not believe the Lord is alive again unless he sees and touches him. Many people are in agreement with him. Jesus helps bolster Thomas’s faith by appearing to him, but he says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29, NIV).
Testimonies and Changed Lives
Modern Americans have never seen their first president, George Washington. Yet, we believe in him because historians have written about him. How is that any different than reading eyewitness accounts recorded in the Bible?
Post Resurrection Appearances
Jesus is seen on several occasions and by over 500 people during the next forty days.
Martyrs for Christ
There have been many martyrs for Christ, yet people do not typically give up their lives for a lie. Their words and actions testify to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus has been attendant in the circumstances of so many Christians for almost 2,000 years gives us confidence that he will be present in our times. His presence gives us confidence and peace.
Now, what does Jesus want us to do?
If we come to understand at least part of God’s plans and purposes, it comforts us and helps us chart a new course, or at least to take the next step. The Lord gives a Great Commission to his eleven disciples. All believers in Jesus Christ should follow these commands until he returns:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV).
Has Jesus Christ saved and changed us? We are his disciples, his witnesses. God’s plan is for us to share our testimony of his grace with others so they might believe.
Jesus soon ascends back to heaven. Not many days after that, the Holy Spirit comes in great power. If you don’t know much about the work of the Holy Spirit, join us as we begin the book of Acts!
Note: if you are interested in more information on why the resurrection of Christ is essential, you may wish to read our November 29 Bible study
Discussion
What brought Jesus’ disciples from despair to peace?
Death is disillusioning. Where can ultimate peace be found?
How do we overcome our doubts about Christ’s resurrection?
What are we supposed to do until Christ comes back?
Focus Verse
Matthew 28:20b (NIV) “And surely I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Here is a song to encourage you.
Watch a dramatized version of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ
Helpful resource: Why the Resurrection is Important by Chip Ingram.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response: Dear Father in heaven, thank you that Jesus rose from the dead to give us new life and hope. I pray we may share this hope to build your kingdom. I pray that your Spirit will help us. Thank you for sending him to be our comfort and power for doing your will. I ask your will to be done; use us Christ-followers to share your saving grace with the world.
Please provide our physical and spiritual needs so that we may have an effective witness of your grace and salvation. Forgive us for staying quiet when your spirit prompts us to share. I also pray that we would be ready to forgive others and receive forgiveness so that our testimonies will be genuine. Please lead us away from temptations that would ruin the good work you are doing in our lives. May all we do be for your glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: Our Next Lesson begins the book of the Acts of the Apostles. It might be better termed The Acts of the Holy Spirit through early church leaders. If you want to know more about the Holy Spirit's work, you will enjoy this book. We begin with the New Birth of the church. Join us!
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