Up to this point in history it could be said, “Out of death comes death.” Now a new message rings loud and clear, “Out of death comes life!”
Do you remember playing with a Jack-in-the-Box as a child? You would turn a crank on the side of this small metal toy (usually as the tune “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” kept time with your movement). As the song neared the end, you would slow your cranking and begin to wince. You knew what was coming. You had done this a hundred times before. But there was still a sense of odd anticipation.
All of a sudden, with a slight rotation of the crank, the top of the box would flip open with a loud snap, and a spring-loaded head would pop up. Every single time Jack popped out of the box, you would be startled. But then you would press Jack’s head down, click the lid of the box shut, and begin cranking again.
As we read chapter 27 of The Story, we watch the disciples respond with stunned amazement at the resurrection of Jesus. He had told them, repeatedly, that he would die and rise again on the third day. He had assured them that death could not hold him down. But when Jesus popped out of the grave, the disciples were as shocked as a child with a Jack-in-the Box!
Think about a time when you knew what was going to happen, but were still surprised and amazed by what actually happened.
The above is taken from The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story, page 173.
1. Why is it significant that the gospel authors emphasized that Jesus was really dead?
2. Paul said that if Jesus did not really rise, then we are most to be pitied. Why?
3. People have always had difficulty believing that Jesus was God in the flesh. (Read 1 John 1:1, 2:22, and 4:2-3). What details did John include in the crucifixion story for his readers to know for certain that Jesus, fully human, had truly died? How does knowing that God came to live among us affect your daily life?
4. What parallels can you find between Peter’s denial story (John 18:17-27) and His restoration story (p. 320 The Story and John 21:15-23)? What does Peter’s restoration reveal about Jesus’ heart and how does it apply to you personally?
5. Thomas is frequently referred to as “doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe his fellow disciples’ testimony. Then, a week after the resurrection, he confessed, “My Lord and My God!” Do you think Thomas’ reputation is justified or do you think he has been labeled unjustly? Why or why not?
6. What does Jesus’ Great Commission on the mountain in Galilee require of all His disciples (p. 320)? Discuss what is involved in “making disciples.”
ReplyDeletePoint to ponder…
Up to this point in history it could be said, “Out of death comes death.” Now a new message rings loud and clear, “Out of death comes life!”
Do you remember playing with a Jack-in-the-Box as a child? You would turn a crank on the side of this small metal toy (usually as the tune “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” kept time with your movement). As the song neared the end, you would slow your cranking and begin to wince. You knew what was coming. You had done this a hundred times before. But there was still a sense of odd anticipation.
All of a sudden, with a slight rotation of the crank, the top of the box would flip open with a loud snap, and a spring-loaded head would pop up. Every single time Jack popped out of the box, you would be startled. But then you would press Jack’s head down, click the lid of the box shut, and begin cranking again.
As we read chapter 27 of The Story, we watch the disciples respond with stunned amazement at the resurrection of Jesus. He had told them, repeatedly, that he would die and rise again on the third day. He had assured them that death could not hold him down. But when Jesus popped out of the grave, the disciples were as shocked as a child with a Jack-in-the Box!
Think about a time when you knew what was going to happen, but were still surprised and amazed by what actually happened.
The above is taken from The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story, page 173.
ReplyDeleteQuestions to consider…
1. Why is it significant that the gospel authors emphasized that Jesus was really dead?
2. Paul said that if Jesus did not really rise, then we are most to be pitied. Why?
3. People have always had difficulty believing that Jesus was God in the flesh. (Read 1 John 1:1, 2:22, and 4:2-3). What details did John include in the crucifixion story for his readers to know for certain that Jesus, fully human, had truly died? How does knowing that God came to live among us affect your daily life?
4. What parallels can you find between Peter’s denial story (John 18:17-27) and His restoration story (p. 320 The Story and John 21:15-23)? What does Peter’s restoration reveal about Jesus’ heart and how does it apply to you personally?
5. Thomas is frequently referred to as “doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe his fellow disciples’ testimony. Then, a week after the resurrection, he confessed, “My Lord and My God!” Do you think Thomas’ reputation is justified or do you think he has been labeled unjustly? Why or why not?
6. What does Jesus’ Great Commission on the mountain in Galilee require of all His disciples (p. 320)? Discuss what is involved in “making disciples.”