SCRIPTURE BY Janice Hall
Scripture Lesson Text: John 20:1-10, 19-20
Related Scriptures: Psalms 16:1-11; Luke 24: 1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; Ephesians 1:15-23
Our lesson today begins with John 20, with the discovery of the empty tomb, by Mary Magdalene relating the details to the disciples. Peter and John run to the tomb and examine the entire scene. Then the disciples returned to their home and while assembled together, Jesus appears in their midst, and says “ Peace be unto you.”.
We see in the related scripture, Psalm 16:1-11, David expresses confidence in the Lord, despite opposition. He knew the Lord was protecting and guiding him., and emanates joy as David places his trust in the Lord. The words in verse 10 is often quoted in the New Testament in reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke’s account of the resurrection in Luke 24: 1-12, provides foundation that would enable one to stand firm in the faith. One must wholeheartedly trust in the risen Christ, who is the foundation of the Christian faith.
In I Corinthians 15: 12-19, Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and its relevance to Christianity. “ But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”(vs. 13,14). Paul requests, in Ephesians 1: 15-23, that God the Father would bestow the Holy Spirit upon the Ephesians “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” Paul went to the church to gain deeper insight and understanding in the knowledge of God.
SYNOPSIS BY Janice Hall
We see in John’s account, he speaks of Jesus’ deity, his role as the creative Word of God, and divine attributes. His account of the Resurrection emphasizes intimate human moments. The other Gospels state that the enemies took extreme measures to assure that the body of Jesus could not be removed from the tomb. In paralleling other accounts to John’s gospel, Mary Magdalene goes alone, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene first, and there are two angels.
Before dawn on Sunday, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it open. She told Peter and John about it, who ran to the tomb and found it empty. After Peter and John returned to the others, Mary Magdalene saw two angels in white in the tomb. Then she saw Jesus, mistaking Him for a gardener. Finally she went to the disciples with the news of her encounter.
What better way to conclude this synopsis by saying…
Jesus went to Cavalry
To save a wrench like you and me
That’s love, that’s love
They hung Him high
They stretched Him wide
He hung His head and then He died
That’s love, that’s love
That’s not how the story ends
Three days later He rose again
That’s love, that’s love!
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY Brittenne Boykin
Today’s lesson explores the resurrection of Christ, the occurrence by which the linchpin of our faith hangs. The Apostle Paul plainly states in 1 Corinthians 15:17 “that if Christ is not risen; then our faith is in vain; and we are yet in our sins.” This in and of itself is a terrifying thought. I am so glad that as the text bears witness that Christ did indeed rise from the dead securing our victory forever! We see this from the perspective of Christ followers, everyday people like you and me, who had put their trust and faith in the man called Jesus.
The crucifixion has taken place, they are afraid, and I would imagine they are confused. The one who they had eaten with, learned from, shared laughter and sorrow with, saw perform miracles, has been killed and they are left in the thick moments that surround heartbreak and disappointment. It is in this climate that some of his closest friends go to the tomb and find it empty (vs.2). Can you identify? Your hopes have faltered but you push to the place where you believe that He will be and He is not there. They run to bring their companions to make some sense of what has occurred (Vs.3).
Simon and John make their way to the tomb, John hesitates, and Peter enters to find it indeed empty and His grave clothes neatly folded (Vs.6). They return back to the place that they hope to find safety and comfort, their home. (Vs.10). That very same day the Lord appears to them and proves once and for all that everything He said was true and that surely He was the son of God. (Vs.19-20) We can be encouraged that even when we are disappointed and even afraid that Christ is exactly who He said that He is and will keep His promise. Let us challenge ourselves on this week to see Christ as He really is, true to His word, and we can rejoice in the resurrection power that He secured with His victory.
