Day 320 – Jesus’ Resurrection #3

• It’s our final study on the resurrection today, and our final day focusing in on the gospel accounts. You’ll have known about the death and resurrection that’s we’ve been studying over the past week, but has your knowledge deepened about the events and – more importantly – has your understanding of the reasons Christ died for you grown?
• Do you remember the focus of John’s gospel, as distinct from the other three? John 20, which we recently read, is a good example of the way how John’s gospel is different. In today’s reading, his account ends with an interesting little tale of Jesus eating fish with the disciples. What does the story about the catching of the fish remind you of?
• I think I’d rather enjoy chilling on a beach in the early morning eating barbecued fish with Jesus! What would you talk about with Jesus if you had been there? Do you ever talk to him like that in prayer, just talking to Him?
• Jesus asked Peter a question three times. By the third time, Peter seemed to be a little exasperated! Why do you think Jesus made a point of asking him three times? What in Peter’s life does it remind you of?
• Jesus commanded Peter to “feed my lambs”. This is probably a reference to teaching and discipling as many people as he could. We’ve already read a little example of how Peter did this in Acts 2 – do you remember what he said in that passage?
• Acts 1:3 tells us that Jesus spent forty days on earth after His resurrection, “presenting himself alive to people by many proofs” and “speaking about the kingdom of God”. 1 Corinthians says He appeared to more than 500 people, many of whom were still alive when Paul wrote that particular letter. Why is it good to hear this? Do you think those words would have been written and believed if they were untrue? Why?
• What does 1 Corinthians 15:3 say is of “most importance”?
• Jesus appeared to Paul. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians and many other letters. For that reason we call him an apostle. We’ll spend a good amount of time over the next few weeks thinking about the role of Paul in the church.
• Paul’s words in verse 1 Corinthians 15:14 are true. The Christian message hangs on truth of the resurrection. That’s why this is so important. 2,000 years of debate has not shaken the validity of these remarkable events, and we will be able to stand firm in them for many years to come. Read these words carefully, and take heart in them.

This was a major moment in the history of the church. All of the Old Testament has pointed to Christ, and Christ has now come, and He has done his work. Tomorrow we’ll read about the moment Jesus ascended into Heaven. But what would happen from this point onwards?

Well, that’s what we’re about to find out. How will Peter and the other disciples get on with sharing the good news? How did Paul get involved, and why was he so important? How did the church that we know today start? All these questions will soon be answered!

Finish today’s readings, however, with a focus on Jesus (as, of course, it always should be). Jesus’ death and resurrection are part of history. But is that it? Was Jesus just a guy? A wise teacher? Was He even a fraud? How should you respond to these words? How are you responding?

How you answer that question is of life-changing importance. It might be that you trusted in Him before this year’s reading plan. It might be that you have come closer to faith through the words we’ve read. I hope that’s the case. If you’re still not sure, then keep reading. We’ll soon see how the gospel message transformed the entire world with its saving message, and I hope you’ll gain much encouragement from it, as we find out more about this exciting time.