Jesus On Mission_SG_Low Rez

73 OUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH JESUS… — Unit Six — JESUS PROMISES PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES... “Do you swear to tell one greater, He swore by Himself” (Heb 6:13). the truth, the whole In other words, God bases every promise on His truth, and nothing own character. He holds Himself accountable! but the truth, so help If He ever broke a promise, He would stop being you God?” God! Aren’t you thankful for a verse like Numbers 23:19? “God is not a man, that He What picture forms in your mind as you hear should lie, or a son of man, that He should those words? Probably a court proceeding on change His mind. Does He speak and not act? some TV show or movie, right? Does He promise and not fulfill?” But notice the hands of the person being sworn In this next unit, we will look at four promises in to testify. The right hand is raised. And the that Jesus made. We can be absolutely con- other one? On a Bible. Why? fident that they either have come to pass or will The idea is this: when a person swears on a Bible, come to pass, because “all of God’s promises that person is holding themselves accountable have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding to Someone who is much greater than they are ‘Yes!’” (2 Cor 1:20). The promise to rise from — namely, God! The person is meant to realize the dead? Check! The promise to send the Holy that, if they lie before God, HE will deal with Spirit to live in His people? Check! The promise them! to use His people to spread His good news So when God makes a promise, who does He around the world? That’s happening right now! swear by? There is no one greater than God. So The promise to come again and take His chil- does He base His promises on…Himself? dren Home to Heaven? He’s coming back very Exactly! The Bible even says this: “When God soon! made a promise to Abraham [to bless him and As you journey with Jesus through this final his descendants], because He could swear by no unit, allow these lessons to bolster your faith in the God who always keeps His promises: “He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23).

74 !\"#$%&'$\"&'(!%#$%& )*'+,-./'0,1'2+3-'6'''4.//,+1 “Jesus Always Wins!” — DESTINATION: THE BIG IDEA — — KEY MEMORY VERSE — We can have confidence in what But the angel...said to the women, “Do not be afraid, Jesus did on the cross because for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see He rose from the dead. the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:5,6) — NOTES ALONG THE JOURNEY— • SCALE OF MILES • PHOENICIA N 0 - 15 - 30 Mediterranean EE Capernaum Sea GALIL Sea of Galilee Cana DECAPOLIS SAMARIA Dead Sea PEREA Jericho JERUSALEM JERUSALEM IN JESUS’ Bethlehem DAY Bethany JUDEA City Wall Pool of Bethesda Temple Upper Room Calvary Garden Tomb

NAME: U6L1 Activity OPEN OPEN TOMB? MIND? WHAT’S THE EVIDENCE? WEIGHING THE THEORIES RECORDING SHEET: As other groups present 1. Jesus didn’t really die. their “facts”, draw a line from the statements below to the theories which they debunk. 2. Jesus’ body was never Actually buried. John 19:31-33 — Jesus’ legs were not broken because He was already dead. 3. The tomb wasn’t HISTORICAL FACT — Roman soldiers knew when someone was dead. They knew Jesus had died (see John Actually empty. 19:31-33). 4. The resurrection was MEDICAL EXPERTS — Medical experts today say that Jesus actually died (see John 19:33,34). Just a myth. Matthew 27:61 — Women witnessed Jesus’ burial. 5. The only witnesses were Jesus’ followers. Matthew 27:57-60 — The owner of the tomb buried Jesus in his own tomb. ONLY ONE CONCLUSION... Matthew 27:65 — Breaking a Roman “seal” would result in execution. Jesus' disciples were already afraid of being put to death. 6. Matthew 27:66 — Even Pilate took every precaution to prevent the removal of the body. 75 Matthew 28:12-15 — The authorities had to bribe the soldiers because they knew the tomb was empty! Matthew 27:57-60 — The owner of the tomb could have dispelled the “Wrong Tomb Theory”. LOGICAL FACT — If the body were still in the tomb, the enemies could show it and prove that Jesus had not risen. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 — We have historical documents, written not long after Christ's death, stating that eyewitnesses saw the risen Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 — Over 500 eyewitnesses claimed to have seen Jesus alive! 1 Corinthians 15:7 / Matthew 13:55 — Before Jesus died, His half-siblings thought He was crazy. Later, they all believed that Jesus rose from the dead. What changed their minds? They saw the risen Christ for themselves! Acts 9:1 — Saul of Tarsus was a terrorist who killed Christians. But he himself later became a Christian, and even went around telling others about Jesus! What happened? He met the risen Christ.

76 !\"#$%&'$\"&'(!%#$%& )*'+,-./'0,1'2+3-'6'''4.//,+2 “The Great Co-Mission” — DESTINATION: THE BIG IDEA — — KEY MEMORY VERSE — The Mission of Jesus is now a And [Jesus] said to them, Co-Mission in which every “Go into all the world and preach the gospel Christian has a part. to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) — NOTES ALONG THE JOURNEY— • SCALE OF MILES • PHOENICIA N 0 - 15 - 30 Mediterranean EE Capernaum Sea GALIL Sea of Galilee Cana DECAPOLIS SAMARIA Dead Sea PEREA Jericho JERUSALEM JERUSALEM IN JESUS’ Bethlehem DAY Bethany JUDEA City Wall Pool of Bethesda Temple Upper Room Calvary Garden Tomb

STUMPED? Name: Christians who don’t see the U6L2 Activity “big picture” of the Great Commission are “stumped” when trying to figure out their purpose in life. Settle this matter once for all with this simple activity! INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cut out the rectangle, and paste it in the box in the tree ring diagram. 2. Group Chat 3. Cut out the circle, and paste it around the rectangle. 4. Group Chat SELF-REFLECTION: This is my takeaway from this lesson: 77

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79 GALILEE SAMARIA JUDAEA J.e:r;<u=s>a?:l@em

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81 U5 L4, L5 — ACTIVITY I5T ’SITIN’S YINOUYROUHRANHDANS DNSONWO...W... Key Verse: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”(1 Pet 3:15). How to use this object lesson: Holding up your hand, say,“It might look like there’s nothing in my hand. But, actually, it's holding the most important message we can ever hear! Want to know what it is?” Out of curiosity, many will say“Yes!” YOUR TASK: 1. Read the verses carefully. It is recommended that you memorize these verses. Our words are just...words. But God’s Word is ultra-powerful and can actually get into the hearts of people (see Heb 4:12). 2. Have one partner hold up one finger at a time (as shown below) while the other explains the points. Switch roles. If time allows, do it again – selecting numbers in random order. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4). The hand of God provides the gift. The hand of Faith receives it. The hand of love will pass it on so others will believe it. — BC

82 !\"#$%&'$\"&'(!%#$%& )*'+,-./'0,1'2+3-'6'''4.//,+3 “The Helper” — DESTINATION: THE BIG IDEA — — KEY MEMORY VERSE — To carry out Jesus’ Mission, And I [Jesus] will pray the Father, and He will give you a Christian must depend on another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the power of the Holy Spirit. the Spirit of truth...” (John 14:16,17a) — NOTES ALONG THE JOURNEY— • SCALE OF MILES • PHOENICIA N 0 - 15 - 30 Mediterranean EE Capernaum Sea GALIL Sea of Galilee Cana DECAPOLIS SAMARIA Dead Sea PEREA Jericho JERUSALEM JERUSALEM IN JESUS’ Bethlehem DAY Bethany JUDEA City Wall Pool of Bethesda Temple Upper Room Calvary Garden Tomb

NAME: — MORSE CODE — U6L3 Activity SENT, SENT & SENT! A F KP U B G LQ V C H MR W D I NS X E J OT Y Z SAMUEL MORSE: H E E E WHO IS He got the THIS? message too late! So he developed Morse Code… JOHN 20:21 THE FATHER SENT… JOHN 20:21 THE SON SENDS… THE FATHER & SON SENT… DO THIS BY JOHN 15:26; 14:26 YOURSELF DO THIS WITH JOHN 14:16,17 / JESUS SAID THE YOU (vv. 16,17) YOU (v.17) THE CLASS HOLY SPIRIT WOULD BE… READ THESE TWO PASSAGES. WHAT WARNINGS ARE GIVEN? WHAT DO THESE TERMS MEAN? DO THIS WITH EPHESIANS 4:30 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19 A FRIEND BACK Want to clean your TO THE 'connections' & shine again? FLASHLIGHT WRITE OUT 1 JOHN 1:9. 83

84 !\"#$%&'$\"&'(!%#$%& )*'+,-./'0,1'2+3-'6'''4.//,+4 “The King is Coming!” — DESTINATION: THE BIG IDEA — — KEY MEMORY VERSE — The risen Lord has promised to And behold, I am coming quickly, return and reward Christians who and My reward is with Me, to give to every one have been faithful to Him. according to his work. (Revelation 22:12) — NOTES ALONG THE JOURNEY— • SCALE OF MILES • PHOENICIA N 0 - 15 - 30 Mediterranean EE Capernaum Sea GALIL Sea of Galilee Cana DECAPOLIS SAMARIA Dead Sea PEREA Jericho JERUSALEM JERUSALEM IN JESUS’ Bethlehem DAY Bethany JUDEA City Wall Pool of Bethesda Temple Upper Room Calvary Garden Tomb

THE KING’S And behold, I am coming quickly, NAME: REWARDS and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. U6L4 ACTIVITY — REV.22:12 RECORDING SHEET As you learn about each crown during the class conversation, simply draw a line from the VERSE, to the NAME of the crown, to its DESCRIPTION. 1 JAMES 1 PETER 2 TIMOTHY 1 THESSALONIANS 1:2-4, 12 5:1-4 4:7-8 CORINTHIANS 2:13, 17-20 9:24-27 CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN OF CROWN CROWN OF OF GLORY CROWN REJOICING OF LIFE RIGHTEOUSNESS For Christians who, as an For Christians who For Christians who For Christians who For Christians who athlete, lead a disciplined faithfully lead and love Jesus enough faithfully share the good live “righteously” so the life, pursuing good and encourage others to suffer for Him news of God’s salvation in their personal walk Lord will be pleased fleeing from evil with people who are when He returns 85 with the Lord still lost

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NOITCELFERTIME FOR REFLECTION NAME: JESUS ON MISSION 87 What 3 INTERESTING INSIGHTS did you gain about Jesus? What 2 PRACTICAL POINTS challenged you about your life? What 1 QUIZZICAL QUESTION remains that you wonder about? Is there anything else you’d like to add? JESUS ON MISSION • SUMMATIVE TASK •

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89 RESEARCH PROJECT: RESOURCES Introducing... • RISEN • RESEARCH PROJECT: INTRODUCTION — The — POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCES of Jesus Christ TEACHER’S NOTE: You may wish to have students complete this independently, with a partner or in a small group. One idea is to assign one transformation per group, have groups complete their research and then present their findings to the class. The class can fill in their map and chart during the presentations to encourage active listening. — GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THIS PROJECT — M.K.4 Identify the relationship of Jesus to the Gospel and to one’s personal and present life; M.S.4 Use a concordance and electronic apps to locate scripture references; M.S.5 Access and use basic Bible study tools and methods as a means to accurately understand God’s word; M.S.6 Make application of scripture to daily life; The prayerful goal: M.D.1 Accept Christ or acknowledge a time when this was previously done

YOUR TASK: 1.1S.eUlseicntgat“hmisymstearpya”nitdemth.e2fo.llRoewaidngthcehpaarst,slaogoekounpthteheenvBeilbolpiec.al3re.feCroemnpcleetseathnedcrheaartdatnhdemaarptiacslebsesretlaasteydoutoctahne.se 9 TRANSFORMATIONS 90 4.torOcnaopnlweusnfmhotinrhcmeohfeedtdnhivleseicvlcioehppsal.eer2tt..oyFor6ieulal.cdinFoTiulHtllhEidneRrwEmeShlTaiastOteseFvinetTrgoHiEsitnhSmfTeoiOsrmRsmiYno.ags5ttoino.innPytooohunnirdsebcsrhtouaothdrntye/tm.hl4ieaf.epmWa(iaprfppintleaiecenayddtoeiotduhn)r..eCJtcohhhuooarournstag.elFhatihtnnisoastdlhtlhyoe,orwguiigtnvehemut tniniifmdttehiemretteolhaaersletlcofhwlaesrc.tt. From FEARFUL to CHEERFUL MARY Hint: “Simon” and “Cephas” From WEAKLINGS to WITNESSES MAGDALENE both refer to this man From QUESTIONING to CONFIDENT From EMPTY to FULL From SORROW To JOY From SORROW to JOY From DOUBT to WORSHIP 11 ELEVEN DISCIPLES 10 From REGRET to RESTORED (Thomas Present) From HOPELESS to “HEART-BURN” From SKEPTIC to LEADER — FROM THIS TO THAT — 7 11 JAMES (JESUS’S HALF-BROTHER) PROJECT RUBRIC: Jesus also appeared to over 500 followers (1 Cor 15:6), but no other details are provided. A+ I completed all 9 “transformations” A I completed 7-8 “transformations” B I completed 5-6 “transformations” C I completed 2-4 “transformations”

91PERSON/PEOPLEREFERENCE(S)“MYSTERY” TRAINTESMFOLRINMKA: TION TRANOSNFOERAMPAPLTICOANTION TONMEYALPIPFLEI;CA Which disciple do you most relate to in this study and why? 1 Luke 8:1-3; John 20:1, 11-16; GARDEN TOOL = Jesus • THE RISEN CHRIST TRANSFORMS LIVES • Mark 16:1, 9-11 appeared to Mary in a garden (tomb location) RESURRECTION DAY 2 OTHER Matthew 28:1, 8-10; WOMEN Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10 3 PETER Luke 22:54-62; 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5a 4 TWO DISCIPLES Mark 16:12-13; FROM hopeless (see v.21; FROM hopeless (see v.21; (Perhaps married?) Luke 24:13-35 they thought Jesus would they thought Jesus would John 20:19,20; Luke 24:36-49 be king) TO… be king) TO… 5 TEN DISCIPLES (Eleven minus Thomas) 8 DAYS 6 Mark 16:14; LATER John 20:24-29 OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS 7 SEVEN John 21:1-8 When I obey the word of thWehReinseInoCbehyristht,e DISCIPLES I am able to do things thatIaaremimabploestsoibdleo t 8 11 DISCIPLES Matthew 28:16-20; if I rely only on my own poifwIerr.ely onl (and around this time, Mark 16:15-18; to over 500 followers) 1 Corinthians 15:5b FROM… TO a church leader in 9 Matthew 13:55; FROM… Jerusalem Mark 3:21; TO a church leader in 1 Corinthians 15:7; Jerusalem Acts 15:13

Lk 8:1-3; Jn 20:1, MARY MAGDALENE 11-16; Mk 16:1,9-11 If you’ve ever lost a loved one, you probably know what sorrow feels like. Let’s try to step into Mary’s situation to see these events through her eyes. FROM SORROW... A LOVE THAT GREW AND GREW: From that day on, Mary was lovingly devoted to Jesus. We A DARK PAST: The Bible says that Mary had at never actually read of Mary telling Jesus that one point been demon-possessed. I know that she loved Him, but her actions spoke loudly and sounds scary and unfamiliar to us, but God’s clearly of her love! Word says there were actually seven demons in- side of her (Lk 8:1,2). They took over her life and • She constantly helped provide practical items caused her much pain and fear. for Jesus and His disciples as they travelled around helping others (Lk 8:2,3). THE LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS: A very • She was the last one at the cross and the first special day came in Mary’s life, the day when one at the tomb. Jesus, the Light of the World, set her free from darkness. With the word of His power, Jesus • She came to the tomb when it was still dark. commanded those demons to leave Mary — and Thousands of people had traveled to Jerusalem they did! for Passover that weekend. Lots of foreigners were in the city, around every corner, overcrowd- • REFLECTION: If you are a child of God, ing the streets. Yet Mary journeyed in the dark- you too have been set free! The Bible says ness to the tomb. that sinners are, by nature, prisoners of Satan. But the Bible also says that Jesus • She brought expensive spices to anoint the came for the very purpose of bringing those body of Jesus. who “sit in darkness out of [Satan’s] prison house” (Isa 42:7). When we reach out and • Thinking the body had been moved by the gar- ask for God’s salvation, He sets US free, dener, she was even prepared to get the body and just like He did to Mary! carry it to a better spot (over 250 pounds when we include all the spices folded into the linen cloth; see Jn 19:39). • Her love for Jesus was undeniable!

• REFLECTION: Do YOU love Jesus? You 1. JESUS…Himself! Notice, there were two an- may SAY you love Him, but if you have gels there. Wouldn’t you have been amazed by truly been set free from your sin and its that? But Mary was still sorrowful! ONLY Jesus eternal penalty, do you SHOW your love for would satisfy her heart — so that’s what she Him by serving Him and helping others? got! Just being in His presence brought joy. Do “Dear children, let’s not merely say that YOU regularly spend time in the presence of we love each other; let us show the truth Jesus? Do you listen to Him through reading by our actions” (1 Jn 3:18). His Word, the Bible? Do you talk with Him through prayer? As you do, you will experience Which brings us to this sad scene: Mary is joy: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps heart-broken. Jesus is not only dead (or so she 16:11). thinks), but now His body has been taken some- where (or so she thinks). But all of that is about 2. OVERFLOWING HEART: As we spend time to change… with Jesus, joy not only fills our heart but over- flows into the lives of others. Mary had the two- ...TO JOY! fold blessing of being the first to see the risen Christ and of being the first to carry the news Jesus honored Mary’s love: to others. Mark notes that Mary, who had her- self been weeping, took this joyful message to • Given the love that Mary had for Jesus, it’s others who also “mourned and wept” (16:10). no surprise that Jesus chose to appear to her We have good news! Let’s share it! first — even before any of the disciples. Jesus regularly honoured women in ways like this. 3. YIELD to Him: Yes, Mary called Jesus her “teacher” (“Rabboni”). But notice how she re- • Notice the THREE ingredients necessary for ferred to Him a few minutes earlier (Jn 20:13): transforming Mary’s sorrow into JOY, and re- “MY LORD (meaning, “My Master”; see also member each of these letters to remind you of v.18). Jesus was first Mary’s Lord, then He was how YOU can experience this same joy: her Teacher. That order is important. (Jesus re- inforced this order in Jn 13:13,14.) If we rec- ognize the risen Christ first as our Lord and Master, we will more readily follow His instruc- tions as our Teacher. The result? Joy! “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s com- mandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15:10,11). FROM SORROW TO JOY

Mt 28:1,8-10; Mk THE OTHER WOMEN 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10 It’s easy to doubt the word of a liar. But, sad to say, we can also choose to doubt the word of Jesus, who said, “I Am the… Truth” (Jn 14:6). And that’s exactly what these women did. FROM DOUBT… PAUSE TO REFLECT: Have YOU ever doubted the word of Jesus? Perhaps you’ve How many times before His death had Jesus read a verse like, “In the beginning, God promised, “I will die. But then I will rise again”? created the heavens and the earth” (Gen He had taught this over and over and over. Here 1:1). And, even though these words come are a few examples you can read for yourself: from God, you think to yourself, “Hmmm… Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; 26:32. can that really be true?” Yet, when these women came to the tomb, they We begin to D.O.U.B.T. when we Distort Our fully expected that Jesus would still be dead in Understanding of Biblical Truth. It’s been that tomb. How do we know this? said, “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” But that’s not quite how it works! We 1. They brought spices to anoint what they should be saying, “God said it, so that set- thought would be a decomposing body. tles it.” Whether or not I believe something, or even understand it, “God is not like 2. They asked each other, “Who will roll the stone people, who lie; He is not a human who away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mk 16:3 changes His mind. Whatever He promises, NIV). He does; He speaks, and it is done” (Num 23:19 GNT). The best thing we can do is 3. Once they arrived at the tomb, one of the an- trust His Word, undoubtedly — no matter gels stated point-blank: “You are looking for what! Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified” (Mk 16:6). In other words, “You’re looking for a dead THEY CAME, THEY SAW, THEY REMEM- Jesus.” BERED! The angels gently rebuked the women: “He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He There’s no doubt about it: told you…?” (Lk 24:6). these women doubted!

“Come and see!” (Mt 28:6). The angels invited PAUSE TO REFLECT: Every person who the women to take a look inside the tomb. Guess has “come and seen” the wonderful risen what they saw? No body (pardon the pun)! The Savior has also been commissioned to “go body was gone — but what they did see was and tell” others about Him. Who have you truly astounding! In fact, John records that, told lately? when he personally saw this, he became an in- stant believer in the resurrection of Jesus (Jn …TO WORSHIP 20:8). As the women raced off to share the good news What did they see? The grave clothes of Jesus with Jesus’ disciples, guess who they met? The — but not as you might expect. They were risen Christ! They fell at His feet and wor- “lying” there. The word used in the Greek shiped the risen Christ. They were trans- means “undisturbed”. In other words, those formed. grave clothes were lying exactly as they had been when Joseph of Arimathea had wrapped What is worship? It’s more than a word. It’s them around Jesus’ body for burial. Due to the more than a song. It literally means “to ac- spices, the grave clothes had hardened like an knowledge worth”. These women, bowed at the encrusted cocoon in the shape of a body! feet of Jesus, were declaring that the risen Christ was “worth” more than anything or In seeing this evidence and hearing the angels’ anyone else in their lives. reminder that Jesus had promised to rise three days after his death, the women “remembered What or whom do YOU worship? Here’s an easy His words” (Lk 24:8). way to find out: Just ask yourself, “What thing or person in my life would I say is worth the Now it was all crystal clear! What were they to most to me?” Is it your friends? Your hobbies? do with this exhilarating news? The angels who Your sports? Entertainment? Some celebrity? had invited them to “Come and see” now Your looks? Your grades? The answer to that charged them to “Go and tell”! question will tell you the object of your worship. Sure, we should appreciate or admire certain people, but there is only One Person worthy of worship — and that’s the risen Christ! Why is He alone worthy of worship? 1. He created you (Rev 4:11). 2. He died to pay your sin-debt (1 Cor 15:3). 3. He rose again, proving His victory over sin, death, and the grave (Matt 28:6, 9). Who is greater than Jesus? No one. So, like those women, let’s worship ONLY JESUS. FROM DOUBT TO WORSHIP

Lk 22:54-62; 24:34; SIMON PETER 1 Cor 15:5a We’ve all had to eat humble pie at one point or another. But Peter’s serving of humble pie was the most bitter experience of his life. FROM REGRET... Wait! What? A rooster? What does a rooster have to do with this story? It may seem odd — until Have you ever heard professional athletes being you realize the conversation that Peter and interviewed before a big game, claiming they felt Jesus had an hour or two before Jesus’ arrest. totally confident that they were going to win? Here is that conversation pieced together from But then they lost. In fact, not only did they lose, all four gospel accounts (based on the Amplified but they lost BIG. Totally humiliating! Version). Well, Peter’s humiliation was FAR worse than Setting the Stage: Jesus is announcing to His that! You see, Peter was known as the bold one disciples that He, “the Shepherd”, is about to die. among Jesus’ disciples. But, even though he His followers, “the sheep,” would scatter as a re- meant well, he often ended up saying the wrong sult of the events that were about to unfold. If thing at the wrong time. He was constantly put- we were flies on the wall in that Upper Room, ting his foot in his mouth! this is what we would have heard: The most epic example of this was Peter’s denial Peter: “Jesus, where are you going?” of Jesus. Jesus: “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; You’ve already read how Peter denied even know- but you will be able to follow later. As for ‘now’, you ing Jesus — not just once, or twice, but three will all fall away because of Me this night, disillu- times! And it wasn’t just off in the corner some- sioned about Me, confused, and some even ashamed where. It was in front of a crowd. Nor was it a of Me, for it is written in the Scriptures, ‘I will strike subtle denial. He cursed and swore to try to con- the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scat- vince the crowd that he really wasn’t one of tered.’ But after I am raised to life, I will go ahead of those “Jesus people”. It just went from bad to you to Galilee.” worse…and then he heard a sound. Peter: “Wait a minute, Lord! Though they all [point- It was the crow of a rooster. ing to the other disciples] will fall away because of You and doubt and disown You, I (pointing to his puffed out chest) will never fall away!”

Jesus: “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded Interestingly, Jesus arranged for this meeting with permission to to grind your life like kernels of Peter to be private. Only two short verses in the wheat being made into flour; but I have prayed for Bible tell us THAT they ever met, but they tell us you, Peter, that your faith and confidence in Me nothing about their encounter. This is significant. may not fail; and you, once you have turned back It tells us that Jesus is kind and gracious when He again to Me (after being ashamed of me), deals with our failures. He doesn’t broadcast them strengthen and support my other followers.” to other people. He doesn’t hang out all our dirty laundry and cause others to think less of us. Has Peter: “No! You don’t understand me. Lord, I am anyone ever done that to you? Have YOU ever done ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” that to others? Well, Jesus doesn’t do that. Jesus: “Will you [really] lay down your life for Me? Once Peter was able to get things “fixed” with I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before Jesus, it transformed him! For starters, he became a rooster crows you will deny and completely dis- a lot more honest about his own weaknesses. Later, own Me three times. Peter admitted that his love for Jesus wasn’t what it should be (Jn 21:15-19). (Peter declared three Peter (now shouting loudly): “Even if I have to die times that he “liked” Jesus with a brotherly love with You, I will NOT deny You!” rather than loving Him with agape love. How differ- ent than the Peter who, before the cross, boldly de- Fast forward a couple of hours and…the roos- clared his allegiance, an allegiance that proved ter crows. Peter glances around in sudden real- untrue in the hour of testing.) ization of what just happened. And guess whose eyes meet his? The eyes of Jesus, who is being In acknowledging his weakness, Peter was now led away to His crucifixion. He looks on Peter, more ready to depend on the Lord’s strength. And, and their eyes lock. Peter is horrified. He is over- for the rest of his life, he boldly served Jesus — right come with shame, guilt, regret. He rushes off up to his own martyrdom. We might say that the and begins to weep bitterly. Then Jesus dies. He breaking of Peter was the making of Peter! is buried — along with Peter’s hope of ever mak- ing things right. It’s too late. One day passes, two days…Peter sinks further REFLECT: A little phrase in Mark 14:54 hints at and further into despair. How can he face why it may have been difficult for Peter to remain another day? But, oh! The third day came…and loyal to Christ. He followed Jesus from “afar off”, what a day it was! or, “at a distance”. Next, we read that Peter was warming himself at the same fire as those who ...TO RESTORED! were happy to see Jesus die. If you’re following Jesus, how closely are you following Him? If The Risen Christ appears to Peter — not to scold you’re a child of God but following Him “afar off”, him or tell him, “I told you so!” Not to ask, “How it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be associat- could you?” Jesus met with Peter to restore him, ing more with the world that hates Jesus than you to set things right between Peter and Himself. are with Jesus Himself, the One who loves you and died for you. Follow Him closely, not from afar! FROM REGRET TO RESTORED

Mk 16:12-13; TWO EMMAUS DISCIPLES Lk 24:13-35 Your favourite sport’s team is heading to the championship game! They’ve won practically every single game all season. There’s no way they are going to lose! You let everyone know it. And then…they lose. You feel half humiliated, half devastated. But guess what? Life goes on. You’ll be fine. FROM HOPELESS... stantly set up His glorious kingdom that all the pro- phets of old had promised. Well, these two disciples of Jesus didn’t feel “fine,” that’s for sure. They were absolutely certain that But now their joy and their confidence were dead Jesus was going to win big — that, as some great and buried in that tomb along with Jesus. These two military leader, He was going to crush the big, bad disciples were totally hopeless. Roman Empire that was ruling over Israel. One of these disciples said with a heavy heart: “But we ...TO HEARTBURN were hoping that it was He who was going to re- deem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the As they walked in despair, a “Stranger” appeared third day since these things happened” (Luke and walked with them on the road. Little did they 24:21). know that this Person was actually the risen Christ. He even asked them questions about what had taken That word “hoping” in the Greek doesn’t mean place over the weekend. They wondered how anyone “wishful thinking” like we use it today. This particu- could NOT have known what had happened to Jesus. lar word meant “to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence”. But now, get ready for this thrilling transformation: the One who opened the tomb was about to open two Fully confident — and then…Jesus was arrested, more things. tortured, and crucified. 1. The SCRIPTURES were opened — “How could this possibly have happened?” they Question: Do you recognize this person likely reasoned as they slowly walked along the to the right? If you do, that’s impres- dusty eight-mile road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. sive! Most people would have a hard “He was a Prophet mighty in word and deed before time identifying this person because God and all the people!” They figured that He could we see only part of the picture. wipe out the Romans with a simple thought and in- Answer: It’s Mona Lisa!

That’s sort of how it was with these two disciples. Christ! That is the power of God’s Word. Sure, Yes, they believed SOME of what the prophets wrote evidence is helpful. But you could spend your about Jesus — namely, the parts about His CROWN entire lifetime examining “evidence” to con- (His coming power and glory). But, in Jesus’ own vince you about Jesus, but, in the end, “faith words, they failed to “believe in ALL that the pro- comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of phets have spoken!” (v.25) — namely, the parts God” (Rom. 10:17). Do YOU believe God’s Word? about His CROSS. So Jesus had to rewind to remind! He went all the 2. Their EYES were opened — Once they all reached way back to the writings of Moses — who wrote the Emmaus, the two disciples invited Jesus in for a first five books of the Bible — reminding and then meal. He accepted. Sitting down at the table, Jesus explaining what the prophets had written — which gave thanks for the food, broke some bread, and is a big chunk of the Old Testament. He explained passed it to the two disciples. And, at that moment, how Christ would first suffer, and then reign in it all clicked: “Then their eyes were opened and they power and glory. knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” Imagine Jesus explaining Jesus to us? No wonder Wait! Jesus passed them the food? Did they happen they later declared: “Did not our heart burn within to see…His hands? It’s possible. After all, a whole us while He talked with us on the road, and while week later, the risen Christ said to Thomas, “Put He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32). your finger here, and see my hands…Do not dis- believe, but believe” (John 20:27 ESV). So, Jesus’ REFLECTION: These two disciples had wounds were still visible and were likely seen by received word from witnesses (the women and these two at the table. A little later on, we read, the apostles) that the tomb was empty. Angels “[The risen Christ] was known to them in the break- had even declared that Jesus was alive (part ing of bread” (v.35). No sooner had Jesus handed of the witnesses’ testimony). But even this ev- out the food and *POOF*…He literally vanished. idence was not enough to convince these two. Gone! And in that instant, they knew Jesus was What was it that started to open their eyes? It alive. Their hopeless despair was replaced with spir- was the Word of God — without even realizing itual heartburn! that the “Stranger” was actually the risen Opened Scriptures led to opened eyes. And opened eyes led to open MOUTHS! They ran eight miles all the way back to the very city they had just come from — Jerusalem. There, they found ten of Jesus’ disciples (Thomas was absent) and announced the great news: “The Lord is risen indeed…” (v.34). REFLECTION: What wonderful truth have you re- cently discovered from the Bible? Don’t keep it to yourself! Open your mouth and share it with others. Who knows? It might be just what God uses to help open someone else’s eyes to see their need of Jesus! HOPELESS TO HEARTBURN

Jn 20:19,20; THE TEN DISCIPLES Lk 24:36-49 What are you most afraid of? A Survey on American Fears by Chap- man University ranks the most common fears people experience. Yes, in this order: public speaking, heights, death, flying, and blood/needles. Amazing, isn’t it? Public speaking causes greater fear them the wounds in His hands and side as evidence than dying! And if it isn’t enough that we have all that it really was Him. He ate with them to prove He these common fears to cope with, many people have was not merely a spirit. But notice what He did next. to contend with a whole slew of uncommon fears, Just as Jesus did with the two disciples walking to known as phobias. Like what? Oh, like: Arachibutyro- Emmaus, He opened the Scriptures and explained phobia (the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof God’s Word, showing how all the events of His death of your mouth), Nomophobia (the fear of being with- fit together in God’s master plan (see 1 Peter 1:10– out your mobile phone), Arithmophobia (the fear of 12). numbers), and even Ablutophobia (the fear of bath- ing). The most ironic phobia? Hippopotomonstroses- The result? John 20:20 tells us they regained 20/20 quippedaliophobia…the fear of long words! vision: “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (NIV).The word “overjoyed” in the Greek is FROM FEAR… chaírō, meaning “cheerful”. Yes, their fear was trans- formed into cheer! That’s what happens when we re- Ten of Jesus’ disciples (along with some others) had alize the presence of the risen Christ in our lives. locked themselves in a room. Why? Fear upon fear! Yes, adults too experience fear. First, John records Did you know that this risen Christ wants to do the that these disciples feared for their lives. They were same for you? He wants to bring three special kinds marked men: the Jewish leaders who crucified Jesus of “cheer” into your life! Let’s do what Jesus did and could very well hunt them down next. Luke also turn to the Word of God to learn about this cheer: records that, when Jesus appeared suddenly in their locked room (without even using the door!), they As to our PAST: The cheer of GOD’S PARDON were afraid, thinking that He was a ghost! Add all this to the traumatic events that had taken place a Jesus once spoke these words to a paralyzed man: few days before, and these men were, quite literally, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you” a wreck. (Matthew 9:2). …TO CHEER What was the first thing Jesus did? He spoke peace Why would God’s forgiveness bring us cheer? Because to them, helping to calm their nerves. He then showed sin is our most serious disease: it infects our soul. It