Beyond the Weekend

April 10 | The Resurrection

April 10, 2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’s head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:6-8

Read: John 20:1-31
Listen:
John 20

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Everyone assumes it’s the end of Jesus. He’s dead. Crucified. It’s a public and humiliating death for the upstart rabbi out of Galilee. Since being arrested and executed, many people have lost respect for him and his followers. Jesus is simply a criminal not to be followed or trusted. Yet, on that first Easter morning, something completely unexpected happens. Jesus is not in the tomb. He’s risen from the dead. In doing so, Jesus shows he’s not a criminal but the Son of God.

Varied opinions exist today about who Jesus was and what he came to do. Some believe he was just a good moral teacher with helpful insights. Others don’t know what to think. Yet, the resurrection proves Jesus was who he said—the Son of God sent to save the world.

We still grapple with who we believe Jesus to be and the implications on our lives. This week we look at the resurrection from the perspective of his followers. Along the way, we will learn from how they respond to the resurrection. Whether we are already believers of Jesus, yet to believe or have some doubts—the most important question is, “Who is Jesus?”

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Think about the question, “Who do I say Jesus is?” Then consider, “In light of who Jesus is, how should I respond?” This answer will vary for us all. Maybe we are led to say a prayer of gratitude or worship, (re)commit to giving over control of our lives in an area we have withheld, or something entirely different.


2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

April is CONFESSION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES TIP. The Psalmist describes the contrast of life before and after confessing his sin. READ PSALMS 32 and note the difference between unconfessed sin and the experience of confession and forgiveness. JOURNAL how you have seen these differences in your life.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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