Week of April 20, 2025
Seeing God through the Gospel: Easter
How we look at God matters. There are undoubtedly valid lenses that Scripture provides to understand and engage with God ... His creation, his law, his relationship with Israel, etc. But central is the Good News of Jesus: the story of his life, death, and resurrection and the full range of God’s gifts. As theologian Michael Bird puts it: “The gospel constitutes our window into the inner being, the divine work, and even the eternal plan of God, and therein our attention lies.” We begin with Jesus’ victory over death and see a God of great power who brings life.
Monday | Luke 24:1-12
We begin this Easter week with Luke’s account of Jesus’ resurrection. What details do you find to be especially intriguing? Since women’s testimony was not allowed in ancient courtrooms, what is the significance of God having women as the first eyewitnesses of the empty tomb (and that the Gospel writers recorded it!)? Why might the initial unbelief of the male disciples be an important element in establishing the credibility of the story? What would you have been thinking if you were one of the disciples?
Tuesday | Mark 16:1-5
The women who visited Jesus’ tomb followed Sabbath and burial rules and hoped to serve Jesus even in his death. How can following the rules be a beautiful act of obedience and trust? When have you been speechless in your faith?
Wednesday | Ephesians 1:17-23
The Apostle Paul prays that God would send the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (v.17)? Why is the Holy Spirit so necessary if we are to know God better? What does the Holy Spirit accomplish in us (v.18)? To what does Paul compare the power from God that he makes available to us as believers? (vs.19-20) What does this resurrection power bring about in us and through us? In what particular ways do you need this resurrection power at this time in your faith journey?
Thursday | Mark 16:6-8
The angel reminded these women of Jesus’ promise. But they were so terrified that they couldn’t even begin to process. Why do you think they didn’t say anything to anyone? How do you feel about sharing your faith with others? What can be terrifying about it to you?
Friday | Colossians 3:1-14
This is one of the more amazing passages in the New Testament in that the Apostle Paul states that at least in part, we have already been “raised with Christ.” We already share in the power of Jesus’ resurrection as we receive the gift of life from God. One theologian refers to this as a “proleptic” promise: that our eternal future in Christ already invades the present. How does the resurrection impact your life now? What does it mean to you to put to death your sinful nature? To clothe yourself with a new nature? How can this be described as “living the resurrection”?
