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Saturday, August 16, 2014

Summer of the Bible 2014 - Week 11

Week #11 - "From Death to Life"

 (photo by Sara Holben – May 2009)

Background:
            The gospels are really meant to be read from “back to front” – that is, starting with the Resurrection of Jesus.  After all, while the disciples experienced Jesus from the beginning of his ministry, the gospels were written through the “lens” of Resurrection so that everything that comes before Easter morning is to be understood because Jesus Christ is raised from the dead.
            All 4 of the gospels devote extended time to the last week of Jesus’ life – from Palm Sunday to Easter morning, including several post-resurrection appearances which describe disciples’ experiences of a Risen Lord.
            Testimony to Christ’s resurrection is a key feature in the witness of the early church – and it is Resurrection that still shapes our life, faith, and ministry.
            As you read through this week’s passages, note that no one gives testimony to the actual raising of Christ from the dead – no one saw it.  Their testimony is to the power of God that brings death out of life and their experience of that power in a Risen Savior. 


Readings for Week #11:
·       Read the Resurrection from all 4 Gospels: 
o   Luke 24:1-12;
o   Matthew 28:1-10;
o   Mark 16:1-8;
o   John 20:1-18.
§  What did the witnesses see?
§  What did they think they know?
·       Mark 16:9-19 – this section of Mark’s gospel with its post-resurrection appearances is not included in the earliest manuscripts and is believed to be a later addition
·       Luke 24:13-35 – the Road to Emmaus
·       John 20 and 21 – post-resurrection appearances
·       1 Corinthians 15:1-8 – Paul’s testimony
·       Colossians 1:15-20 – a hymn to the Risen Christ

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