Real Hope/Real Power

 The disciples' fearless hope and faith might have begun with the empty tomb (Matt 28). Their faith was strengthened when they actually met the risen Christ and spent time with Him. During this time, they seemed to have learned that true power is not in political advantage, but in the hope that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Who do you look to for hope and help? 

He is risen, indeed

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Past the Palms...

 When celebrating Palm Sunday, it's hard not to look beyond the day's triumphant entry and on to the night when many from the same group became part of a lynch mob (Mark 14). How do God's good people so quickly become angry enough to murder the very Son of God? Can you think of a time when you found yourself swept up a in crowd and began to adopt the crowd's emotion and bad behavior?

Death's wrappings left behind

 When the disciples examined the empty tomb, they found the wrappings that had covered the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20). In His resurrection, Jesus no longer needed death's attire. As Christians, we might consider if we are still attempting to wear the attributes of our old life which has been made 'dead' in Christ (Rm 6:6).

Running toward the tomb

 When Mary brought news of Jesus' tomb being opened, two of the disciples ran to investigate (Jn 20).  They didn't seem to have a full understanding of what was happening but rushed to find out. How eager are we to discover God's plans? Do we rush to learn more about the great God who created us, or do hang back and let others report their findings?

Hosanna

 

Although we all know that the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem ends in His crucifixion. But maybe for one day we could focus on the excitement of the crowd and the beauty of the moment (John 12). This event reminds us of the day when Christ will return and bring us true and lasting peace. What would you hope for most when Jesus returns?

Who saw the resurrection first?

The first to learn of our Lord's resurrection were not the disciples or the religious leaders. It was the faithful women who were willing to tend the 3 day dead body of Jesus (Luke 24:1-12). While the greatest miracle ever performed was unfolding, Jesus included those of the lowest social order and gave them a significant place in the eternal story. How are you including others in the greatest story?

My God, My God why have you forsaken me?

While dying on the cross, Christ quoted Psalm 22. This Psalm described King David's suffering at the time of its writing, but also foretold the details of Christ's death. By living out the words of Psalm 22, Christ entered into David's suffering, and demonstrated that He would be able to enter into our suffering with us. 
 If you are feeling hopeless, consider letting this Psalm be your prayer.

What Christ left behind

One of the first hints that Jesus Christ was no longer dead, was what he had left behind. John 20 details how the grave clothes were found without the body of Christ. We will leave many things behind when we finally see Jesus, but we don't have to wait until that time to shed some of the trappings of death, like pride or selfishness. What unchristian habits or practices can you give up?

Jesus loved the doubter

Christians often tell the story of "doubting Thomas" in order to reinforce and remind us of how important faith is to the believer. However, we should not forget that Jesus was willing to give Thomas the proof he sought (Jn. 25). How do you respond to honest skeptics who doubt the validity of your faith? Are you willing to give your personal story of faith as your personal proof?

Jesus loved the doubter

Still empty

The cornerstone of the Christian faith is the empty tomb left behind when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The hope that was provided then, is the same hope provided today. Do you need hope? Would you consider the hope given by the account of the risen savior, Jesus Christ?

He is Risen - Matt 28

Two women came to the grave of Jesus and were told that "He is risen." The women then saw Christ for themselves. The great joy they felt is obvious from this passage - but it might make us ask, how excited are we about Christ's resurrection? The resurrection of Christ is center to the faith of  Christianity. It gives us hope that someday we will share this resurrection.

Christ is Risen

Let us celebrate the risen Christ!