Friday April 18, 2014

Read Mark 15:16-41.

Good Friday Service.

See you and your friends, family and neighbours there.

Saturday April 19, 2014

Read Mark  15:42 - 16:8. Matthew 28:17.

Christianity is unique in so many ways. Ultimately the faith of Christians rests on the resurrection of Christ Jesus. If the resurrection can be proven to be false then Christianity would die and could never rise from the dead.

Even though many people think that Jesus was just a good man who taught good things but lived and died just like us, the historical facts present a totally different picture. When Jesus died on the cross Pilate was surprised to hear that He had died so quickly. The Roman soldiers released the body to a certain man of Aramathea called Joseph. Roman soldiers were experts in killing people and would not release Jesus’ body unless he were completely and utterly dead. The idea that He could have been comatose or only half dead only sits well with half-wits. Romans knew how to kill.

After the Sabbath was over, the women went with spices to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. Upon arriving at the tomb they are greeted by angels. As they shake in fear the angel tells them that Jesus had indeed risen, just as He had foretold. Trembling and afraid they ran to tell the other disciples that Jesus was indeed alive.

Later, the disciples met this risen Jesus and, as we read in Matthew 28:17, they worshipped Him. They bowed down to Him as if He were God. Good law abiding Jews would only bow down to God and would stone to death others who bowed down to anyone or any thing else. Yet despite their knowledge and heritage, when they see the risen Jesus they bow down and worship Him as God.

The disciples did not worship a dead man but the One who overcame and defeated death.

Will your worship Him who overcame death with your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Prayer:

Having read today’s passages, jot down 2 points for each type of prayer.

Adoration:

Confess:

Thanks

Supplication:

ª Pray that in tomorrow’s Easter Sonday services across the nation preachers will fearlessly and boldly proclaim Christ risen from the dead and that they would call upon people to repent and believe in Jesus. Ask God to bring many conversions across this land and into your congregation.

ª Pray that we would see God powerfully at work to bring people to faith in Christ through the proclamation of the Word and through the witness of His saints. Pray that each of us would be bold in sharing our testimony of Jesus with those around us.

Witness Moment –  When you realise that the death of Jesus was immensely unjust, you begin to realise the enormity of grace lavished upon yourself. As you realise more of God’s grace, you are less likely to have a superior attitude towards others in need of grace. That humility and acceptance leads to a powerful witness that words alone cannot produce

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus was falsely arrested, wrongly tried and unjustly sentenced to death?

2. What role does the sovereignty of God play in all of this?

3. Given all you’ve read and discussed, who is responsible for the death of Christ Jesus?