April 21, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 21st: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2,14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; Luke 24:1-12 Theme: Easter Luke : This is a continuation of the story that was told last week. Last week ended at the tomb, this week begins at the tomb. The women are going to pay their final respects. But someone has been there before they got there. They are in disbelief when the angel tells of the resurrection. They inform the others, and no one really knows what to do with this information. New life is hard for any of us to understand. We all tend to get caught in our old ways, and cannot think of anything else. If a miracle happens what do we do next? What does that mean for our life, for our understanding of life. Most of all, Jesus wants us to look at the situations of life in a new way. He wants us to realize that the impossible is possible, when we have faith in God. That is what the resurrection is all about. Acts: Peter is trying to put all of the pieces of what just happened to him together. He makes a statement about the resurrection. He was there to witness it all. When it was all happening and Jesus was with him, nothing made much sense. But now he sees that Jesus was preparing him for the resurrection. Jesus wanted him to go out into the world to make sure that everyone else knew. Everyone in the world must know about salvation, not just Jesus friends and family. Peter is starting to comprehend the fact that we are all equal in God’s eyes. So Peter has to be excited to tell anyone. Peter is telling this story to anyone willing to listen. Questions: What old ways of thinking is the resurrection calling you to give up? What does the resurrection mean to you? Is it a miracle, or just an ordinary part of life? Who are the people who need to hear the gospel that are not getting it yet? How would you tell this story if you had witnessed it for yourself?