Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 13-18)ნიმუში

The Resurrection

Ready: Matthew 20: 17-19; Matthew 27: 32-60; Matthew 28:1–20; John 2:18–22

Set:

Jesus was nailed to a cross between two thieves. After His death, He was wrapped with a linen cloth and placed in a cave tomb; a large stone was rolled across the opening. On the third day, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and another Mary came to see Jesus, but instead encountered an angel who rolled the stone away and sat on it. The angel of the Lord told the ladies that Jesus had risen and to not be afraid. The ladies hurried back to town to alert the disciples of the good news. On the road back to town, Jesus appeared and told them He would meet the disciples in Galilee.

Jesus had told His disciples and the Jewish people about what would happen, but they didn’t really understand. For example, after Jesus cleared the temple of nefarious moneychangers and unscrupulous merchants, they asked him for a sign to prove He had the authority to throw them out. He told them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They thought He was talking about the temple where people went to worship. But He was talking about His body when He said “temple.” While Jesus and the disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus tells His disciples what is coming: handed over, condemned to death, beaten, crucified, and risen on the third day. But His disciples didn’t really understand then, but after His resurrection, they remembered He had said this. That’s when they understood.

Has that ever happened to you? Someone tells you something, but you don’t really get it until later? We have the entire written account and can read the whole story; therefore, when we read Jesus’ teaching, we can understand because we already know the rest of the story. But His disciples were working in real time.

For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is of utmost importance. Our Savior is alive! This separates Christianity from all other religions in the world. Our God is the one true God. He is alive and powerful, and we have an opportunity to know Him personally. Our Savior is risen, and His Holy Spirit is alive today in those who call Him Savior and Lord. The other important point is we must pay attention to what Jesus says. Jesus told people what was going to happen they just didn’t comprehend. When we don’t understand, we can ask through prayer for understanding, or we can seek wise counsel from a pastor or parents.

Go:

1. What is the significance of the resurrection?
2. What does the resurrection mean to you personally?
3. What does it tell us about Jesus that He forewarns the people and the disciples about what is coming? What does it tell us about man that they didn’t understand?

Workout:

James 1:5; Matthew 7:24; Ephesians 1:17-19

Overtime:

“Thank You for the gift of Your Son and His sacrifice on the cross for me. Thank You for loving us that much. Please give me a heart of discernment and understanding to Your will and way. In Jesus’ name, amen.”