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Listen "No Ordinary Death, No Ordinary Resurrection, and No Ordinary Outcome"
Episode Synopsis
The Big Idea of this study is to think more deeply about the death and resurrection of Jesus. This was no ordinary death, no ordinary resurrection and no ordinary outcome.
It is sometimes said of John’s Gospel that it is book in which elephants can swim and children wade. By that it means his writing is both for children and scholars. It is one of the first books we give new believers to read. It is also fitting material for serious study by mature believers. John is writing later that the synoptics (the other Gospels) and he is perhaps more interested in writing theology than simply telling us the story of Jesus.
John introduces holy week with the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. In fact this miracle is what really hardens the Jewish leaders resolve to put him to death. For them, it is the last straw. John is also using the Lazarus story to prepare us to see some significant details in the resurrection of Jesus. In particular in both accounts a stone needs to be removed and a body unwrapped. In both situations the Jesus event far supersedes what happened in the Lazarus account. With the Lazarus miracle fresh in their minds and don’t forget what an incredible miracle that was; he was dead four days! What happened at the tomb of Jesus must have been mind blowing.
John takes us even deeper into the meaning of the resurrection when Mary Magdalene sees the two angels at either end of the shelf on which the body of Jesus had once rested. The image was meant to mirror the mercy seat in the most inner sanctum of the Temple where the lamb’s blood was sprinkled for atonement. For those who have eyes to see this is the great significance of the crucifixion and resurrection. Once and for all, the Lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John wants us to see the significance of all these things.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Read John 20:1-18. Why are they running? How unusual is this? Might there still be some fear of discovery by the enemies of Jesus? What were they expecting to find? There is usually no hurry to visit a cemetary.
2. Mary comes back with them but hangs around the tomb instead of going home. Note the role of women in the revelation of the resurrection. Why might this be significant?
3. Discuss this idea: “They removed the stone so Lazarus could get out. The angel removed the stone so that the disciples could get in.” What stones might be acting as barriers to see the resurrection in your friends lives? How might they be removed?
4. List as many differences as you can between the resurrection of Jesus and that of Lazarus. Why is this Good News?
It is sometimes said of John’s Gospel that it is book in which elephants can swim and children wade. By that it means his writing is both for children and scholars. It is one of the first books we give new believers to read. It is also fitting material for serious study by mature believers. John is writing later that the synoptics (the other Gospels) and he is perhaps more interested in writing theology than simply telling us the story of Jesus.
John introduces holy week with the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. In fact this miracle is what really hardens the Jewish leaders resolve to put him to death. For them, it is the last straw. John is also using the Lazarus story to prepare us to see some significant details in the resurrection of Jesus. In particular in both accounts a stone needs to be removed and a body unwrapped. In both situations the Jesus event far supersedes what happened in the Lazarus account. With the Lazarus miracle fresh in their minds and don’t forget what an incredible miracle that was; he was dead four days! What happened at the tomb of Jesus must have been mind blowing.
John takes us even deeper into the meaning of the resurrection when Mary Magdalene sees the two angels at either end of the shelf on which the body of Jesus had once rested. The image was meant to mirror the mercy seat in the most inner sanctum of the Temple where the lamb’s blood was sprinkled for atonement. For those who have eyes to see this is the great significance of the crucifixion and resurrection. Once and for all, the Lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John wants us to see the significance of all these things.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Read John 20:1-18. Why are they running? How unusual is this? Might there still be some fear of discovery by the enemies of Jesus? What were they expecting to find? There is usually no hurry to visit a cemetary.
2. Mary comes back with them but hangs around the tomb instead of going home. Note the role of women in the revelation of the resurrection. Why might this be significant?
3. Discuss this idea: “They removed the stone so Lazarus could get out. The angel removed the stone so that the disciples could get in.” What stones might be acting as barriers to see the resurrection in your friends lives? How might they be removed?
4. List as many differences as you can between the resurrection of Jesus and that of Lazarus. Why is this Good News?
In God we trust