God’s Glory Through the RESURRECTION of JEsus

John 11:1-27, John 19:28-30, John 20:1-30

We’ve made it to the end. The grand crescendo of the Gospel. The glorious resurrection of Jesus. If you are familiar with the gospel, then you know this story well. There is a lot we have learned about Jesus up to this point. He was born to a woman meaning He is physically human and has shared many of the same human experiences as you and I. He had a family, he was part of a community. Jesus performed miracles, He was a healer and someone people came to in times of sorrow or desperation. Jesus traveled, seeking out people to follow him. We see Jesus as the accused, defending those who have done harm to him. And finally we see Jesus, dead and laid to rest in the tomb.

If we are honest with ourselves, I think the familiarity of the resurrection story can sometimes draw the emotion away from it. I wanted to remind us of the glory in the resurrection but having us reflect on a hymn you might be familiar with: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.

How deep the fathers love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He would give his only son, to make a wretch His treasure. 

When I think about the nature of our God, I can’t help but to stand in awe of a Father who would love me enough to give his one and only son. His treasure, He gave for me. How can I even understand that? There isn’t a person in this world whom I would give up my son for, and yet, God gave His for me. 

Wonder: Ask yourself, “What is the most precious thing I can imagine?” How does it make you feel that God would give the most precious thing He had, for you?

How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns his face away. As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory. 

Could I really be so precious? God endured the most searing loss in order to free us from sin. The torment Jesus endured, more pain than we could ever imagine, was supposed to be our punishment. Yet, our Heavenly Father laid that on Christ so we may be brought to glory in Him. When Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, He alone stands in God’s glory. But as our advocate and friend, Jesus shares His glory with us so that we may be given eternal life in Him.

Wonder:

Ponder that question - “Could I really be so precious?” Feel God’s face shining on you as you do. Repeat this over yourself, “This is my beloved son [or daughter] with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).

Behold the man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished. 

How can this be true? How can God’s power be shown through his shameful execution? How can it be finished, what does that mean?

Jesus responds to Lazarus’ death by saying that He loved Mary and Marth. Jesus knew that although he would die, Lazarus’ life wouldn’t end with death. Jesus, the image of God, made a way for us to have a relationship with God, one we were not able to have before. In the same way Lazarus was raised by the power of God, we too will be raised to life with God through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Wonder:

Spend time thanking God for sending Jesus. Ask God to help you accept the grace given to you and trust that it truly is finished.

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom, for I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.

How could Jesus be raised again when everyone saw him die? Jesus rising from the dead doesn’t just prove that God is powerful, but it proves that His love for us (John 3:16). Jesus didn’t just rise in spirit, his physical body rose from the dead meaning He will always be able to relate to our human condition. Jesus' resurrection shows us that God’s promises are true.

As we reflect on Jesus’ resurrection, would we respond in gratitude? Romans 5:7 says, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.” Jesus died for us solely because it was the will of the Father. We, enemies of God, were pardoned simply because God chose to have mercy on us. Rejoice, oh child of God, rejoice.

Wonder:

How does the resurrection stir my affections for God? Who in my life would benefit from hearing the resurrection story?

Spend some time singing this song to the Lord, thanking Him for Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.