Jesus rising on Easter morning was more than a showy miracle to shock and awe His attackers and followers. When Jesus rose, He turned the entire order of the universe on its head. The Resurrection shows us that death does not have the last word. God has the last word, and His word is Life. Suffering and death end, but God’s Kingdom lasts forever.

 

Put It into Practice: Each morning, meditate on and thank God for the gift of eternal life. See how it may change your perspective and actions throughout the day.  

 

Day 1      Matthew 16:21-26 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus foretells His death and resurrection? Why is Peter rebuked by Jesus when he mentioned His suffering and death? How does verse 25 point to eternal life?  

Apply:    In John 10:10, Jesus says He came so we may have abundant life. Do you think He means now or after death? If now, how does your life show it? If after death, how is hope impacting you? 

Pray:     Lord Jesus, in Your perfect will, peace and joy abound beyond all worldly understanding. Help me to give up the trappings of my imagined life and embrace Your will and way of life.

 

Day 2      John 19:16-30

Reflect: Why do you think Pilate wrote the words “King of the Jews” above Jesus? What do you think was going through the disciples’ minds? Why are Jesus’ final words “it is finished”?

Apply:    Do you ever wonder about your own assurance? (Jesus doesn’t say, “Now I’ve done My part, make sure you do yours.”) How can the fact that “it is finished” encourage you to obey Jesus? 

Pray:    Jesus, I trust in Your finished work and receive the forgiveness and eternal life that You have made possible. Thank you for the ongoing presence of Your Spirit who helps me to be more like You every day.

 

Day 3      Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10 

Reflect: Why were the disciples skeptical of the women’s testimony? How does the resurrection of Jesus still have power today? Is it the same as it was when the disciples first raced to the tomb?  

Apply:   Do you know someone who feels the same as the disciples did, as seen in verse 11? Why is it hard to believe in Jesus? How can you help someone overcome disbelief in Jesus as Savior?  

Pray:      Help me to live with unwavering confidence, knowing You are alive and present with me always. May my life reflect the joy of Your resurrection and help me to share the Good News.

 

Day 4      1 Corinthians 15:50-57 

Reflect: What speaks loudest to you? How does this text describe what will happen to believers at the resurrection? How does it provide comfort and assurance to those who are facing loss or grief? 

Apply: What verses would be beneficial to memorize? How would you describe the way our culture views and deals with death? How does this encourage you to be steadfast in your walk with Christ?

Pray:   Father, help me to focus on the things that are imperishable and eternal, rather than the things of this world that will fade away. Thank you for the promise of eternal life in Your kingdom. May I live in a way that honors and glorifies You. 

 

Day 5       1 Peter 1:3-9 

Reflect: What do you learn about God? About yourself? About your relationship with Christ? Can you claim these verses as true for yourself? Do you struggle with any of them? Why?

Apply:   How have this week’s readings changed your view of death? Have they changed the way you live your life? How can this help you share the Good News about Jesus with those who need to hear it? 

Pray:    God, I look to You, who promises to guard and lead me through testing and trials that will result in glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I now have living hope!