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2005 Lenten Study Series: Matthew's Passion of Christ
The Resurrection of Christ
Read: Matthew 27:57-28:20
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
~ Matthew 28:20
1. In what ways does Joseph of Arimathea remind us of Joseph, Jesus’ adoptive father? Describe the significance of this singular moment in the life of Joseph of Arimathea.
2. The religious leaders may have paid closer attention to what Jesus said about his resurrection than his disciples did. In any case, the Pharisees were more prepared for being conned than the disciples were prepared for the Resurrection. Note the ironies of this “preemptive strike” against the resurrection.
3. It is as if the world is under orders, “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” And the church is under orders, “Go and make disciples of all nations. . .” Compare the two commands. Contrast the world’s agenda and Christ’s.
4. Is there any significance to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, not on the Sabbath, but the first day of the workweek?
5. Mary Magdalene was at the cross when Jesus died, at the tomb when he was buried, and at the tomb for his resurrection. What attribute did she demonstrate?
6. Are the earthquakes at the Cross and the Resurrection indicative that we are in the last days (24:7)?
7. Why is the statement, “He is not here; he has risen,” among the most important words in the Gospel?
8. The women were commanded to “go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead. . .’” Why was the message of the resurrection urgent?
9. The women are “afraid yet filled with joy.” Aren’t these mutually conflicting emotions?
10. The women were commissioned by Jesus to tell the disciples that he would meet them in Galilee, which was almost a hundred miles away. The Resurrection puts the faithful in motion. How was the women’s journey to the disciples and the brothers going to Galilee, faith in action?
11. Consider the Great Commission in the light of Psalm 22:27-31 and Daniel 7:14.
