Does it Really Matter?

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Study Notes

While every Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the tradition of taking one day a year and setting it aside for this remembrance is not wrong. In fact, bringing this event to the "front and center" of our thinking is a worthy action. Everything in the Christian faith rises or falls on the resurrection. Paul wrote that if Christ is not risen our faith is in vain and we are, of all the people on the earth — the most miserable!

This morning we're going to re-visit the text of the disappointed couple that we read about last week. Their story didn't end with disappointment, will yours?

1. What does the Scripture say?

   • Gen. 3:15: The seed of the woman will suffer before victory.

   • Exodus: The death of a Lamb is required for redemption.

   • Remember Israel’s heroes.

   • The prophets were clear about this matter of suffering preceding glory, 
     see Isaiah 53.

   • The Psalms have some forecasts too, see Psalm 22.

2. Does it really matter?

   • We have a Savior!

   • Believers are forgiven!

   • Believers have the hope of eternal life…in quality and duration!

   • Believers have transcendent HELP!

   • Believers can have confidence in Jesus’ teaching and authority.

   • Believers are united with Jesus.

   • Believers receive the Holy Spirit!

   • Believers are being restored!

3. What can we expect?

   • HIM!

   • Forgiveness rather than condemnation.

   • Trouble before glory.

   • Presence rather than loneliness.

   • Sufficient grace…

   • Victory over the grave…

   • Temptations, trials, struggles and failures…and an overflowing cup of grace to help us in our time of need.

Conclusion

So, where are you in this story? Still dazed and confused and trying to figure it out or a recipient of grace and a child of the Most High God?  
The choice is yours.  It isn’t as complicated as some people make it… Go ahead, say yes to the Risen Christ 

Questions for Small Group, Family and Personal Reflection

• Jesus taught the couple on the road to Emmaus, all the Old Testament Scriptures that pointed to Him. Dig into the Old Testament passages that point to Jesus, including through the life of Moses, David, etc. Reflect on how the Scripture points to Jesus as Messiah.
• The resurrection matters — it is the central issue to Christianity. How does it matter to you?
• Since Jesus is alive, Philip Yancey wrote that this makes Easter "scary;" what did he mean? What do you think?