Victorious Love

April 16, 2017 Background Scripture: John 19:38 – 42; 20:1 – 10; 1 Peter 1:3 – 9 Lesson Passage: John 20:1 – 10; 1 Peter 1:3 – 9 Jesus warned his disciples that he was going to leave them and they would be sadden by it but after a little while, he would return and they would be filled with joy. Like so many other things he taught them, they heard him but they weren’t too sure what to make of it. As a result, they became indifferent to many of his statements rather than ask for clarity. He told them that the time was imminent before he was arrested. After following him for three years they were understandably sad in anticipation of what it would all mean. Jesus’ disciples witnessed his arrest, trials, crucifixion, and death. All of his teaching must have seemed a distant past to them after this. In fact, two of his disciples reasoned that they had trusted Jesus to be the redeemer of Israel prior to his crucifixion. They pondered what all of this could mean. When Jesus was arrested and unfairly charged and turned over to the Romans, this was interpreted by many as the defeat of his movement. Finally, after three years, the Jewish leaders could get back to business as usual with no threat of intervention from the Roman authority hanging over their heads because of the civil unrest caused by such a movement. They were loosely in charge of the affairs of Israel again. The civil riots led by Barabbas were subdued and the religious upheavals caused by John the Baptist and Jesus were now in the past. But rumors were now spreading that the crucified Jesus would not stay dead. When news broke that Jesus was reportedly seen by several witnesses, it was difficult to comprehend and impossible to accept. Rumors were growing quickly that Jesus was indeed quite alive and being seen by many of his followers in different locations. Jesus’ followers were being infused with new hope and excitement. Jesus had not been defeated as thought by all—including his disciples. The third day after his arrest marked the beginning of the sightings. The prophet who had died on the cross on Friday had risen from the dead on the following Sunday. Jesus was victorious over his enemies and that included death. This revelation changed the way his followers looked at Jesus as well as how they looked at themselves. During the three years of ministry prior to his arrest, his disciples had seen enough to be convinced that as long as Jesus was alive, he could conquer anything including someone dying. Little did they know that he had the power to die and the power to rise from the dead. Jesus’ victory was not based on trying to stay alive so he could help others. He came into this world to offer his life as a ransom for sin. His resurrection from the dead gave his followers a new and living hope. Now his promises of eternal life to his followers could be more readily embraced. Jesus was again alive and would remain so throughout eternity. He is now available to help his followers at all times. Jesus loves his followers too much to leave them forever. His temporary absence was necessary to secure eternal life for all who put their trust in him. Nothing in life can defeat believers in Christ because of his victorious love for us. Robert C. Hudson March 1, 2017