He is risen!

Well actually, depending on when you read this, as you remember Christ’s holy week, it is probable that you will read this before his resurrection on the first day of the week.

Today, as we celebrate Good Friday, we remember the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross. And tonight, we will come to the final statement, where Jesus entrusts himself to his father and he prepares to give up his life. Accordingly, if you read this email today, it might serve you best to ponder what it means that Christ died for our sins and what his seven statements mean to us today. To help with that you might find this short article helpful.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, if you read this email, it will correspond to Holy Saturday—the day when Jesus' body remained dead and buried. Or, as the Apostle’s Creed declares, he descended to the dead (to sheol). In our English language, we often confuse hades (the realm of the dead) with hell (gehenna). But in fact, hades is not the same thing as hell, and Jesus and the apostles knew this. In fact, tonight and on Sunday, we will take some time to think about it too.

It matters where Jesus was when he died. And it matters than the eternal Son of God in his divine nature was not dead, even when he offered his body as a sacrifice for sins. It matters that Christ went and proclaimed victory over the spirits. And it matters that he led a procession of saints from Sheol to Glory in his resurrection. In fact, that is one of the important lessons that comes from Matthew 27:51–54, the passage we will consider Sunday.

On Sunday, we will proclaim that "Jesus Christ is risen indeed!” And we will consider the earth-shaking events of his death and resurrection. To prepare, take time to read Ezekiel 37. It will help give some background to the remarkable fact that dead men rose from their graves to walk around Jerusalem when Jesus Christ rose again. Sunday, we will consider this passage and what it means for Christ and for us.

Until then, plan to join us tonight at 7:00pm, as we gather to celebrate Good Friday. Then, pray for Sunday. Invite friends. And plan to come early to find a seat and welcome visitors. We will only have one service on Sunday at 10:00am. This service will be inside, with overflow seats available as needed. Sunday School will resume next week.

For now, let us pray for Christ to be magnified as we gather tonight and Sunday. For the truth remains the same, that Jesus Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed!

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Matthew 27:51-54)

At easter this year, what is most hope-giving about the resurrection of Christ?

In Matthew’s Gospel, what are the points that he stresses at Christ’s resurrection?

What are some of the ‘earth-shaking’ signs that accompany the death of Christ? What does this indicate?

How does the Old Testament help us understand this passage? Especially Ezekiel 37?

When did the saints rise from the dead? When they enter the city? Why do both of these incidents matter?

What did Christ do when he died and before he was raised from the dead? How did the world change as a result of Christ’s death and resurrection?

What became of these resurrected bodies? What hope does this give to us? What does it say of Christ’s resurrection?

What comfort, encourage, strength does this give you today? Why does death sting “less” today then before Christ’s death and resurrection?

What hope does the promise of Christ’s resurrection give you going forward?