February 11, 2024 • Chris Edmondson • Matthew 23:13–23, Matthew 9:12–13, Matthew 18:23–35
If you think Jesus was a great leader and teacher, but find it hard to believe in his resurrection? You’re in good company. Even his disciples were skeptical. But those same followers were the ones who would later become the spokesmen of a new movement: the church. They would maintain faith in the midst of incredible suffering. Many died still claiming that Jesus was their Savior. So what do we make of this defining event—the one that became the foundation of their faith . . . and of ours? THE BIG IDEA: The resurrection of Jesus created Christianity & launched the church.
At Passover, Jesus gathered his followers and spelled out a new relational arrangement between God and humankind: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” But Jesus wasn’t celebratory. He seemed troubled. Initiating this new covenant with God would require sacrifice. What came next would confuse his followers and send them scattering. THE BIG IDEA: When Jesus died, everybody unfollowed and everybody unbelieved.
