Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26.

1. Read the Apostles’ Creed together as a group... I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

2. Today is Palm/Passion Sunday. Why does this one Sunday have to do double duty?

3. Pastor Mick said the crowds picked the wrong Jesus to be released by Pilate? What did he mean by that? Why did the crowds pick the wrong Jesus? How can the Apostle’s Creed help us pick the right Jesus?

4. Read verses 21 and 22 from today’s passage. What do these verses mean to you? How do they help you understand sin, forgiveness, resurrection and eternal life?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 51. To what is Paul referring by the word “mystery”? Why is this a mystery?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 50-57. What does this passage teach us about life, death, and life after death?

7. Read 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17. What does this tell us about resurrection?

8. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 40-49. What does this tell us about our resurrection bodies?

Reflection:

Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been fickle in our faith, moving all too easily from “Hosanna” to “Crucify.” Remind us that you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Help us to always choose you over and above the empty promises of this world and its human leaders. We thank you for the promise, and the gift, of eternal life and new bodies that will never get sick or wear out again. Give us such faith that we cling to these promises, mysterious as they may be, so that our lives in this world may be filled with peace and hope. We love you, Lord Jesus, and we surrender our lives to you anew this day. May all that we say and do bring you honor and glory. Amen.