Read Matthew 28:1-15 and 1 Corinthians 9:1-10
I. Jesus Rises from the Grave
a. Passage (Matthew 28:1-15)
- On the third day of Jesus' death, an angel came from heaven and rolled back the stone. The guards saw this and fell to the ground in fear. They reported these to the religious leaders who bribed them to lie about the event. The angel met Mary Magdalene and Mary by the entrance of the tomb and told them that "Jesus had risen and spread the Word His disciples". On their way to see the disciples, Jesus appeared to them and instructed them to tell His disciples and meet Him in Galilee.
b. Reflection
- Just as Jesus had said, he rose again after the third day. The tomb guards saw God at work and the women had witnessed Jesus alive again. The resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact. We will see in our next studies that there are hundreds who saw Him. This is a fulfillment of God's promise that He will provide us a way for our salvation. Jesus died for us while we were sinners and unrighteous. Just as He died during the crucifixion, our sinful bodies died with Him. Just as he Resurrection after three days, we were born again of the Spirit and are new creation. Before His death, Jesus proclaimed that "it is done". His blood had cleanse us from our sins and we just have to accept Him as our Lord and savior. We need to ask our Father in heaven for forgiveness of our sins and live a righteous life from now on. Let us not let Jesus' death go in vain by carrying our cross and following His ways to salvation.
II. The Rights of an Apostle
a. Passage (1 Corinthians 9:1-10)
- This is a continuation of the questions the church asked about eating meat offered to other gods. Paul used himself as an illustration for all the rights he gave up to serve the Lord. He had the right to be married, ask for payment, and other liberties, but chose not to. God did not forbid all these but because he wanted to be a role model for other Christians, he decided to not use these rights.
b. Reflection
- Paul gave up everything and fully devoted his life to God and His ministry. Paul explained how he had the liberty to do things but refrained so he would not be a stumbling block for someone else's faith. We as Christians have numerous rights. But we should not use all these rights because we may offend or become a stumbling block to others. We are free to do whatever we want, but as believers, we are called to do what God wants us to do. We are His children and we are His followers. We need to obey His command to show that we love Him. God had blessed us and showered His grace upon us. Let us show the world that we are true believers of the one and only God by following Him and His ways.
III. Proverbs for Today / 11:12-13
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret
IV. Old Testament Reading
Numbers 22:21-41, Numbers 23, Psalms 58:1-11
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