Easter
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of April 13, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
11As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
16Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the amazing blessing of Easter! I praise You for showing the world that Jesus is, indeed, Your Son by raising Him from the dead. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may boldly tell others of His salvation and coming Kingdom! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Why do you suppose the guards fainted but the women didn’t?
What do you think you would have done in the same situation? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the resurrection today, and show others Jesus’ power through my words and actions!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, So many times in my life, I live as if Jesus is still dead, just like the women at the tomb. Thank You for showing me that I will not find Jesus among the dead, but in the fullness of life. Empower me today to be fully alive and in doing that to bring You glory! This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
Why do you think the angel had to tell the women to “remember what I have told you”?
What is one action this Scripture calls you to do today?
Today’s Challenge: I will tell at least one other person about Jesus today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You not only for raising Jesus from the dead, but also for having Him reveal Himself to the disciples and so many others AFTER His resurrection. Even though I have not seen Him for myself, give me renewed faith, not only to believe in Jesus, but also to tell others of His presence among us by the Holy Spirit! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Have you ever been frightened and joyful at the same time? If so, what was the situation?
Who do you need to tell about Jesus today? When will you tell them?
Today’s Challenge: I will not let my emotions (fear, anxiety, etc…) keep me from telling others about Jesus, and from experiencing His joy!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, People have always distorted and even attempted to eliminate the truth of Your great plan of salvation through Jesus. I pray that You will strengthen every person who follows You today, that we may stand up to the false testimony of any who would distract us or others from living out Your truth. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
11As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
What makes the guards’ story unbelievable on the face of it?
Why do you think this story was spread and accepted among the Jews?
Today’s Challenge: I will stand on God’s truth, and tell it to others!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, If some of the disciples doubted that Jesus was alive when they had seen Him, it is not hard to imagine that I will have times of doubt. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may always have faith and serve You faithfully! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Why did those who believed worship Jesus?
What do you think would have been the source of doubt among those who did doubt that it was Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will believe and call on the Holy Spirit when doubts arise!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for commissioning us to greatness and for giving us the assurance that You will always be with us! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may be a bold witness for You, and that I may be a disciple maker.
This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
What command(s) did Jesus give the disciples?
What are you going to do about the command today?
Today’s Challenge: I will make disciples where Jesus has placed me right now!