CPC Discussions: April 24 Sermon: Rediscovering Hope (John 20:1-9)

Sunday, April 24, 2011

April 24 Sermon: Rediscovering Hope (John 20:1-9)

Pastor: Ryan Laughlin

Series: Easter Sunday

In this passage, the image of Peter and John running -- not walking -- to the empty tomb captured my imagination. How often the resurrection of Jesus becomes for us an object of dispassionate inquiry or stale investigation. But, in this story, the urgency of these men reminds us just how much was at stake with Jesus' resurrection.

Discussion topic: As I mentioned in the sermon, Eugene Burnand's painting of this scene (found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugène_Burnand) offers an unique perspective, perhaps one that you or your small group could discuss to open your time together. How does this painting help your study of this text? Or not?

Here are some more questions for your individual or group study:

1. John invites us to sift through the evidence discovered in Jesus' tomb, particularly a massive stone lifted away and a set of grave-clothes still lying in their place. Reading this section of the passage again, what is significance of each? What new insights can you gain into the resurrection of Jesus as you discuss these things together?

2. How do you account for the fact that John suddenly saw and believed?

3. If you were to explain the importance of the resurrection to a non-Christian, what would you emphasize?

Endnotes: I contrasted the discovery of the full tomb of King Tut with the empty tomb of Jesus. Here is more information on the historic discovery of King Tut's tomb:
Howard Carter and discovery of King Tut's tomb: http://kingtutmelbourne.com.au/discovery.html

And for some comic relief: Steve Martin's King Tut circa 1979. Watching it now, it's not that funny -- except for my favorite line ("He gave his life for tourism") and favorite part (the guitar solo): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgTPH5y1-ZI.

1 comment:

sdhApril 25, 2011 at 7:07 AM
Thank you for these notes, Ryan, and especially for the links - just looked at the painting...I agree that the painter must never have been a runner! ha!
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Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/