Theme of the week: Comeback

Following his work on the cross Jesus took our death and then it was time for his comeback.  Rising from the grave he conquers death and secures eternal life for those who trust in him.

 

Monday – Bible Reading

 

The Resurrection

Matt 28 

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus,

You are God over all creation and have power over life and death.  Thank you that the penalty of death has been cleared on the cross.  Rising again from the grave you are victorious and have proven your divinity.  Thank you for securing for us a pathway to eternal life simply by trusting in you.  We ask for this resurrection power to be evident in our lives and our school community.

In the name of Jesus.

Amen

 

Tuesday – Video

 

Chaplaincy YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuE37JO-tCw3tSUiDFUvnw

 

 

Wednesday – Discussion

 

Discussion questions in small groups or as a class.

  • Can you think of a time when it looked like it was all over? – maybe your favourite sports team was a few goals down. – how did you feel?
  • Have you ever seen a sports team make a comeback?
  • Can you think of a time in a film where it looks like the superhero is down and out but makes an incredible return? – avengers / superman?
  • Imagine being at Jesus death but then imagine seeing his empty tomb 3 days later.  How would you feel?  Would you instantly believe, or would you want to see him for proof?

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus,

When you were in the tomb it seemed like all hope was lost.  Without you it was empty and dark.  But you cameback to life!  You are Lord over life and death and offer that to us for free.  We thank you for your forgiveness and the power that you can give us.  We ask that you bless with this power in our life and for the faith to help us believe in your promise for eternal life.

Amen

 

Thursday – Reflection

 

Not many of you will remember the 1966 world cup final but I’m pretty confident you’ve heard about it.  England went down 1-0 to Germany after just 12 minutes.  The dreams of the nation were shattered, and that precious title of world champions momentarily disappeared.  But, as we know, it wasn’t over.  Geoff Hurst and the crew made an incredible comeback to win 4-2!  England we’re crowned champions.

 

Thinking again about God’s Big Story helps us see the significance of the resurrection.  The world that God created fell into chaos as sin entered the world.  Promise of a saviour kept peoples hopes up and when Jesus was born many people recognised it was him.  Then dying on the cross was a bit of a surprise for his followers.  They thought that being dead and buried was also what happened to their dreams of a better world.  But, as we know, it wasn’t over.  Miraculously as Jesus rose from the grave and so did their hope for salvation.

 

The bible teaches that anyone who believes in Jesus will not perish but receive eternal life (John 3:16).  In this we will all be resurrected to eternal life in heaven.  Even though in this world there is sadness, heart ache, death and suffering God has made a way for us to live eternal life with with him, crowned as champions over death and live forever without any tears.

 

Prayer

 

Lord God,

Thank you for your creation and your desire to give us lives filled with joy.  We’re sorry for the sin we commit against you and other people.  Thank you for rising from the grave conquering sin and death to provide for us a way to new life.  We ask for the hope and the peace that only you can give to be a blessing to our lives and those around us.  Help us to have an eternal perspective and think about that heavenly place of joy and peace that we can enjoy.

Amen

 

Friday – Lord’s Prayer

 

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.