The life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Over the last 8 weeks we have been re-telling the true story of Jesus during our Sunday morning services, using a variety of creative media: Film clips, Dramatic readings, Creative writing, Art, Craft, Testimonies and, of course, Bible Readings.
Each week we covered a different part of the story as well as exploring a theme that provides practical help with our everyday lives
In these two blogs we provide an outline of the series – the first covered the first four weeks and this, the second, the four weeks leading up to, and including Easter.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Week 5: Jesus the Revolutionary
Anxiety
Often Jesus’ miraculous healings preceded his teachings about what God is really like and what it means to live in His kingdom. The poor and marginalized were astounded at this good news, whilst the pious and hypocritical religious leaders were appalled.
Jesus’ teachings were – and remain – truly revolutionary, turning the world on it’s head in a stunning and beautiful way. He shattered the status quo, taught and demonstrated a way of living unhindered by anxiety still on offer for us all today.
Week 6: Jesus the Sovereign
Security
Jesus demonstrated a power over nature that confirmed his status as the Son of God and again demonstrated his authority, thereby vindicating his teaching.
Witnessing Jesus calming the storm, walking on water, or feeding 5,000 with just a few fish and five loaves of bread – how must the disciples have felt? How would YOU have felt?
We saw them be amazed, fearful and acknowledging his sovereignty – but Jesus continued to treat them with love, kindness and acceptance providing the ultimate security.
Week 7: Jesus the Lamb of God
Love
Jesus receives a triumphant welcome on Palm Sunday as he returns to Jerusalem: But what kind of king are the palm waving crowd expecting him to be?
Jesus forewarns his disciples about the tumultuous events about to take place – but nothing can prepare them for the crushing disappointment and pain of Good Friday. Love motivates Jesus to bear it all until the bitter end: But God has a plan …
Week 4: Jesus the Healer
Wholeness
Sunday was coming! The empty tomb discovered three days after Jesus’ death was the first proof that he was resurrected and alive – confirming again everything Jesus had said.
He appears first to Mary, then to the disciples numerous times – fully, miraculously, marvelously alive – to reassure them and commission them to spread the good news.
The victory is complete – our relationship with God restored for all who believe in Jesus, reigning now and forever at God’s right hand. So we can enter the kingdom of God, forever free!
If you’d like to delve deeper into this greatest true story ever told, here are some resources you might find useful:-
The Greatest Story Ever Told
By Bear Grylls
The book that inspired our series – Grylls tells the story of Jesus from fresh, eye witness perspectives – their narrative is credible fiction, but the events and every word attributed to Jesus is from the Bible.
The Chosen TV Series
This realistic TV series recreating the life of Jesus is freely available to view – with 6 series now available. The programme has already reach 280 million viewers across 175 countries and is translated into over 50 languages.
Illustrated Gospels
Mark and Luke
These beautifully illustrated Gospels make for easy and engaging reading. Mark’s Gospel was written less than 40 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, with Luke’s first written shortly thereafter.
The Holy Bible
NIV
God speaks to millions of people daily through the Bible as His living word. It is the best selling book of all time, with 7-8 billion copies sold and a further 80 million each year in almost 800 languages.