Seeking for the One who lives...

STUDY: #974 (before #851) CHURCH IN THE HOUSES

PASTOR: EDITH CRUZ

FROM: APRIL 3 @ 10, 2018 TOPIC: "Seeking for the One who lives..." Matthew 28: 1-10, Luke 24: 1-12

In Luke 24:43-45 we read that Jesus opened the disciples’ minds for them to recognize Him and understand everything regarding His death and resurrection, as these things were concealed from them (covered, hidden). (Luke 24:16 "But their eyes were kept from recognizing him."). This is the glorious Master! His love is immense! Jesus was triumphant at the time when these verses were written, as He had risen from the dead! The Lord had risen! Before this wonderful event, Jesus wanted to teach His disciples about the willingness to go to the cross. Jesus had mastered the devil during His life and ministry. And precisely when He was being admired by people, who were willing to acclaim and follow Him, He lets them know that: HE IS HEADING TOWARDS HIS DEATH! It would have been easy for the Lord to follow the path of popular success; but it was not like this. His greatness was in everything He refused, choosing rather: THE CROSS! Not wanting to avoid a painful, and tragic cross. His followers were also advised to take that cross. On the cross one would suffer pain and death, but it wouldn’t mean the end. After three days He would rise victorious in the RESURRECTION! So, Jesus was clear that He would die and resurrect. The verses say that our Lord had already risen. Therefore: HE LIVES; HE IS NOT DEAD! On the Christian Sunday (as for the believers the main day is not Saturday) the women who loved Jesus went to the tomb. The reason for them going there was to finish the chores of love for their Master. They wanted to embalm the dead body of their beloved one with aromas and ointments. Those women went in a hurry, with love, commitment, and effort. They left everything to reach the cold grave, so that the Master would not rot. My beloved! What a surprise for them! The tomb was open! Perhaps Mary Magdalene’s main concern was over that terrible stone blocking the entrance to the tomb and preventing her from reaching the Master with ointments and spices. The large rock at the entrance of the tomb had been removed by powerful angels whose job was to do such work for their Lord. (Luke 24:1-2 "Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb."). There were one or two angels. But the biggest thing was THAT THE TOMB WAS EMPTY! (Luke 24:6 "He is not here but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you..."). Those women gave the disciples and world the best news ever! (Luke 24:9 "Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.”) Peter and John run towards the tomb (John 20:1, 4-9). They had not yet understood the Scripture; that it was necessary for Him to rise from the dead. That word had not yet been disclosed to their lives. But at that glorious moment it would be revealed to Peter and John alone. Peter runs, and John caught in the momentum follows. Although John ran faster, upon entering the tomb it was Peter who did so. John went in later, cautiously. With that experience Peter, as a rock, grew for his Lord. For the one who lives! The inevitable, and challenging question of history is that which the angels asked the women: "... they said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen!"(Luke 24: 5-6). Jesus is a living reality in our present. How do you see Him? Do you see Him as someone with power that heals, soothes you, washes you, helps you, protects you and is convenient, but then, act as if

He were dead? Do you leave Him behind, not sanctify yourself for Him? Is He not the first in your life? Is God in your life? He lives! His death was to give you everything in life! Because He is all and fills all! The Father led Jesus to conquer far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named under the heavens. We, the Body of Christ (the church) have the fullness, abundance, and everything thanks to Him. This means, nothing more and nothing less, that God's plan for a world emerged in sin depends on the Church! Paul teaches that Jesus is gradually filling (unhurriedly, little by little, slowly) all things, in all places, and that this action is being developed by the Church. Jesus is counting on you. Jesus is the perfect model, and example. Jesus is the one who guides and strengthens us so we can follow His example. It is His presence that helps us live. You may be lacking all of this because perhaps you're LOOKING FOR THE ONE WHO LIVES AMONGST THE DEAD! Look for, love and follow the one who lives. In Jesus’ name we cast out demons, we pray to the Father, we pray for the sick. Everything you ask the Father He will give you. (John 16:23 "... I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.") The living Jesus is with the Father! Do not look for Him among the dead and rejoice in your Lord! Amen.