Resurrection Stories
Luke 24
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Then, He opened their minds...
- prevenient grace
Repentance & Forgiveness
- proclaimed to all
- starting in Jerusalem
Scripture bears witness
- Divine Plan
- Reign of Justice
- Jesus is the key...
You are witnesses...
- the disciples?
- the Jewish community?
- "you" ancient and modern?
- We are witnesses
Worship & Witness
- Belong together
- Live the story
- told and retold
- reenvisioned
- divorced, they are empty
Questions to Consider
- How has resurrection reshaped your personal narrative?
- What is your resurrection story?
- Where is God's grace still at work in you?
- Is Jesus Lord of you life?
- What does it mean to you to call Jesus Lord?
- How might you acknowledge Jesus as Lord of Heaven and Earth this week?
Liturgies
Resurrection Prayer:
May we live like resurrection is real,
even in the places that still feel like death.
May we be more surprised by hope than overcome by despair.
Let joy find us, like morning light breaking through clouds.
And may we carry your rising, Jesus, not as a trophy,
but as a burning truth that changes everything.
Wayfinders Family Blessing
Gracious God,
We gather before You as a family, grateful for Your loving presence with us.
Bless our children:
Guide them in Your truth and lead them in Your ways.
Help them to walk in faithfulness, seeking Your will in all that they do.
May Your Spirit empower them to love one another deeply,
to forgive as You have, and to extend grace and mercy to all.
May the lessons they learn and the stories they share grow their love for you.
Help them to know how deeply loved they are by you and this church.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
