March 31, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Tomorrows remain bright
because he lives today
___ John 19:16-18, 28-30; 20:11-18
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___My father lived over 90 years with little illness to inconvenience him. Declining health in his final years caused his confinement in a nursing home where he spent much time in bed. In all of this he was remarkably cheerful and uncomplaining. His attitude encouraged family, friends and nurses.
___It is difficult to remain cheerful in declining health or personal tragedy. It is even more difficult to remain cheerful when the hardship is not our fault. Jesus left us an example by facing unjust hardship and remaining unflinchingly committed to God's will (1 Peter 2:21-24). His death and resurrection provide salvation for all people.
___ Experiencing agony (John 19:16-18). To avoid conflict with Jewish officials, Pilate sacrificed truth for expediency and sent Jesus to his death. The exact location of Jesus' death is unknown.
___Jesus died in humiliation between a pair of thieves. Crucifixion involves a slow, painful death usually caused when the lungs fill with fluid. Jesus willingly suffered to bring salvation to all people. Paul reminds us that Jesus "humbled himself ... unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8).
___ Fulfilling prophecy (John 19:28-30). Phrases in v. 28 show that Jesus consciously carried out the Father's program. The statement, "I thirst," recalls Psalm 69:21. Jesus' slow loss of blood in crucifixion, the searing weather and the physical tension produced a raging thirst.
___Jesus' expression, "It is finished," indicated a conscious fulfillment of his work. The words probably represent a cry of victory, because God's purpose triumphed in Jesus' death. After uttering the words, Jesus died.
___ Achieving victory (John 20:11-18). Jesus' meeting with Mary Magdalene gave evidence of the spiritual victory in his resurrection. Mary had returned to the tomb, weeping over Jesus' death. When she gazed into the tomb, she saw two figures in white. Mary's answer to the angels' question produced an expression of grief and frustration (v. 13).
___When Mary turned away from the tomb, she saw a person she identified as the garden keeper. Perhaps her grief-clouded eyes could not recognize Jesus. Mary's answer to Jesus' question included a request for Jesus' body. She promised to remove the body if it were produced. She never considered the difficulty of carrying the corpse of an adult male.
___When Jesus pronounced her name, she recognized him. Falling at his feet, she clasped him. Jesus warned Mary that she should not hold onto him. He was not refusing her touch, but was making clear that she could not detain him. He would remain on earth a little longer and then return to the Father.
___Mary shared her experience with the disciples. She had seen the Lord in his victorious resurrection and received assurance of life after death.
___Jesus' resurrection provides evidence of his triumph over death (1 Corinthians 15:57). It also provides believers hope for their experience of life after death (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

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