On Sunday, our Sunday School class looked at Luke, chapter 24 - the last chapter of the book. It tells about Jesus' resurrection from the dead. While we move forward toward Jesus' crucifixion, we sometimes move quickly passed His resurrection. Our class will finish the chapter at our next class.

I am sharing a portion of what we read and studied on Sunday:

"Then the men asked, 'Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He has come back to life again! Don't you remember what he told you back in Galilee---that the Messiah must be betrayed into the power of evil men and be crucified and that he would rise again the third day!'"

~ Luke 24:5 -7 LAB

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Bible Commentary: "Why is the resurrection so important?

1) Because Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the Kingdom of Heaven has broken into earth's history. Our world is now headed for redemption, not disaster. God's mighty power is at work destroying sin, creating new lives, and preparing us for Jesus' Second Coming.

2) Because of the resurrection, we know that death has been conquered, and we too will be raised from the dead to live forever with Christ.

3) The resurrection gives authority to the church's witness in the world. Look at the early evangelistic sermons in the book of Acts:  the apostles most important message was proclamation that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead.

4) The resurrection gives meaning to the church's regular feast, the Lord's Supper. Like the disciples on the Emmaus Road, we break bread with our risen Lord, who comes in power to save us.

5) The resurrection helps us find meaning even in the midst of great tragedy. No matter what happens to us as we walk with the Lord, the resurrection gives us hope for the future.

6) The resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and ruling his Kingdom. He is not legend; He is alive and well.

7) God's power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to us so that we can live for Him in an evil world."

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