THE THIRD DAY

AIM FOR CHANGE 

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW the miraculous story of the Resurrection; EXPLORE the possible feelings and emotions of those who discovered the empty tomb; and LIST ways to share the glorious Gospel message in our everyday lives. 

FOCAL VERSES Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 24:1-12

KEEP IN MIND

"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" (Luke 24:6-7).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Anticipating His Presence (Hosea 6:1-3)

2. Seeing the Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-3)

3. Declaring the Prophecy Fulfilled (vv. 4-9)

4. Proclaiming His Resurrection (vv. 10-12)

IN FOCUS

Jason was wrongly convicted of a serious crime. He began serving time in prison as a young man. He was given a life sentence and was incarcerated for more than fifteen years before things changed for him. After years of prayer and a series of legal disappointments, a local Innocence Project investigated his case and provided him free legal representation. 

Upon his release, Jason stood on the stairs of the courthouse with his family. The press asked what sustained him when victory looked improbable and whether he ever believed this day would arrive. Jason recounted God's faithfulness as demonstrated in the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus. He told how God kept him during the most difficult time in his life. He testified of his unflappable faith and told how his family continued to life him in prayer as God opened doors. He let the news crew know that God is faithful despite the way our situation may appear. 

We can trust God's Word and His promises of deliverance, even when victory looks improbable. In today's lesson, we will review the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day as the fulfillment of long-awaited prophecies. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Luke. The author of the Gospel that bears his name. Luke wrote an orderly account documenting a careful investigation of the things that had been fulfilled to present to Theophilus. Some scholars believe Theophilus to be a Roman official who wanted to know what Christianity was all about. This book was written between the years of 50 and 70 A.D. (see Luke 1:1-4). Luke was an educated Gentile, a doctor, and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14) (Encountering the New Testament, 62). 

Hosea. The author of the book that bears his name, Hosea, son of Beeri, was a prophet who addressed the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His book / prophecy is a love story where his marriage to a prostitute named Gomer served as an object lesson for the relationship between God and His covenant people. 

Jerusalem. The city captured by David and made the capital of his kingdom where he built his palace and where his son Solomon built the temple. It later became the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The name means "possession of peace." Ironically, the site of Jesus' crucifixion was a hill called Golgotha just outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem. 

BACKGROUND

The book of Hosea was written and recorded events between 800 and 700 B.C. It presents dual themes of God's love and wrath. It tells of God's love for a sinful people. Hosea shows that although Israel has rejected God's covenantal love and merits judgments, God still chooses to restore them. 

Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure with prophecy and teaching. He foretold His death and resurrection on their way to Jerusalem, but they did not understand. Passing through Jericho, He healed a blind beggar and converted Zaccheaeus. Right before the Passover, Jesus presented Himself in Jerusalem as the long-awaited Messiah and then wept over the city. Conflict ensued as He denounced the moneychangers in the temple and challenged scribes, lawyers, and religious leaders who sought to trap and discredit Him. Jesus wanted to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread by partaking in a Passover meal, often called the Last Supper, with the twelve disciples before He suffered. There He predicted betrayal from among them. He also compared that bread and wine they consumed to His body and blood that would be broken for them. He instructed the disciples to be great through service. Jesus was betrayed by Judas after praying on the Mount of Olives and denied by Peter after being arrested. He appeared before the religious council and Herod before being sentenced to death by Pilate. He was crucified at a place called Calvary (Golgotha) with two others, buried in a tomb, and then resurrected three days later.

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What assurance is given about the Lord's faithfulness in Hosea 6:1?

2. What emotion did the women experience during this event (Luke 24:4)?

3. How did the eleven disciples respond when they heard Jesus had risen (vv. 11-12)?

THE MEANING

1. The Resurrection is so important to the Gospel message that Paul says without it our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). What do you believe about the Resurrection? Why is it essential to the Gospel? Why is it important to share?

2. In the In Focus story, Jason gave testimony to the truth of God's deliverance. When was the last time you did the same? Brainstorm reasons to share the Gospel and at least four strategies to do so with family, friends, and co-workers. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

You never know how people will respond when you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The disciples responded with disbelief to the news of the Resurrection. We can expect that others will react similarly. We cannot allow our sense of anxiety and fear of rejection to be hindrances to our sharing the Good News of the Resurrection with others. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

List ways you can share the glorious Gospel message with others. Determine what opportunities God gives you daily to do that. Make a list of the people and places you encounter daily that need to hear that Jesus Christ cares about their situations. Then pray and ask God to give you both wisdom and boldness to declare that He is alive. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)