SS-Q3-L13: The Risen Lord-September 21-27, 2024

Sabbath Afternoon - September 21, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 15:42-47; Mark 16:1-20; Colossians 2:10-12; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Daniel 9:24-27; John 20:11-18. 

Thought for Meditation:
"They turned to flee, but the angel's words stayed their steps. "Fear not ye," he said; "for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead." Again they look into the tomb, and again they hear the wonderful news. Another angel in human form is there, and he says, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? 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."-- DA 788, 789 (1898).{DG 69.2} 

"Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She said unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him."{DG 69.3} Daughters of God, 1998

Memory Text:

“But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him’ ” (Mark 16:6). 

This week's SS Lesson will discuss the significance of Christ's resurrection and the hope that those who believe in him will have an assurance that eternal life has been finally done.

Study Outline:
The Resurrection of Christ - Mark 16:1-8

Sunday - September 22, 2024

Chronology and Memorial - Rejoicing in the Resurrection

Mark 15:42-16:6; Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14; John 19:31; John 19:42; Colossians 2:10-12;  Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 1:3. 

Monday - September 23, 2024

A Real Fact - The Stone was Rolled Away

Mark 16:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 21:1-25; Genesis 1:1-31; Acts 3:15; 1 Peter 1:3.  

Tuesday - September 24, 2024

Bearers of Good News - The Women at the Tomb

Mark 16:1-8, 20; 8:29; 1:44; 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9; John 16:22; Daniel 9:24-27. 

Witnesses of the Resurrection - Mark 16:9-20

Wednesday - September 25, 2024

The First Witnesses - Appearing to Mary and Others

Mark 16:9-20; Matthew 28:1; 9-10,16-20; John 20:11-18, 19-23; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:13-35, 36-49.

Thursday - September 26, 2024

A Story to Spread - Go Into All the World

Mark 16:14-20; Matthew 28:17, 20; John 20:24-29;  Acts 28:3-6. 

Friday - September 27, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

The Resurrection of Christ - Mark 16:1-8

Sunday - September 22, 2024

Chronology and Memorial - Rejoicing in the Resurrection

Mark 15:42-16:6; Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14; John 19:31; John 19:42; Colossians 2:10-12;  Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 1:3. 

“And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun” (Mark 16:2)

The Day of Rejoicing to All Heaven

While the Saviour was in God's presence, receiving gifts for His church, the disciples thought upon His empty tomb, and mourned and wept. The day that was a day of rejoicing to all heaven was to the disciples a day of uncertainty, confusion, and perplexity. Their unbelief in the testimony of the women gives evidence of how low their faith had sunk. The news of Christ's resurrection was so different from what they had anticipated that they could not believe it. It was too good to be true, they thought. They had heard so much of the doctrines and the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees that the impression made on their minds in regard to the resurrection was vague. They scarcely knew what the resurrection from the dead could mean. They were unable to take in the great subject.  {DA 790.4}  

"Go your way," the angels had said to the women, "tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." These angels had been with Christ as guardian angels throughout His life on earth. They had witnessed His trial and crucifixion. They had heard His words to His disciples. This was shown by their message to the disciples, and should have convinced them of its truth. Such words could have come only from the messengers of their risen Lord.  {DA 793.1} The Desire of Ages, 1898 

A Wonderful Power and Strength - He has Risen

God lives, and I am so glad of it. Our Saviour is not in Joseph's tomb. He has risen, and has proclaimed over the rent sepulchre, "I am the resurrection and the life." Let us show by our actions that we are living by faith in him. We can call upon him for assistance. He is at our right hand to help us. Each one of you may know for yourself that you have a living Saviour, that he is your helper and your God. You need not stand where you say, "I do not know whether I am saved." Do you believe in Christ as your personal Saviour? If you do, then rejoice. We do not rejoice half as much as we should. This entire congregation should be filled with rejoicing because of the way in which God has been revealing himself in this meeting. God's power has been seen, and his salvation is still to be revealed to his people. I see in Jesus a wonderful power and strength, and I want you to see this. Then your hearts will be as humble as the heart of a little child. Then you will not quarrel over who shall have the highest place or the highest wages. Your question will be, "How can I best serve my Lord?"  {GCB, April 10, 1901 par. 14} The General Conference Bulletin 

The Lively Hope of Resurrection is in Jesus Christ

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9.  {BEcho, September 24, 1900 par. 12} The Bible Echo

The Victory Over the Grave - Bring Honor to the Saints

You can now face right about, heed the call of mercy, and live. Rejoice that your probation has not ended, that you may now, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Rejoice that she who has been your faithful companion for years shall rise again, that mortality will be swallowed up of life. Look forward to the morning of the resurrection, when she who shared your joys and sorrows for more than a score of years will come forth from her prison house. Will you have her look for you, her companion, in vain? Will you be missing then, as her voice is raised in triumph and victory: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Oh, that day will bring honor to the saints! No shame, no reproach, no suffering then; but peace, joy, and immortal praise upon every redeemed tongue! Oh, that God would speak to your heart and impress you with the value of eternal life. And may you be led, my brother, to ever possess a spirit of noble generosity, that you may discharge the duties of your stewardship with faithfulness, having an eye single to the glory of God, that the Master may say to you: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." {2T 229.1} Testimonies for the Church Volume Two, 1868-1871 

Consider the Following

— Jesus had announced that, after his death, he would rise again on the third day (Mark 10:34). Jesus died on the day called “the preparation” (that is, the day before the Sabbath) and was resurrected on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath (Mark 15:42; 16:1-2).

— The Jews called the days of the week first (Sunday), second (Monday),…, preparation (Friday) and Saturday. Furthermore, they had an inclusive method of counting [a part of the day was counted as the whole day]. In this way, Friday was the 1st day of Jesus' death; Saturday the 2nd day ; and Sunday the 3rd day .

— Beginning in the 2nd century, Christians began to honor the first day of the week as the day of the Lord's resurrection. Gradually, they made it a day that replaced Saturday as a day of worship.

— But in the New Testament there is no reference to the day of resurrection as a day of

worship. Paul makes it clear that the memorial of death and resurrection (its symbolic meaning) is baptism (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4).

Witnesses of the Resurrection - Mark 16:9-20

Wednesday - September 25, 2024

The First Witnesses - Appearing to Mary and Others

Mark 16:9-20; Matthew 28:1; 9-10,16-20; John 20:11-18, 19-23; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:13-35, 36-49.

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9)

The Wondrous News - A Public Meeting with His Followers in Galilee

There was no more weeping for Mary. Her heart was filled with joy and rejoicing. . . . While Mary was absent, He [Christ] appeared to the women who had come to the sepulcher from another direction. . . . “Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him.” As yet there had been no revelation of Christ to the eleven, and the women went to tell the disciples the wondrous news. . . . Thus Christ made an appointment for a public meeting with His followers in Galilee. Who was it that reminded the women who were seeking Christ in the tomb of what the Saviour had said to them previously? It was Christ who had risen, as He had told them He would. {CTr 284.3} 

In this connection Mark gives a most precious statement that must not be overlooked. The angel said to the women, “Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee.” What a comforting message was thus given to the women to give to Peter. The last look Jesus had given Peter was after the disciple’s thrice-repeated denial. Peter was not forgotten by Christ, and this mention of his name signified to him that he was forgiven. . . . {CTr 284.4} Christ Triumphant, 1999

The Evidence of Hope and Faith - The Risen Lord

They found the disciples assembled, and in a state of excitement. Hope and faith were struggling for ascendency in their minds. The report of Mary Magdalene, and that of the other women, had been heard by all; but some were too hopeless to believe their testimony. The evidence of Peter, concerning his interview with the risen Lord, was borne with great ardor and assurance, and had more weight with the brethren, and their faith began to revive. When the disciples from Emmaus entered with their joyful tidings, they were met by the exclamation from many voices: "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."  {3SP 216.2}  

The two from Emmaus told their story of how the Lord had opened their eyes, and revealed to them the straight chain of prophecy which reached from the days of the patriarchs to that time, and foreshadowed all that had transpired regarding their Saviour. The company heard this report in breathless silence. Some were inspired with new faith; others were incredulous. Suddenly Jesus himself was in their midst. His hands were raised in blessing, and he said unto them, "Peace be unto you."  {3SP 217.1} The Spirit of Prophecy, VVolume Three, 1878 

Consider the Following

— By uniting the four gospels, we can get an idea of what happened that Sunday:

(1) An angel causes an earthquake and opens the tomb (Mt. 28:2)

(2) The guards remain as dead (Mt. 28:4)

(3) Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb from Bethany (Jn. 20:1)

(4) Other women come from Jerusalem and talk to the angels (Luke 24:1-5)

(5) The women return to Jerusalem (Mark 16:8)

(6) At Mary's announcement, Peter and John run to the tomb (Jn. 20:2-3)

(7) Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9)

(8) Jesus appears to the rest of the women (Mt. 28:9)

(9) The disciples do not believe (Mark 16:11)

(10) Soldiers are bribed (Mt. 28:11-13)

(11) Jesus appears to Peter (Luke 24:34)

(12) Jesus travels to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-15)

(13) The disciples of Emmaus go to the upper room (Mark 16:12-13)

(14) Jesus appears in the upper room (Mark 16:14)

— The resurrection of Jesus was real. If the story were fictional, would the authors have highlighted the faith of the women and the disbelief of the disciples?

Thursday - September 26, 2024

A Story to Spread - Go Into All the World

Mark 16:14-20; Matthew 28:17, 20; John 20:24-29;  Acts 28:3-6.

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20)

Lift Up thy Voice Like a Trumpet - Be an Example and Preach the Word

The prophet says, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God." "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and doctrine." The minister is not to indulge in the relation of anecdotes, but he is to preach the word. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We are to present Christ to the people, following the words of the apostle where he says, "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." Was it essential for Paul to have this experience? Read carefully, meditate upon his words, and see if it is safe for any of the ministers of Christ to shape their life according to any lower standard of godliness.  {RH, September 6, 1892 par. 4} The Review and Herald 

The Gospel Commission - Work through Christ, Dependent on Him

"And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following" [Mark 16:17, 18, 20].  {19MR 363.1}  

The words spoken to the disciples are spoken to us also. None need think that the day for working as the apostles worked is past. Men and women today can work as Christ has given them example. To all will come opportunities to minister to sin-sick souls and to those in need of physical healing. Physical healing is a science of heavenly birth, bound up with the gospel commission.  {19MR 363.2}  

We have a work to do that we have not done. Our faith is to be broader, deeper, more trustful than it has been. We are to bring all our necessities to Christ, knowing that He will supply our need. Since one soul is of more value in God's sight than the whole world, let us act as genuine medical missionaries. Christ has given us our work. The deeper our appreciation of His love, the keener will be our sense of need, and the stronger our faith. And we shall receive according to our faith.  {19MR 363.3}  

Our belief in Christ is not to be a casual belief, but a belief that enters into every part of the life. Such a belief leads us to ask Him to supply our need because we realize that He is our only dependence. A casual belief admits that He is the Redeemer, but does not honor Him by receiving Him as a friend, a helper. Those who have such a belief do not know the meaning of the words, "Without Me ye can do nothing" [John 15:5]. They work without taking Christ into their confidence.  {19MR 363.4} Manuscript Releases, Volume Nineteen, 1990 

Consider the Following

— Jesus commissioned his followers to go into all the world to preach (Mark 16:15). Why is this extremely important?

— Acceptance or rejection of the gospel is a matter of eternal life or death (Mark 16:16). We cannot allow anyone to die in ignorance. We must tell them about the Savior.

— A special power accompanies the preachers of the gospel (Mark 16:17-18). However, sometimes God allows the seed of the gospel to be planted with the blood and suffering of the messengers (Acts 7:58).

— One thing we must be clear about: Jesus does not ask us to do this work alone. He promises his presence and power (Mt. 28:18-20). Just as He helped the first disciples, He will help us to finish the work (Mark 16:20).

Friday - September 27, 2024

Insights and Further Study

"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you" (Luke 24:36). . . . Here we have before us the precious evidence that Christ is a living Saviour. A little while before, He was enclosed in Joseph's new tomb, but He had burst the bands of death and walked forth a triumphant conqueror. . . . The angel of God said, He is risen. Wonderful testimony! The hope of the world! Christ had risen and their Saviour was a risen Saviour! . . . Christ had obtained the victory, and although man had fallen and was condemned to death, yet he could live again. Those who sleep in Jesus will be called from their prison house . . . to a glorious immortality. . . . He has risen, dear friends, and in your despondency you may know . . . that Jesus is by your side to give you peace.  {HP 353.2}  

I know what I am talking about. I have seen the time when I thought the waves were going over my head; in that time I felt my Saviour precious to me. When my eldest son was taken from me I felt my grief was very great, but Jesus came to my side and I felt His peace in my soul. The cup of consolation was placed to my lips.  {HP 353.3}  

From the Pen of Inspiration

«We have a living Saviour. He is not in Joseph's new tomb; He is risen from the dead and has ascended on high as a Substitute and Surety for every believing soul. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The sinner is justified through the merits of Jesus, and this is God's acknowledgment of the perfection of the ransom paid for man. That Christ was obedient even unto the death of the cross is a pledge of the repenting sinner's acceptance with the Father. Then shall we permit ourselves to have a vacillating experience of doubting and believing, believing and doubting? Jesus is the pledge of our acceptance with God. We stand in favor before God, not because of any merit in ourselves, but because of our faith in “the Lord our righteousness.” EGW (Faith and Works, pg. 107)

Points to Ponder Upon

1. What's the significance of Sunday's resurrection? And why, do the women prepare spices on Friday and bring them on the resurrection morning?

2. How were those words (died, buried, risen, and seen) used in the book of Mark, specifically in chapters 15 and 16?

3. How can we prove and say that Christ has been resurrected?

4. Why did Jesus show himself first to the women, not to the disciples?

5. What Gospel will be preached to the whole world in these last days? See: Meat In Due Season - The Pure Gospel (google.com) 

6. In what way do the disciples stubbornly refuse to believe the reality of Christ's resurrection? Why?

7. Based on the statement above, {HP 353.3}, what significant truth has assured us of life eternal?