Be. Become. Do. - Day 25
Day 25 - Friday, October
Read Matthew 28
Highlight
The Resurrection of Jesus is absolutely fundamental to Christianity. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:13-15 that “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” So the account of the Resurrection in the Gospels is extremely important and worth digging into. One of the interesting things about the Resurrection account is that the first witnesses to the Resurrection were women. This is interesting because their value as witnesses in ancient Jewish culture was worthless. They were literally considered to be untrustworthy witnesses to the point that their testimony wasn’t allowed in legal proceedings. This is interesting for two reasons.
First, this is what’s called an “internal proof” in Scripture. It’s something that helps prove that the Biblical testimony is true. We know that because if Matthew wanted to make up a story about an empty tomb he would never have chosen women as the witnesses. So why does the account say that women were the first ones to see the empty tomb and the risen Jesus? Because that’s what actually happened! Second, it’s a theological statement. The culture may look down upon women, but Matthew 5:3 tells us that “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit.” In Jesus’ Kingdom there will no longer be those who are left out because of their nationality, race, or gender.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 28
Highlight
The Resurrection of Jesus is absolutely fundamental to Christianity. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:13-15 that “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” So the account of the Resurrection in the Gospels is extremely important and worth digging into. One of the interesting things about the Resurrection account is that the first witnesses to the Resurrection were women. This is interesting because their value as witnesses in ancient Jewish culture was worthless. They were literally considered to be untrustworthy witnesses to the point that their testimony wasn’t allowed in legal proceedings. This is interesting for two reasons.
First, this is what’s called an “internal proof” in Scripture. It’s something that helps prove that the Biblical testimony is true. We know that because if Matthew wanted to make up a story about an empty tomb he would never have chosen women as the witnesses. So why does the account say that women were the first ones to see the empty tomb and the risen Jesus? Because that’s what actually happened! Second, it’s a theological statement. The culture may look down upon women, but Matthew 5:3 tells us that “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit.” In Jesus’ Kingdom there will no longer be those who are left out because of their nationality, race, or gender.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Be Become Do