1. “Sunday School” is relatively new. Robert Raikes was a pioneer in the movement in the 18th century in England. SS was initially a school, with paid teachers and students, on Sunday to give some of the children of the slums an education and religious training. The intent was to improve their lot and cut down on crime. Of course, it was not without criticisms of various kinds. Including that it was a violation of the “Christian Sabbath” where no one should do work.
2. Do you remember when Sunday was treated like a Sabbath in the USA?
• We had the “Blue Laws” which prohibited “non-essential businesses.” (We’re finding out that’s not such a bad idea).
• Back in 1850 people could not ride on the Boston and Maine railroads on Sunday unless they satisfied the railroad officials they were making the trip to attend church services. When the New York elevated line began operating, many citizens boycotted it because trains were to run on Sundays. Why did they boycott it? BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED IN GOING TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY!
• William Gladstone who was Britain’s Prime Minister four times said, "Tell me what the young men of England are doing on Sunday, and I will tell you what the future of England will be."
• Things have sure changed!
3. There was a Sunday/First Day of the Week/Yom Rishon that changed the world in a good way! Matthew 28:1-10
4. That passage Sunday “Schooled” the characters of the account and “Schools” us with some Key insights about God:
I. Insight #1: God Is Mysterious
A. Never Forget That God is ABOVE Us in EVERY Way – Isaiah 55:8-9
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
B. God’s Progressive Revelation
1. Slowly revealed himself and his plans to people – can’t handle all at once as Moses in the cleft of the rock
2. Prediction of Jesus in Genesis 3:15 then the completion of his work in the DBR was thousands of years in the making.
3. It was revealed at the right time – 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
4. There’s even more to come! 1 Corinthians 2:9 9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
C. The Resurrection Reveals SOME the Mystery of God
II. Insight #2: God Is Victorious
A. God is Greater Than Anything – Even DEATH! – 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (Cf. Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14)
B. The Rolling Stone Proved His Victory – Matthew 28.1-2
1. Not to let Jesus out; To let us see in
2. Angelic Presence (Matthew 28:5-8)
3. Grave Cloths and Fragrant Spices
C. The Encounter(s) with Jesus Proved His Victory – HE IS ALIVE! (Matthew 28:9-10)
1. His Presence in Our Confusion – Several appearances (1 Corinthians 15:3-11)
2. His Comfort in Our Fears (Don’t be afraid)
3. His Mission in Our Lives (Go tell)
4. This is GOOD NEWS we have no right to keep it to ourselves!
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector.
Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. The collector would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked.
Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."
III. Insight #3: God Is Amorous (Passionate; Affectionate; Loving)
A. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection are All About the Love of God – Romans 5:8
B. How Much Does God Love Us?
1. Enough to be Zealous/Jealous for Us
2. Enough to give us hope beyond our fears 1 Corinthians 15:52b the dead will be raised imperishable,
a. Greatest Fear = Death
b. Real Issue in our Pandemic
3. To Give Each of Us His One and Only, Unique Son – John 3:16-17
1. When Leonardo da Vinci was 43 years old, the Duke of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic scene of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Giving meticulous care to details, he spent three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples into threes, two groups on either side of the central figure of Christ. Christ’s arms are outstretched. In his right hand, He holds a cup, painted beautifully with marvelous realism. When the masterpiece was finished, the artist asked the opinion of a friend. "It’s wonderful!" exclaimed the friend. "The cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes from it!" Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup! He exclaimed, "Nothing shall detract from the figure of Christ!"
2. The Resurrection focuses on Jesus and all that he accomplished.
3. Acts 26:8 8 Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?
4. EVERY first day of the week we are Schooled in this great event. We get insight into the fact that God is Mysterious; Victorious; and Amorous toward us.
5. Now let us turn to the Lord’s Supper and Remember.
