Week of April 5, 2026
On Easter, we celebrate that Jesus is risen from the dead, that death no longer controls him. More than that, we believe Jesus has extended his rule over death to us, too. But do we live like that? Do we live like we are no longer controlled by the power of sin, death, and the devil? Or are we easily weighed down by fear, worry, and anxiety? “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” That’s what the angels asked the first women at the tomb, and we wrestle with the same question. Will we seek our lives in the failing systems around us, or will we seek the whole life Jesus has made available to us today and forever?
Monday | Luke 24:1-5
These women who cared for Jesus and loved him didn’t let death stop them from caring. But their grief was not needed, the angel told them. Don’t look for death where there is only life. Why do you think it’s so tempting to find our “life” in dead things, pointless opportunities, meaningless content, etc.? How does the resurrection of Jesus change our pursuit of a whole life?
Tuesday | Luke 24:6-12
The women take action when they are told Jesus is alive. They receive the teaching and share the good news with the apostles. The disciples don’t believe them. Why do you think they respond that way? Do we need people to believe us to share the gospel with them? Why or why not?
Wednesday | Colossians 3:1-14
The Apostle Paul teaches that we have already been “raised with Christ,” powered by the Holy Spirit into the “resurrection life.” What’s your experience of that life? How is it described in these verses? What are those sins to be removed and those virtues to be “clothed with”? How does the “resurrection life” described here compare and contrast with the “good life” as depicted in American society?
Thursday | Philippians 3:10-14
Here Paul speaks of wanting to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection … of orienting his life toward the goal of heaven. What does it mean to you to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection? Theologian Michael Bird comments: “Resurrection becomes the goal, the telos, and the prize of our journey. Resurrection encourages us to finish the race even as we share in Christ’s sufferings and follow his example. God calls us to struggle, strive, and run to win the prize.” What’s your clear “Why” as you run your race through life? What motivates you to run with and for Jesus?
Friday | 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
After teaching on the resurrection, Paul adds that it motivates a love of committed service. He is saying that whatever you do to further God’s kingdom in the world is worth it. Even if you don’t see the results, even if it looks like failure to you, you trust God will use your efforts in his time and his way. So, whatever you’ve been thinking about in terms of ministry, go for it. What discouragements have you encountered in your ministry service? What motivates you in such service? What has God been prompting you to begin or continue in kingdom work lately?
