Today’s reading: Gen 38:1–39:23, Matt 27:32–28:20, Eccles 9:7–10
Today’s theme: Jesus is risen
There are a lot of great lessons in today’s reading. One of the most important is the FACT that Jesus is risen from the dead. He literally died for us and then actually had a bodily resurrection. We fulfil the great commission to make disciples of a living, powerful and victorious risen King Jesus.
Genesis 38:1–39:23
Breakthrough
But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:29–30 (ESV)
His name literally means breakthrough. From Him would come David and later Jesus. This shows that God can take the most broken situations and use them for his glory and purpose.
Sin offends God
He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 (ESV)
Joseph had the correct understanding of the nature of sin, he knew that although Potiphar had been good to him it was only because of God. The sin would be towards God and offend God more than it was towards man. When we sin, people may be hurt as a result but that is secondary to the offence we cause towards God.
Loyal love
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21 (ESV)
God’s love for Joseph is constant, steadfast and loyal. This should comfort us and show us how to love.
Matthew 27:32–28:20
Jesus Son of God
and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40 (ESV)
Further evidence that Jesus clearly claimed to be the Son of God! If He did not claim this then what were his accusers talking about?
Jesus actually died
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Matthew 27:50 (ESV)
Jesus died on the cross for our sin (He did not faint like some say). Thank you Jesus.
Jesus rose on Sunday
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1 (ESV)
This is why we see the earliest Christians meeting on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. It is because Jesus rose on the first day of the week.
Jesus is risen
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6 (ESV)
Hallelujah!!, Jesus is risen from the dead. Fact!!
Jesus receives worship
And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9 (ESV)
Jesus receives their worship because He is not an Angel or a created being, He is the Son of God
Make disciples
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
The great commission given to us by Jesus was not to make converts but to take the time and effort to make disciples. A disciple needs to be taught the word of God and apply that word to their lives in obedience.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014