WEEK 45.7 Discussion questions below.
Episode Summary
In this Week 45 explore episode, Nick and Jamie examine the resurrection morning in John 20:1-18. After Jamie shares a hilarious story about fearing death cap mushroom poisoning from foraged dinner party mushrooms (she's fine, probably just dairy intolerance), they dive into why the resurrection matters theologically, Mary Magdalene's devotion as first at the tomb, the famous race between Peter and the Beloved Disciple, three different Greek words for "seeing" revealing progressive understanding, the significance of grave clothes left behind, Mary's encounter with angels and the risen Jesus, and Jesus's profound command "Don't hold onto me." They conclude with Margaret Silf's powerful quote about how Jesus calls us to let go of what was so we can embrace what will be.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:16 Mary Magdalene at the Tomb
06:49 Theological Significance of the Resurrection
13:59 Peter and the Beloved Disciple at the Tomb
19:53 Exploring Greek Terms and Their Meanings
23:55 The Nature of Jesus' Resurrected Body
24:35 Significance of the Grave Clothes
25:46 Eyewitness Accounts and Proof of Resurrection
28:46 Mary Magdalene's Encounter with Angels
32:10 Mary Recognizes the Risen Jesus
34:22 Implications of Jesus' Resurrection
41:48 Letting Go of the Past to Embrace the New
46:11 Reflecting on Personal Faith and Moving Forward
Key Points
- Why Resurrection Matters Theologically: Without bodily resurrection, God is not the living God and death has final say. Jesus proved he conquered death. Because he rose bodily, we will too.
- Already Resurrected NOW: Not just about future heaven. We're already new creation in Christ with resurrection power enabling us to defeat sin and grow in righteousness today. We're a new kind of human never seen before.
- Three Greek Words Used for Seeing: clearly identify —> scrutinize/study —> understand/perceive. Shows progression from evidence to belief.
- Jesus Says Her Name: One word "Mary" is the decisive turning point. Sheep recognize shepherd's voice. Nick shares how putting his name in Scripture helped him feel God's personal love.
- "Don't Hold Onto Me": Two meanings: (1) We'll relate differently now through the Spirit; (2) Stop clinging and go be first apostle. Jesus calls Mary forward from what was to what will be. Margaret Silf: He loves her enough to cut her free from past so she can move into unimagined new reality.
Discussion Questions
- Theological Foundation: If Jesus hadn't risen, God wouldn't be the living God and death would have final say. How does understanding resurrection as THE central non-negotiable of Christianity change your faith? What falls apart without it?
- Already Resurrected: Jamie emphasizes we're not just waiting for heaven but ALREADY have resurrection power enabling us to defeat sin NOW. How does shifting from "someday resurrection" to "already possessing resurrection life" transform how you live today?
- Evidence vs. Faith: Peter scrutinized everything but didn't understand. The Beloved Disciple looked briefly and believed. Are you more like Peter (needing to scrutinize) or the Beloved Disciple (intuitive belief)? What's the relationship between examining evidence and taking a leap of faith?
- Hearing Your Name: Nick shares how reading Scripture with his name inserted made him feel God's personal love. Mary recognizes Jesus when he says her name. Have you experienced Jesus saying your name personally? Which encouraging passage would you insert your name into?
- Letting Go: Jesus calls Mary forward from what was to what will be. What from your past are you clinging to (relationships, dreams, expectations, abilities, old ways) that prevents embracing what God has now? What good in your present are you missing while looking backward?
Connect With Us
