Scripture Reading
Mark 16:1-7 (NRSVUE)
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”
Introductory Remarks:
Jesus spent his lifetime recognizing, reinforcing, re-affirming and strengthening his spiritual connection with God and others. It should be no surprise that his unbreakable spiritual connection dealt ‘death’ a losing hand at Easter.
Major Points of the Lesson:
1. Living spiritually connected to God is a life-time commitment, not a one-time commitment. From the wilderness to the cross, Jesus stayed connected to the God of his understanding.
2. Jesus’ key to maintaining his spiritual connection to God through times of challenge, trial, and difficulty was to respond as a spiritual being rather than react as a human being.
Quote:
“A Strong Spiritual Connection enables us to live a victorious life, rather than as a victim of life.”
Sheila McKeithen
ASSIGNMENT:
What is your process or practice for living consistently connected to the God of your being? Be specific and engage it. It will only work if you work it.
