Today is Easter Sunday
Where the story is found: Matt 28:1-15; Mark 16: 1-12; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23
Prophecy fulfilled: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)
Discussion:
1. What do you think the range of emotions that Mary Magdalene and His mother Mary felt when they found his tomb empty?
2. How did the apostles react to Mary Magdalene's report and the men on the road to Emmaus who say that Christ had risen? (See Mark 16:10-13)
3. How would you feel if you were there?
ANSWER for Day 7's Discussion:
1. Yes. The sabbath was observed starting at the creation- "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Gen 2:3)
2. Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath)
Shabbat, lasting from sunset Friday night to the appearance of three stars on Saturday night, celebrates God's creation with a day of rest that commemorates God's day of rest upon the completion of creation. It plays an important role in Jewish practice and is the subject of a large body of religious law.
The most notable law with regard to observation of the Jewish Sabbath is the requirement to abstain from creative work of any kind (the most widely known implication of this being the prohibition against kindling a fire). Observant Jews will prepare food ahead of time to avoid having to cook on the Sabbath, and observant Orthodox Jews will avoid turning on electric lights (which "creates" an electric circuit) or driving.
While almost all work is forbidden on the Sabbath, acts of leisure and pleasure are appropriate, as long as they do not violate any proscription with regard to doing work. A special meal is eaten including wine and meat, if possible, even if the household cannot afford these luxuries the rest of the week
LDS Sabbath
The Latter-day Saint Sabbath is Sunday. This is as: "After the ascension of Christ, the members of the Church, whether Jews or gentiles, kept holy the first day of the week (the Lord’s day) as a weekly commemoration of our Lord’s resurrection (Acts 20: 7; 1 Cor. 16: 2; Rev. 1: 10); and by degrees the observance of the seventh day was discontinued."
The focus of the Sabbath for Latter-day Saints is as a day of rest from worldly concerns and endeavors and to concentrate on spiritual matters such as attending church, scripture study, visiting the sick and infirm, and family activities. Members are further encouraged not to make any purchases on the Sabbath, unless an emergency demands otherwise. Members are also to fast the first Sabbath of the month from the night before the Sabbath until the evening of the Sabbath. This period of fasting is used to fast and pray and reflect on their own relationship with God. The money that would have been spent on the two missed meals is usually donated as a fast offering to the church. These fast offerings are dedicated to feed the poor and the needy, be they church members or not.
Apostolic thought/song:
CHALLENGE: Write down your testimony of Christ.
ANSWER for Day 8's Discussion:
1. Probably shock & despair turning to hope and joy as they realized the significance
2. They did not believe her
3. Answers will vary- personal
