The Day that Divides History

B.C. Imagine you are a Jew living in Israel. The calendar on the wall reads 1 B.C. What are you expecting?

Dionysius Exiguus (Dionysius the Humble) 6th century monk Calculated that Jesus had been born 525 years earlier, so called that year 525 AD In 731 a book that used this system of dating was published and widely used, and this system of dating become the primary system of dating in Europe.

How did Easter become the day that divides history?

Longing for the Messiah Win decisive victory over the pagans Rebuild or cleanse the Temple Bring true, God-given justice to the whole world The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright p. 557

Did Jesus fulfill expectations? The pagans executed him in disgrace. He closed down Temple business for one day with a straw “whip” and said he would rebuild the Temple in 3 days Nothing like world peace or justice was anywhere in sight. It’s obvious why so many Jews don’t believe Jesus was the Messiah. The puzzle: Why did some believe he was? Why did this lead to the Christian movement?

Men claiming to be the Messiah Between 150 BC and 150 AD about 10 to 12 men claimed to be the Messiah. Most were killed when the revolutionary movements they were leading were put down. Their followers had 2 options: Go back to their daily lives and forget about the “Messiah.” Look for another Messiah. Did Jesus’ followers do this?

Did any of Jesus’ follower do this? Did any of Jesus’ followers go back to their previous daily lives when Jesus died? Did any consider looking for another Messiah when he didn’t fulfill expectations for what the Messiah would do?

Why didn’t Jesus’ followers “evaporate” like followers of other “Messiahs”? Because they were convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead.

What skeptics have said… (Naturalistic world view) Accept empty tomb, but… “The disciples stole his body.” The resurrection was “spiritual.” Jesus lives on in the hearts of his followers. Early Christians invented the stories of Jesus’ resurrection. Fulfill expectations

Why did they believe Jesus had risen from the dead? Empty tomb Would either by itself be enough? After-death appearances

Replacing Judas 21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22 NLT

2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

“No longer live for themselves…” All the apostles where persecuted, many of them martyred. Yet none revealed the “hoax” to protect themselves. Thousands of Christians in the first century suffered persecution and martyrdom. Gave their lives to living for “him who died for them and rose again” and sharing with others that the Messiah had come.

Empty? Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV

24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? Luke 9:24-25 NLT

The Day That Divides Your History

Because He Lives God sent His Son they called Him Jesus He came to love heal and forgive He bled and died to buy my pardon An empty grave is there to prove My Savior lives

Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living Just because He lives

How sweet to hold our newborn baby And feel the pride and joy he gives But greater still the calm assurance This child can face uncertain days Because Christ lives

Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living Just because He lives

Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither And then one day I'll cross that river I'll fight life's final war with pain And then as death gives way to vict'ry I'll see the lights of glory And I'll know He reigns CCLI Song # 16880 Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither © 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 815737

Resurrection Prayer New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people…. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book