Easter was celebrated over a month ago and many churches have moved on into new sermon series topics. My encouragement to dads is to spend some time here reading Acts and the letters contemplating how emboldened the apostles, normal men had become after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
Another resource I recommend is Dr. Del Tackett’s “Easter to Pentecost – Resurrection Series.” Dr. Tackett developed ‘The Truth Project’ with Focus on the Family years ago and has more recently produced ‘The Engagement Project’. His research and analysis across the 50 days after that first Easter Sunday provides powerful reinforcement for one’s faith in Jesus the Christ.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Dr. Tackett opines - “Most people would not say that our sins were forgiven because of the resurrection. Most would think they were forgiven on the cross. And that would be true. But there is an inseparable link that exists between the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. These three form a triad that cannot be taken apart. … the whole premise (of forgiveness of sin and life everlasting) is based upon this chord: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I believe God made sure “burial” was included because this confirmed Jesus not only died, but it placed an emphasis upon Him being sealed in a tomb and wrapped in grave clothes. The empty tomb remained as incredible evidence and the grave clothes an astonishing proof that His body had not been stolen, but resurrected right through those physical, sticky wrappings. Yes, Jesus died for our sins, and He was truly buried, but without the resurrection, we would still be “in our sins”. This is how closely interconnected these three are, and the Scripture, again, asserts the criticality of the resurrection.” He is risen indeed! Easter to Pentecost provides 50 days for dads to soak in the historically factual evidence of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and share it in family.
Tips for discussing Death, Burial, Resurrection:
- Pray the Lord will open your heart and mind anew to Jesus’ resurrection;
- Read or listen to Dr. Tackett’s Resurrection Series;
- Have weekly family discussion around what the Lord illumines across this series;
- Arm your family with the Truth that blasts through the myths and lies that perpetuate to this day about Jesus not really dying, or that His body was stolen from the tomb.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and the historical record it provides. I confess I have not looked past Easter Sunday for further understanding of the resurrection story. Forgive me. I commit to reading Acts and other resources to gain clarity on the triad of Your death, burial and resurrection. Help me firm up the foundation of my faith and lead my family in the Truth. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father discusses Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection in family.
