The document provides details from Sunday school lessons on Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection based on passages from the Gospel of John. It summarizes key events like Jesus caring for his mother Mary from the cross, fulfilling prophecies as he died, his burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb. It then examines Jesus' appearances to Mary and the disciples after his resurrection, giving them the Holy Spirit and commissioning them to spread the gospel. The document analyzes these biblical passages in 4-5 sentences with commentary intended to teach the lessons.

1. (Feb. 9) Our Savior: Crucified
 How has Jesus’ death on the
cross changed Me?
Background: John 19: 17-42
Lesson: John 19: 23-30,38-42
Feb. 16) Live in Resurrection
Power
 How does Jesus’ resurrection
empower me to live now?
Background: John 20: 1-31
Lesson: John 20: 15-23, 26-29

2. – Adapted from
Lifeway ETB
Sunday School
materials for
Winter Qtr.
2014

3. 2. Appreciate the Savior’s Tender Care (John 19:25-27)) [HCSB]
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother‘s sister, Mary the wife of
Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved
standing there, He said to His mother, ―Woman, here is your son.‖ 27 Then He said to the
disciple, ―Here is your mother.‖ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
• Jesus not only ―functioned‖ as God‘s Son and our Savior, but had real feelings and
concern (just as we should) for His living parent, Mary. He obeyed fully and lovingly the
5th commandment.
• We are in the world to serve Jesus to them. This may have had an affect on His mostly
unbelieving brothers. We are not to be ―no earthly good‖.
• None of the other disciples (apostles) were present. He picked the one who was His
‗closest‘ (―the disciple whom Jesus loved‖). John was available for that distinction.
• John gave Jesus all credit for the closeness, that Love. We love God because He first
Loves us (1 John 4:19). How much more we will find that Jesus is THE friend Who
sticks closer than a brother, if we will only trust Him, in every circumstance. God is not
only the Lawgiver, but our Life–Lover – full of Grace and Truth. Laws came thru Moses,
but Grace and Truth through Jesus, the anointed One (John 1:17).
• Prov. 8 and John 1 (compared) show that Jesus is Wisdom – given a sweet feminine
name (―she‖) – THE Helper fit for man (John 14:16, 15:26). He is the only One of a kind
Son Whom God brought forth from the beginning, before creation (Prov. 8:20-23, 30-31)
– in fact Jesus guided all Creation (John 1:3, Col. 1:16, Prov. 8).
• God cares for us, in ALL His Ways! He gives ALL good things to all who Love Him
(Prov. 8:32; Ps. 84:11, Jam. 1:17)

4. 3. Affirm the Savior’s Finished Work (John 19:28-30) [HCSB]
28
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might
be fulfilled, He said, ―I‘m thirsty!‖ 29 A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a
sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus had received
the sour wine, He said, ―It is finished!‖ Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
• Jesus didn‘t take the sour wine to mask the pain – it had no myrrh or gall drug as that offered
earlier to make the crucifiers job easier – which He refused – but this was only vinegar,
because He was thirsty. AND He knew all things had been accomplished: He had done His
work of dying for our sins completely.
• Psalm 51:7 says; "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow." This was a plea from King David to the Lord for forgiveness. He had sinned with
Bathsheba and had been called to account for it by Nathan the prophet.
• Hyssop = a strong reed that could be used to reach an unclean leper, or to allow blood on the
doorposts, at the first Passover. Hyssop also had detergent (cleaning) properties.
• This act of God‘s will & timing showed that Jesus His Son purged ALL sins at the cross
• ―How Then Should We Live?‖ – To show Jesus is LORD over our lives.
• Eccles 10:16-11:10 asks this question. Francis Schaefer is discussed by Ray Stedman
(Google that)! Ray points out that we have such worth in Christ‘s life, that we should reflect
appreciation for that – infinite appreciation.
• How should we die? IMO, if called to suffer before others, then only after giving a testimony
should we take pain-killers.
• A ―Last Will & Testament‖ should include a statement of faith, for doubters of your salvation.
You are completely forgiven of your sins by Christ Who cleansed them. This is your
Testament – what you are testifying (―Jesus – that’s Who I’m talking about”!)
• We could say more about the Nazarite vow fulfilled and the Cup of Blessing in Heaven

5. 4. Show Devotion to the Savior (John 19:38-42) [HCSB]
38
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his
fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus‘ body. Pilate gave him permission,
so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night)
also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took
Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the
burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new
tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because
of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.
• …Skipped vv. 31-37 (recap.): Roman soldiers broke the other 2 crucified criminals‘ legs to
accelerate their deaths -- but in Jesus‘ case, it appears to them that he is already dead, so
they omit that action for him. This fulfills another prophecy (not a bone shall be broken).
Just to be sure of his death per Roman legalities, they punctured His side and the separated
pericardium serum / fluid flows out, called ―blood and water‖, which proves that He was
indeed dead for some time on the cross.
• Joseph A. & Nicodemus‘ anointing contributed to Jesus‘ being honored. He was a leader,
and was showing at least limited boldness. Eventually many of the priests were saved, but
were afraid (probably as Nicodemus) of the Pharisees. The fear of man is a snare (Prov.
29:25), and we are to be bold and trust God for the outcome of our witness (2 Tim. 1:7). Our
boldness is a sign to unbelievers – a Spirit-ual witness, leading others to faith (Php. 1:28)
• Unknowingly, placing God‘s son in an unused Tomb prevented confusion of another (old
deceased one‘s) body remaining in a tomb, after HIS Resurrection. His Tomb was
EMPTY!!!! – God had won over Death! (1 Cor. 15:55-56)
• ―Oddly‖, Jesus was placed there also because the Preparation was being done for the
Sabbath – the Passover Sabbath! Jesus‘ death was in response to every need, every
symbol given by God as a foreshadowing of what happened here: Jesus atoning for sins.

6. 4. Backup verses …
[HCSB]
Proverbs 29: 25 The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is
protected.
2 Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of
power, love, and sound judgment.
1 Corinthians 15: 55 Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?
the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
56 Now
Philippians 1: 27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of
Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you
are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that
comes from the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This
is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance —and this is from God. 29
For it has been given to you on Christ‘s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to
suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

7. Live in Resurrection Power EXTRA BEFORE Jn. 20:15: Some Resurrection events!
•Mary Magdalene had watched Jesus die (with Jesus‘ mom, James & John‘s
mom, and John). She had once been delivered from 7 demons. She and other
women had prepared spices, worried about the stone ―lock‖, but on coming to
the tomb, it was already open.
•Jn. 20:1-10 – SO Mary M. discovered Jesus‘ empty tomb, first. She ran to
Peter & John & told them, thinking the body had been taken away.
•Peter & John ran to the tomb, discovered his head kerchief folded. No persons
would have had such a ―neatness‖ motive. This showed God was in control!
•John had arrived 1st at the tomb (faster runner), deferring to Peter to enter first.
•None understood that He was resurrected! John writes that he believed at
seeing this.
 How we need to study and remember God‘s words!!
•All the disciples went back to their homes, as if to say, ―What do I do, now?‖
•:11 But Mary remained, sobbing.
•:12 To help people, both Jesus‘ birth and death was attended by angels.
(Why/what?)
•They clearly indicated (by sitting) where His body had been.
•:13 THEY (angels) asked, ―Woman, why are you sobbing?‖
•She explained, then turned and saw Jesus, but didn‘t recognize Him.

8. Live in Resurrection Power 1. From Grief to Joyful Testimony (Jn. 20:15-18) [HCSB]
15 ―Woman,‖ Jesus said to her, ―why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?‖
Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, ―Sir, if you‘ve removed Him, tell me where
you‘ve put Him, and I will take Him away.‖ 16 Jesus said, ―Mary.‖ Turning around, she
said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” —which means ―Teacher.‖ 17 ―Don‘t cling to Me,‖
Jesus told her, ―for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell
them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.‖ 18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ―I have seen the Lord!‖ And she
told them what He had said to her.
•Jesus‘ Love toward Mary Magdalene (whom He delivered of 7 demons) was
tender, and her devotion was deep (the only one who remained at the tomb:
sobbing). The Lord orchestrated the scene of restoring Him to her, by having
two angels just before this asking her the same question: Why are you crying?
(see previous slide on Resurrection details).
•BUT Mary‘s attitude wasn‘t sexual (as ―modern‖ demonic revisionist stories
would feign – e.g. The Last Temptation of Jesus Christ and The Davinci Code.)
Instead, she respectfully called Him ―Teacher‖.
•:17 The important thing Jesus emphasized was not His physical resurrected
life – the now life on this planet -- but rather ―GO AND TELL My brothers‖ …
―My Father and your Father‖... ―My God and your God‖! (Jn. 14:20, 15:15,
17:23 +++ fulfilled! )
•We can pray, ―Our Father, Who is in heaven,…‖

9. 4. Backup verses [HCSB]
Proverbs 29: 25 The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in
the LORD is protected.
2 Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one
of power, love, and sound judgment.
1 Corinthians 15: 55 Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your
sting? 56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
Philippians 1: 27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I
will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind,
working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, 28 not
being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of
destruction for them, but of your deliverance —and this is from
God. 29 For it has been given to you on Christ‘s behalf not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you
saw I had and now hear that I have.

10. 2. From Fear to Bold Mission (John 20:19-23) [HCSB]
19 In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with
the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among
them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 20 Having said this, He showed them His hands
and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them
again, ―Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.‖ 22 After saying this,
He breathed on them and said, ―Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any,
they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.‖
•That night, fear – yet obedience and seeking God. What did Jesus
come to give them, above all? FULFILLING John 14:27.
•Because Jesus warred with sin nature for us, we have Peace (Himself:
Eph. 2:14)
•:20 The visible evidences that it was Him (all else cleaned up).
Realization, relaxing and rejoicing.
•:22-23 (2 Tim. 3:16 ; 2 Cor. 2:10, 1 Cor. 5:4-5; Jn. 7:39; Lk. 24:49; Acts
1:4; Acts 2:4; 11:15…)
•As judged Christians in the church, we can have God de-splinter us,
allowing us to judge others with truth and love. We can share in leading
others to be redeemed, if they are willing to be salted / judged. This is a
part of the Great Commission -- to help others realize their sins and
decide to repent and be saved (Lk. 12:50, Jn. 16:8, 20:21-23)!

11. 4. Backup verses [HCSB]
John 14: 27 ―Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Ephesians 2: 14 For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of
hostility. In His flesh,
2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for
correcting, for training in righteousness,
2 Corinthians 2: 10 If you forgive anyone, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven
anything—it is for you in the presence of Christ.
1 Corinthians 5: 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus with my spirit and with
the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his
spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.
John 7: 39 He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the
Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been received because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Luke 24: 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until
you are empowered from on high.‖
Acts 1: 4 While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to
wait for the Father‘s promise. ―This,‖ He said, ―is what you heard from Me;
Acts 2: 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as
the Spirit gave them ability for speech.
Acts 11:15 ―As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them, just as on us at the beginning.‖
Luke 12: 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how it consumes Me until it is finished!
John 16: 8 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
John 20: 21 Jesus said to them again, ―Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send
you.‖ 22 After saying this, He breathed on them and said, ―Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the
sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.‖

12. 3. From Doubt to Confident Faith (John 20:26-29) [HCSB]
26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even
though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ―Peace to
you!‖ 27 Then He said to Thomas, ―Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out
your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.” 28 Thomas
responded to Him, ―My Lord and my God!‖ 29 Jesus said, ―Because you have seen Me,
you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.‖
• :24, 25 – Thomas the apostle had expressed doubts. He ―had‖ to have proof!
 Thomas was absent from them for 7 days. Was that obeying? Why would Thomas
not be with them?
• Again Jesus appears. He had waited on Thomas to show back in the group.
• Here is that ―spooky‖ expression again: ―Peace to you!‖ (Jn. 14:27, fulfilled!)
• ―Look, don‘t be an unbeliever – be a believer!‖ Trust Me!
• If you have to always ―check God‖, you will never be able to let Him rule your spirit, you
will never be ―with Him‖ – which is where He wants to be with the Holy Spirit, guiding
your thoughts & actions. This is as Jesus said of Himself (Jn. 12:26), and commanded
for us (Jn. 12:49):
• John 12 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also
will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
• John 12: 49 For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has
given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak.
• Jam. 1: 6 … For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven & tossed by the wind. 7 That
person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

13. (Backups)