Character Connections

When the dead body of Jesus was put into a grave his disciples hid with fear and despair. God's power doesn't depend on the faithfulness of his followers, even death couldn't hold Jesus!

Jesus spent his life teaching and healing. He noticed the forgotten and showed love to the shunned. He died in the same way in which he had lived; reaching out to those who didn't deserve it. His death was painful and public...but that's not the end of the story!

Out of fear, Peter lied about being Jesus' friend. After Jesus forgave him, Peter went on to be a courageous leader in the early church. God's power can enable us to be too brave to lie, and his forgiveness can empower us to serve without fear.

The disciples stopped parents who were bringing their kids to Jesus. It made sense, Jesus was busy teaching and healing. He surprised his followers by stopping to take time and hug the children and bless them. He showed that God is never too busy to see and hear us!

Jesus allowed some of his disciples to see a brief glimpse of his power and glory. They were amazed and didn't want to leave. When Jesus comes back, he will restore all creation. We will see his power and live with him in glory forever!

A Gentile woman who asked Jesus for a miracle knew she didn't deserve it, yet Jesus healed her daughter. None of us are entitled to God's forgiveness, but God has given it freely through Jesus!

Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean an easy life. John the Baptist faithfully spoke God's words and he was killed for it. We don't know why things happen the way they do, but we know for certain that Jesus will come back and make things right. We will be raised from the grave and live forever with our Lord!

Jesus took the hand of a dead girl and told her to get out of bed. She did. Jesus will return in glory and tell all of his followers to get out of their graves...and we will!

Have you ever planted a garden? The way you put seeds in the ground can determine how the plant grows. In this week's parable God is described as a farmer who wants a large harvest and generously throws seeds in all kinds of soil.