If you are familiar with the Star Wars movies, you are aware of the different sense that you are left with after the different episodes. One of the most striking contrasts is the difference between Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi. The Empire Strikes Back ends with the heroes escaping. It is a great relief, but there is also a looming sense of unfinished business. The Return of the Jedi, however, ends with victory. The heroes don’t simply escape from the villains; they defeat them. They are free and victorious and full of joy. While the story that ends with escape brings relief, the story that ends with victory brings joy. Christians often look to the future with an expectation of escape. Our hope is based on the idea that we will go to heaven to be with God after we die. This thought certainly brings relief. However, it is certainly not a story filled with victory. The true biblical story, however, ends not with escape, but with victory. The future of Christians is not that we are taken away from the earth and away from our bodies, but that we experience a final resurrection. Death does not get the final word. God brings life and victory to His people. This lesson explores the Scriptural teaching about the final resurrection. Specifically, it explores the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and the resurrection of His people. As you walk through this lesson, take time to consider where you place your hope when you think about the future. Are you living in a story that ends with escape or one that ends with victory?