Raised in Glory

1 Corinthians 15:35

The Body That Rises from the Dead

³⁵But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?”

Candy Heart Words: “Trust me”

Message

Have you ever read a mystery book? What’s your favorite mystery? I like Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Machine. In a mystery story, there is something unexplained or kept secret. Usually, a character in the story asks a lot of questions, searching for clues to help figure out the secret. As the story continues, the clues are put together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, until finally, the mystery is solved. Mystery books, movies, or television episodes can be very exciting. Those are mysteries in that we still don’t have all the information and there are parts that are still unexplained.

Some of the truths that we learn from the Bible are also mysteries, but a different kind of mystery. They are too big to be completely solved. This kind of mystery is not that we do not have enough information. Rather, it is that the information is so deep and wonderful it is hard to understand it. We get clues about these mysteries, but we can never come to understand them completely.

Today’s scripture is about Resurrection. What do you think the word “Resurrection” means? (Allow children to answer. It is possible some children may confuse Resurrection and reincarnation. Be prepared to help them clarify the difference). The Super Heroes NIRV Bible says that Resurrection means, “coming back to life in a whole new way and never dying again.” Resurrection is one of the greatest mysteries of all. Paul said that Jesus was raised from the dead and now shares in God’s life and power. Jesus can give us new life with God beginning right now! If this were true, new life right now, we wouldn’t die. There is more to the mystery. Paul teaches us that someday and somehow, God will raise our bodies to a new and more perfect life, even after we die. Not even death separates us from God. How could we ever understand that? The more we try, the more questions we have. At least we know that God loves and saves every part of us, even our bodies. It reminds me of a seed planted and buried in the ground. That seed might seem to die without light, but it miraculously grows into a great plant or tree.

Our candy heart today says, “Trust me.” Faith is trusting that God will be with us even through death. I wonder how you can fully trust in God, even when you don’t have all the answers.

I wonder how you can better understand the mystery of Resurrection.

I wonder what one hundred percent full trust in God looks like.

Each week for our prayer, instead of praying hands, we will shape our hands like hearts to remind us of love. Can you place your hands in this position? (Position your hands like this:)

Prayer: God of love, thank you for the mystery of Resurrection. Help me to trust that you have all the answers, even if I can never fully understand. Amen.

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Scripture verses are from New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.