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Topic: Jesus

In Genesis 1 and 2, both male and female are created with worth, dignity, and value. Harmony existed between the two, with neither elevated above the other. They are separate, but equal; they have roles, but neither role is more important than the other. Both male and female are aimed at the same goal – fellowship with God and each other. So how did we get to where we are today?
According to a survey compiled by Pew Research Center just 3 months ago, only 50% of Americans say they are extremely or very satisfied with their jobs. And what I want to look at this morning, is how the good news of Jesus tells us to think about work, and how the good news of Jesus is the only motivation we need to get out of bed in the morning and hit the grindstone again – even if your job feels uninspiring.
Jesus' last move on earth was to commission his disciples and then ascend back into heaven – which is where? Where did he go? Did he change forms and become spirit again? Did he ascend up through the clouds, the atmosphere, into outer space? No and no.
The resurrected Jesus now begins appearing to his disciples, giving them convincing proofs that he really is alive. Then, he opens their minds to understand the scriptures, gives them their mission, and encourages them to wait for the gift of the Father.
The women arrive at the tomb on Sunday morning to take care of Jesus' body, only to find he is gone. Some angels remind them that he said this would happen. What implications does Jesus' resurrection have for us today?
The people who listened to Jesus teach at the temple every day woke up Friday morning, to find him already beaten, bloody, and nailed to a cross. The future hope of Israel was bleeding out in front of their very eyes. But as Jesus dies on the cross, there are a lot of massively significant things happening.
The religious leaders need the Roman authorities to rubber stamp the execution orders, so they take Jesus to the governor of Judea, Pilate. After much back and forth discussion, Pilate offers an exchange: The guilty for the innocent; the criminal for the king; Jesus Barabbas or Jesus the Christ. The religious leaders make their choice, and the crucifixion is approved.