Reference no: EM133689023

Discussion Post: Love's Return

Getting Started

Consider the following passage from Matthew 28:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Matthew 28:1-10

Can you imagine the sights, the sounds, this very scene of hope rising from the dead? What would it feel like to have this type of hope restored? Have you ever thought that all hope was lost only to have that hope restored to you?

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

I. Share a time when a broken relationship was healed and restored.

Background Information

The following is the "original screenplay," the real deal. It is the story of humanity's relationship with her God, of creation's relationship with her creator. Most of all, it is the story of the beloved reunited with the lover of her soul. It is the stuff that dreams are made of. It is inherent in the lyrics of every love song. It is the theme of every screenplay ever written. All hope is dashed. All love is lost. Then, by some twist of fate, by some miracle brought down from the heavens, hope is restored and love returns!

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Yes, to this very day!

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:11-20

Love not only returns, love returns to stay, never again to leave us. Let me say that again: Never again to leave us.

Instructions

I. Read this devotional, "Love Returns."

II. Navigate to the threaded discussion below and respond to the following:

1. Share a time when a broken relationship was healed and restored.

III. Your postings should also:

1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

3. Provide clarification to classmates' questions and insight into the discussion.