Did the events of Easter recorded in Scripture really happen? Rather than question the veracity of the Easter phenomenon, perhaps we would be better helped by asking “what if?” … what if it hadn’t happened that way?
“What If” Questions from the Garden of Gethsemane Scene
In my personal time with the Lord I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew and came to the Garden of Gethsemane scene in Matthew 26:36-56. As I was studying the passage, I began to ask myself, “What if?” What if these events hadn’t happened?
- What if Jesus had taken this a bit more casually?
- What if Jesus had not followed the Father’s will?
- What if the disciples had reacted differently?
- What if Judas had changed his mind at the last minute?
- What if Jesus had let the disciples fight with swords?
How different things would be if it hadn’t happened the way Scripture records it. As I thought through the implications of these “What If” questions, I became more energized and appreciative of all Jesus went through for me. I enjoyed this study so much, I had to pass it on to others and so you will now find the “What Ifs” from the Garden of Gethsemane Discussion Guides in the MinTools.com store.
More Questions from Other Parts of the Easter Story
As I continued on through Matthew, I kept asking the questions. Here are some more “what ifs”:
- What if they had arrested Jesus publicly?
- What if Peter had not denied Jesus?
- What if Jesus had a fair trial?
- What if Pilate had released Jesus instead of Barabbas?
- What if Jesus had come down from the cross?
- What if no phenomenon had occurred when Jesus breathed His last?
- What if the women hadn’t watched Jesus’ death and burial?
- What if Jesus hadn’t stayed in the grave for three days?
- What if Jesus hadn’t risen at all?
- What if Jesus hadn’t appeared to anyone after His resurrection, or perhaps to just the inner core of disciples?
Take some time to think through these questions. Perhaps it will help encourage you to see that Easter had to happen the way Scripture tells the story or things would be quite different for you and I today.
Looking for More Help Teaching Over the Easter Season? Go To: Bible Lessons for Easter