For almost 29 years, the Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda kept fighting in the Philippine jungle, because he took leaflets, newspapers, and letters from his family for an enemy trick. The war had long been over, and he stayed faithful to an order that had lost its meaning. This story opens a sermon about the resurrection and about what our faith really stands on (1 Cor 15:1-28). Paul recalls the facts, honestly shows what would follow if Jesus had not risen, and then points out that since he did rise, death no longer has the last word. Listen if you ever wonder whether what you believe is really true, and whether you are living as if the war had already been decided.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What does Paul remind the Corinthians of in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and why does he start with facts rather than feelings?
- Which of the witnesses to the resurrection mentioned by Paul speaks to you the most, and why?
- According to Paul in 15:12-19, what does Christianity lose if Christ has not risen?
- What does it mean that the strength of our faith does not save us, but what we believe in does? How does this change the way you think about your own doubts?
- In what moments is it easiest for you to live as if death had already won?
- What can you say this week about the hope of the resurrection to one person who lives by the rule "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die"?
