In the story of the Last Supper, I always get stuck on the fact Jesus ate with Judas. Every year I stop and wonder how difficult or easy that was for Jesus. I know for me it would be super difficult to share in a sacred moment with my traitor. Yet, that alone is painful to write because I know in the story, I am Judas. This Easter, at sunrise service, something struck me differently as I heard the same Easter story read for the 31st time. The linens were folded in the tomb. Folded. I live in a nice house, with a washer and dryer, and I despise folding clothes. I like a made bed, but I don’t like making it. In fact, the only consistent time I make my bed is when I stay with friends – as a guest in someone else’s house. At then end of nearly every sermon on Easter, or during the season surrounding it, someone mentions a doubting Thomas. It’s something else which leaves me uncomfortable – asking questions isn’t something Jesus shamed, but instead he patiently welcomed.

Then it hits – Jesus, who sees the world so upside down from our humanly perspective. Jesus, who knows grace – the type of grace which serves dinner to his traitor; the type of grace which suffers the cross; the type of grace which leaves linens folded in a tomb after being falsely arrested, scourged, and crucified – that type of grace. Jesus, who rises from the dead fully focused on the promise of a life with a heavenly father with this current earth a temporary home of which we are guests. Jesus, who sees questions as a means to further confidence and far from something to shame. Jesus was so focused on fulfilling the promise he didn’t need to be bitter towards Judas; he didn’t need to rush from the tomb; he didn’t need to dismiss Thomas. Instead, Jesus rested in the hands of a Father and grace overflowed to you and to me. And that’s the story of the Bible – from start to finish – grace overflowing. It’s why I love working through the Seamless study, it reminds me that grace poured abundant from the start.

Looking for resources to join in the Seamless study? [ Note: This post contains affiliate links. This doesn’t add to the cost for you, but allows me to earn a small commission. I only share products I personally use and recommend to my friends. For example, all of these books are on the bookshelf across the room from me and I have gifted copies to people I love!]

Seamless Bible Study Workbook
Recommended: ESV Study Bible

Seamless Week One Bullet Points

• You know a verse or a story, but don’t see it in the bigger picture so we miss the significance.
• The Bible wasn’t written for a few experts while baffling the rest of us.
• Any voice saying you can’t understand the Bible is a lie.
• Adam & Eve had all provided and it wasn’t enough.
• I do not and will never know everything there is to know, nor was I created to understand all the mysteries of God.
• Where am I?
• Satan will wound us and have a negative effect; but a wound to the heel is temporary, not lethal.
• Flood lasted for 40 days and 40 nights; 150 days of water
• Even when we didn’t deserve it, God gave us another chance (what a theme this will be)
• Job lived shortly after the flood
• We can try to build big things, but if it is for the wrong reason, God will scramble everything.

Click here -> Week 1 for the Study Guide!

What were some of your takeaways from week one? Leave a comment!