https://youtu.be/EsCNsB6TeVM

📝 Summary

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In this Resurrection Sunday message, Pastor Paul Durbin explores the Chinese character for righteousnessand how it beautifully illustrates the gospel story. Drawing from his years in China, Paul shows how this ancient picture language reveals the heart of the Easter story—a lamb (Jesus) covering “me” (the sinner). Through Scripture and story, we see that righteousness isn’t something we earn or make—it’s something we receive when the Lamb-King covers and transforms us.

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📌 Tips

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• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
• You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

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Have you ever learned a foreign language? Share your funniest language fail (English or other).

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📖 Bible Passage(s)

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• Romans 3:10 – “There is no one righteous, not even one.”
• Isaiah 53:4–6 – “He was pierced for our transgressions...”
• John 19:33–34; 20:27 – Jesus’ side and hands revealed after the resurrection.
• Romans 3:22–24 – Righteousness given through faith in Christ to all who believe. </aside>

🔎 Observation

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1. What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
2. What does Romans 3 say about human righteousness?
3. According to Isaiah 53, who was pierced and why?
4. In John 20, what does Jesus’ invitation to Thomas reveal about His resurrected body and His heart toward doubt? </aside>

👋 Application

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1. The message highlights that "no one is righteous" apart from Jesus.
   • How does seeing your own “hand on the spear” shape how you view sin and forgiveness?
   • We’re part of the reason Jesus went to the cross—it’s personal.
2. Righteousness comes when the Lamb covers “me.”
   • What coverings do people try to sew together today (like Adam and Eve’s fig leaves) to hide sin or appear okay?
   • True righteousness begins with honesty and humble confession.
3. Jesus is the Lamb and the King—both Savior and Ruler.
   • What does submitting to Jesus as King look like in your daily life?
   • The same Jesus who forgives also leads.
4. The Chinese character for righteousness places “the lamb” above “me.” How does this visual help you understand faith and grace differently?
5. Think of Mel Gibson’s statement: “I did it.” What happens when we accept our part in Jesus’ suffering rather than shifting blame to “the world” or “others”?
6. Jesus invites us to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow.” What does it look like for you to follow Him this week—even in something small and ordinary? </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

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1. Follow the Lamb King. End each day this week with a short prayer of surrender: “Lamb of God, lead me as my King.”
2. Open your hands. Take five minutes a day to pray with open palms—symbolizing release of control and willingness to receive forgiveness.
3. Confess, don’t cover. Invite a trusted friend into one area of your life where you’ve been “covering” brokenness instead of bringing it to light.
4. Celebrate grace in community. Attend a meal, group, or gathering with gratitude for the Lamb who covers all of us.
5. Bless someone with your hands. Serve or help someone tangibly this week—turning hands that once wounded into hands that heal. </aside>

🙏 Prayer

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• Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb who covers my sin and the King who reigns over my heart.
• Forgive me for the ways I’ve tried to make my own covering; help me rest in Yours.
• Teach me to live with open hands—serving, forgiving, and following You daily.
• Help me recognize that my righteousness is a gift, not an achievement.
• Show me where to live “on belay”—honoring You and offering peace to others. </aside>

🎶 Worship

https://youtu.be/1Vp2O3YqeJQ?si=5lRDiM36JF5XW8Hi