In the World–March 31, 2024

Download “In the World” for March 31, 2024 here.

MARS SAMPLE RETURN HINGES ON BUDGET

Since 2021, the Mars rover called Perseverance has been exploring an ancient river delta on the red planet’s surface. At scientifically strategic spots, the rover has been extracting and preserving samples from the rocks it encounters. From the mission’s outset, the plan has been to return those samples to earth, where full-size labs of today and powerful tools not yet invented can examine their composition; and possibly conclude that Mars once had microbial or other forms of life. But the missions to bring the samples back are in jeopardy due to budget cuts to NASA this month. Everything pivots on there being the money—and the international will—to make the sample return missions happen.

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH HINGES ON THE RESURRECTION

All of Christianity pivots on Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:16–17, if Christ has not been raised, then every believer’s faith is worthless, and we all remain in our sins. Today’s passage from Mark gives a reliable eyewitness account of the event that our faith hinges upon and that we celebrate this Easter Sunday.

1. What’s the most exciting space-related event you’ve heard of?
2. When has something important in your life hinged upon one thing happening?
3. What is your favorite way to celebrate Easter?

Additional Resources

Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.

• Traditional Playlist on Spotify
• Multicultural Playlist on Spotify
• Contemporary Playlist on Spotify
• Commentary Erin Vroom on “The ‘Missing’ End of Mark’s Gospel”
• Commentary Amanda Brobst-Renaud on Mark 16:1–8
• Commentary C. Clifton Black on Mark 16:1–8