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The Resurrection: Mt. 27-28; Mk. 15-16; Lk. 24; Jn. 19-21
The death of Christ on the cross was an event sparked by sin. He died because He loved us and desired for us to have fellowship with Him. We can’t have fellowship with God in sin, so He provided a means by which sin can be forgiven. This was what the death of Christ was about. But it doesn’t stop there. In fact, if it ends at His death, then we would be miserable people without hope. The completion of God’s plan includes those wonderful words: “He is risen!”
Jesus was taken off the cross and buried according to the Jewish custom. He was wrapped in cloth, with spices mixed in. They took him to a new tomb very close to where he was crucified. A large stone was rolled in front of the opening, and guards were placed at the tomb, due to the fears of the Jews.
Early on the third day, some of the women who followed Jesus were on their way to the tomb to apply more spices to the body. They were concerned about how to move the stone from the opening. But when they got there, they were amazed to find the stone rolled away from the door. Two “men” in “dazzling clothing” were there. They asked the women: “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.” Now they remembered again what Jesus had been saying. Now it was all falling into place.
By the power of God, Jesus was raised up. The significance of this cannot be understated. This is what provides for us the hope of eternal life in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Without the resurrection, we would have no hope, we would still be in sin, and we would be pitiable (1 Cor. 15). It is the resurrection that gives us victory. One day, we will be raised to be with our Lord forever. Praise God, who gives us to the victory through Jesus Christ.
Discussion
1. Discuss the events of the resurrection. Put the accounts together and come up with a composite account.
2. Why were the women concerned about moving the stone? Why is it significant that women were first to see Jesus? Why didn’t the disciples believe the women at first?
4. Why is the resurrection so important to Christians?
5. What would be the consequences if there was no resurrection?