Jesus' Resurrection: Fact or Fiction - Luke 24 - April 12, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or Fiction? – April 12, 2009

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study entitled “Gospel Crossroads.”

Our scripture is Luke 24:1-12, 36-40, 44-46.

We studied the crucifixion last Sunday. A righteous man dying for a cause shows his commitment to the cause and can inspire others to continue the cause. Combine the righteous man’s commitment to death followed by HIS resurrection from the dead, now that is proof beyond question. JESUS was and is the SON of GOD and our SAVIOR.

Since the resurrection of JESUS is the linchpin of the Christian faith, some try to disprove it. It is okay to wonder or question but explore to find the truth. Years ago, I had questions regarding the resurrection. I will share with you some of the scripture that helped me to resolve those questions.

To do a thorough study of the resurrection, one needs to examine the events recorded in all the gospels but time and space limits us for today’s study.

Let’s read Luke 24:1-8:

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[1] Other mss add and other women with them came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.[2] Lit and inclined their faces to the ground “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The • Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered His words.

First, let’s review the events on Friday:

JESUS was crucified on Friday from about 9:00 AM to about 3:00 PM. JESUS needed to be buried before sundown because the Sabbath would begin at sundown. Those who had agreed to bury HIM needed to move quickly. We read in John 19:38-42 those who stepped forward to care for the body of JESUS.

Jesus’ Burial

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds[20] Lit 100 litrai; a Roman litrai = 12 ounces of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and Nicodemus was a Pharisee and also a member of the Sanhedrin. We will review some of the details of this scripture later.

Our scripture today records the events early Sunday morning:

Early Sunday morning a group of ladies (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them) equipped with more spices went to JESUS’ tomb. They planned to complete the embalming process.

Let’s think about this for a moment. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had already put 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes on HIS body and wrapped HIM in linen cloths and apparently added additional aromatic spices. (Some scripture estimates that about 100 pounds.) The Jews did not embalm but they allow the body to decay.

They would use aromatic spices to help mask the stench associated with a decaying body. When the body was reduced to bones, they placed the bones in an ossuary for final burial.

The ladies wanted to complete the process of adding additional spices in honor of JESUS. Think about it. It was not a pleasant task they had to do. Under normal circumstances the body would be stinking. Out of love they went to minister to JESUS. Out of this love, they were blessed beyond belief.

Other scripture tells us, they wondered how they would roll the stone away from the opening to the tomb. The Romans had rolled a stone over the opening to the tomb, sealed it and placed two (2) guards to guard it. It was rumored that JESUS’ disciples had a plan to steal JESUS’ body and declare that HE had risen from the dead.

To their surprise, as they approached the tomb, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. They went into the tomb expecting to find JESUS’ body. Instead they encountered two (2) men in dazzling clothes. The sudden appearance of these men in dazzling clothes startled them and they bowed down to them. Other scripture refers to the men as angels. The angels immediately asked the ladies a question and gave them information to jog their memories:

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The • Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered His words.

Grief can block our ability to think clearly. This reminder was a thrilling moment for them, especially when confirmed by angels. They went immediately to tell the “Good News”. JESUS had been resurrected!!!

They ran to tell the disciples the Good News.

Let’s read Luke 24:9-12:

9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 • Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[3] Other mss add lying there So he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Peter doubts the accuracy of the ladies account of events. So he ran to check it out and he was amazed.

JESUS walked along with two (2) disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walked along they discussed the recent events regarding the crucifixion of JESUS. JESUS gave them a thorough overview of the events quoting scripture. It was getting late and the two (2) disciples invited JESUS to stay the night with them. When JESUS blessed the bread their eyes were opened and HE allowed them to see WHO HE was. Why did HE wait to reveal Himself? HE wanted their attention to be on the scripture. It was a teaching moment that was sealed by the resurrected JESUS. JESUS vanished from their sight. Immediately the two (2) disciples traveled the seven (7) miles back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples about their experience. I think during that seven (7) miles walk they discussed the scripture that HE quoted to them.

Let’s read Luke 24: 36-40:

36 And as they (The two (2) disciples from Emmaus) were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” He asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

“They” in verse 36 are the two (2) disciples from Emmaus. As they were giving an account of their experience, JESUS appeared among them. JESUS spoke but the disciples were startled and terrified. They thought they were seeing a spirit or ghost. JESUS questioned the disciples. HE knew they had doubts, yet HE knew HE had taught them well and now was not the time for them to fall away. They had much work to do. HE invited them to touch HIM because HE knew they thought HE had returned as a spirit or ghost.

JESUS understands our doubts, questions and fears. HE wants all believers to know and embrace the truth.

To further demonstrate that HE was flesh and bones, HE asked if they had anything to eat? They gave HIM a piece of broiled fish and HE ate it.

Notice JESUS said HE was “flesh and bones.” HE did not say flesh, bones and “blood.” Many think HIS blood is eternally preserved in heaven as a testimony that HE shed HIS blood to pay for the sins of all who believe in HIM. If HE still had HIS blood, Satan, the great accuser, would point a finger at JESUS and say, “Look, HIS passion never happened.” Physical life is in the blood but GOD given life is in the power of GOD.

Let’s read Luke 24:44-46:

44 Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written:[11] Other mss add and thus it was necessary that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

Once JESUS calmed the disciples, HE began reminding them of what HE had taught them prior to HIS crucifixion. Notice that JESUS used the scripture to confirm HIS passion for mankind. When we doubt, it is scripture that provides the answers and confirmation. That is why believers must study and know the Bible.

As mentioned earlier, here are a few verses that helped me confirm the crucifixion.
Before the crucifixion of JESUS, JESUS’ brothers did not believe in HIM:

John 7:1-5:

The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers

1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles[1] Or Booths [2] One of 3 great Jewish religious festivals, along with Passover and Pentecost; Ex 23:14; Dt 16:16 was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

After the crucifixion of JESUS, HIS brothers saw JESUS in a different light:

Let’s read Acts 1:12-14: (This is after JESUS ascended into heaven.)

United in Prayer

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer,[3] Other mss add and petition along with the women, including Mary[4] Or prayer, with their wives and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

The crucifixion and the resurrection of JESUS changed the hearts of the brothers of JESUS. They became believers and leaders in the Christian church.

After the conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus, Paul checked some of the facts regarding JESUS in Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 1:11-19: (The focal points are found in verses 18 and 19.)

11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on a human point of view.[5] Lit not according to man 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I persecuted God’s church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it; 14 and I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart[6] Jr 1:5 and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.[7] Lit flesh and blood 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know • Cephas,[8] Other mss read Peter (The Apostle Peter) and I stayed with him 15 days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

The Apostle Paul was taught by JESUS. After three (3) years he went to Jerusalem and met with Cephas (the Apostle Peter) and the brother of JESUS, James. James, the brother of JESUS, was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem. The point being, when Paul met with James, it was a few years after the resurrection of JESUS and HIS brothers were true believers. The resurrection of JESUS made the difference for HIS brothers.

Before the crucifixion, they thought of JESUS as a dreamer and egoist who wanted to draw attention to Himself. After the resurrection, HIS brothers saw the truth that their brother was the true SON of GOD and they believed in HIM as their SAVIOR.

There are many more references confirming the resurrection of JESUS.

I will give you one more reference. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: (This is The Apostle Paul writing to the Christians in Corinth.

3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to • Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen • asleep.[3] Jn 11:11; Ac 7:60; 1 Th 4:13–15 7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me.

JESUS HAS RISEN – BELIEVE AND REJOICE IN YOUR SALVATION!!!

Has JESUS appeared to you? Make this Easter a true Easter by asking CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart today.

If you are a believer and have not been living the abundant life in JESUS, confess it and ask HIM to restore the joy of your salvation.

HE LIVES. HOW DO I KNOW HE LIVES? BECAUSE, HE LIVES IN MY HEART.

Make Romans 8:16 a reality in your life:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,