Bible Study (5) - All About JESUS (5) - The Resurrection of JESUS - Luke 24:1-8, 38-43 - March 31, 2024

 

Bible Study (5) – All About JESUS (5) – The Resurrection of JESUS – March 31, 2024

Our focus scripture is Luke 24:1-8, 38-43.

Our last lesson focused on the death of JESUS upon the cross. There were dramatic events happening as JESUS gave up HIS human life trusting GOD, to give HIM eternal life.

Keeping the Law and making various acceptable, animals, grains, etc... sacrifices were no longer the path to GOD. The Law was fulfilled the instant JESUS gave HIS sinless, perfect human life to pay to redeem every person who will accept JESUS as his/her Savior. JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless human body by the shedding of HIS Blood to pay sin debt, in full. However, every person must accept it by asking to be forgiven and trusting in JESUS.

The path to GOD went from obeying the Law and making physical sacrifices to GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS.

We read in Luke 23:46: ⁴⁶ And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.”^[a] Saying this, he breathed his last.

What do you think was going on in the mind of JESUS as HE was being tortured and blasphemed? JESUS could have given up but no HE stayed the course for all who would believe in HIM and accept HIS passion for all who will trust in HIM. JESUS had to trust in HIS FATHER, GOD during the fiercest battle of HIS sinless life. And Guess What??? JESUS WON!!!

JESUS WON FOR ALL WHO WILL PLACE THEIR FAITH IN HIM! BUT THE BEST PART IS YET TO COME! Let’s read on.

JESUS had just given up HIS Spirit while trusting GOD, HIS FATHER.

When did JESUS give up HIS Spirit and die physically? According to Christianity.com the best estimates of biblical scholars and historical evidence believe Jesus died on Friday, April 3rd, AD 33, at approximately 3 PM, a few hours before the beginning of Passover day and the Sabbath. This is the date in the Julian calendar, which was introduced in 45 BC and follows the convention that historical dates adhere to the calendar used at the time.

Time: 3 PM ("The Ninth Hour")
Day of Week: Friday, April 3rd
Year: 33 AD.

JESUS gave up HIS SPIRIT. No one took it from HIM. There were still further steps that had to be completed.

Waiting in the shadow of the cross were Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph of Arimathea, a Christian rich man, had asked Pilot for the body of JESUS. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin would assist him in the burial of JESUS.

Also, waiting are the women who loved and followed JESUS. They wanted to see where JESUS would be buried to complete the burial process later.

All according to Jewish Law burial had to be completed by sun-down.

In the meantime, where was JESUS?

One thing we know is that JESUS went to Paradice based upon the words of JESUS to the thief on the cross, who saw JESUS as the Messiah as recorded in Luke 17:39-41: ³⁹ Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at^[k] him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

⁴⁰ But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God since you are undergoing the same punishment? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me^[l] when you come into your kingdom.”

⁴³ And he (JESUS) said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Paradise was one of JESUS’ destinations.

There are other passages that lead us to think that JESUS went to Hades and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah. Such as 1 Peter 3: ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. ¹⁹ After being made alive,^[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.^[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

No person should get the idea that he/she has a second opportunity to accept JESUS as his/her Savior once he/she is physically dead.

GOOD NEWS!!! THE TOMB WHERE THEY PLACED JESUS WAS EMPTY!!!

Let’s read Luke 24:1-6a:

On the first day of the week (Our Sunday), very early in the morning, they^[a] 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.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. ⁶ “He is not here, but he has risen! 

Let’s read Luke 24:6b-8:

Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, ⁷ saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” ⁸ And they remembered his words.

There are times when we have to be reminded of what GOD’S Word reveals to us when we encounter truth that is different from what we are encountering in the physical realm.

What does the Word of GOD reveal to us? That is why we must read, study GOD’S Word, apply and stand on the firm foundation of truth.

These ladies discovered the empty tomb, they needed to be reminded what JESUS had taught them. We have to do the same when we encounter something different Spiritually than what we remember as we encounter Spiritual issues in this life.

Our next scripture is JESUS’ first encounter with HIS disciples following HIS resurrection.

But first let’s consider the setting as revealed in Luke 24.

Let’s read Luke 24:38-43:

 ³⁸ “Why are you troubled?” he (JESUS) 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. ⁴¹ But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,^[g] 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

What is missing from the list of things JESUS revealed to them?

HIS shed Blood is secure in Heaven. HIS shed blood is a guarantee of the resurrection of all who place their faith in JESUS.

Do you trust JESUS as your SAVIOR? If you haven’t asked JESUS to come into your heart, ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and to make you GOD’S Son or Daughter.

If you prayed that prayer, thank JESUS for saving your soul and for HIM willingly giving HIS sinless life, to redeem you from the wages of sin which is eternal death.

If you asked JESUS into your heart, you have the Holy Spirit as your guarantee of eternal life as evidenced by one or more Spiritual Gifts.

Ask JESUS to reveal your gift or gifts to you and how to apply it or them as the Holy Spirit leads and directs your life.

JESUS HAS RISEN!!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED! JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE JUST FOR YOU AND ME TO HAVE ETERNAL. DO YOU ACCEPT HIS GIFT?

Blessings!!!