The Day of Jesus’ Resurrection

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

This is the fourth in a series of lessons examining some great days in history – not in secular history, but days of spiritual importance. In this fourth lesson, we’re going to be discussing the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Without the resurrection, our faith in Christ would be worthless; but because of the resurrection, we have hope.

The Background

  • Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:57-60) – He was really dead, despite some theories to the contrary; His body was prepared for burial (Matthew 27:59) and His side had been pierced (John 19:34)
  • The tomb was guarded (Matthew 27:62-66) – they were authorized to make it as secure as possible (Matthew 27:65); they would have done this because His enemies believed that it would be worse if people believed He was risen (Matthew 27:64)
  • The disciples were in fear (John 20:19) – after Jesus was killed, they thought they could be too (John 15:20)

The Events of That Day

  • The tomb was found empty (Matthew 28:1-6) – angels announced that He had risen (Matthew 28:5); this was not expected by those who came (Mark 16:3; Luke 24:11-12)
  • Jesus began appearing to His disciples (Matthew 28:8-9; Luke 24:13-31, 36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8) – He appeared on several different occasions to hundreds of individuals
  • Jesus’ enemies tried to explain away the empty tomb (Matthew 28:11-15) – there were obvious holes in their story, but that did not stop it from spreading; people often believe what they want to believe (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Key Lessons

  • Jesus’ power over death (Hebrews 2:14-15) – others were raised from the dead before this (1 Kings 17:21-22; 2 Kings 4:32-35; 13:20-21; Luke 7:11-15; 8:52-55; John 11:43-44; Matthew 27:52); but Jesus was the first to be raised “never to die again” (Romans 6:9)
  • Hope for the resurrection (Romans 6:4-8) – Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25); even though we may die, we will receive the reward if we are faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); therefore, we do not need to fear death/persecution (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54-57; Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:33-37)
  • Evidence for our faith – faith is based upon evidence (Hebrews 11:1); hundreds of eyewitnesses to this (1 Corinthians 15:5-8); not only did they provide testimony, they affirmed the resurrection despite persecution; Jesus’ resurrection proved that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4)