The Resurrection of Jesus 1

“By any measure, the resurrection of Jesus is the most radical of Christian doctrines. His teachings, his compassion for others, even his martyr’s death, all find parallels in other stories and religious traditions. But of no other historical figure has the claim been made more persistently that God raised him from the dead.” - Newsweek

“If Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach, and you have nothing to believe.” - 1 Corinthians 15:14

Jewish Burial Practices The Jewish custom was to bury the dead as soon as possible after death. The body was washed with perfumes and oils. Strips of cloth were wrapped around the body. The body was taken to the family tomb—usually carved out of rock. The body was placed on a shelf inside the tomb.

Jewish Burial Practices Official mourning would last one week. Family members would stay home and receive guests. They would cover their heads to show grief. After a year, the bones of the deceased would be placed in an ossuary – a “bone box”. The box was then placed in a small niche to make room for other burials.

The Burial of Jesus Many women were there at the cross. Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph wrapped the body, and placed it in his tomb

Securing the Tomb The Jewish leaders were afraid the disciples would steal the body. Pilate said, “Make the tomb as secure as you know how.” They rolled a large stone in front of the entrance. They put a seal across the tomb. They placed guards in front of the tomb.

Early Sunday Morning At the first light of day, the women went to the tomb. The stone had been moved. An angel was sitting on the stone. The tomb was empty.

How do you explain the empty tomb? The “Wrong-Tomb” theory. But that mean not only the women went to the wrong tomb, but the guards and the officials as well. All they had to do was go to the right tomb and find the body.

How do you explain the empty tomb? The “Swoon” theory. Jesus had been beaten, crucified, and had a spear driven through his side. Then placed in a cold dark cave for three days—and he got better? Then he rolled away the stone and overpowered the guards?

How do you explain the empty tomb? The disciples stole the body. At first, Neither the women nor the men disciples understood what the empty tomb meant. Mary Magdalene thought someone had moved Jesus’ body. (John 20:15) The men thought the women’s report was “an idle tale.” (Lk. 24:11) After seeing the empty tomb the men returned home and later Jesus found them behind locked doors. (John 20:19)

The disciples thought it was all over. The disciples did not think Jesus would die in such a manner, if at all. The disciples thought it was all over. “We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Lk 24:21) Jesus’ appearances to his disciples changed all this. Soon, disciples who had been hiding in fear would be speaking in public to large crowds about Jesus and his teachings.

The Significance of the Resurrection – Then and Now It is a vindication of who Jesus said he was. It is a vindication of the way Jesus lived. His life is what made his death so meaningful. It is a vindication of Jesus’ trust in God.

The Significance of the Resurrection – Then and Now 4. It shows that death is not the end. It brings a new kind of Life to Jesus’ followers. Romans 6 – Baptism symbolizes Jesus’ death and resurrection – we participate in that death and resurrection. We are buried and then raised to a new life. This life is a life that is no longer controlled by sin and selfishness.

The Significance of the Resurrection – Then and Now 6. As we share in his death and resurrection, we find new power and courage to live like him (through his spirit). “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection . . .” (Philippians 3:10) Jesus’ resurrection is the foundation of our faith in him. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (I Cor. 15:17)