The Jesus Way Session 1: Enjoy the Resurrection

Why start with the New Testament? In it we can hear Jesus’ voice; not groping in the dark It comes from Jesus and reflects his brilliance It is a living book which changes lives It was written because of one event – the resurrection of Jesus

Jesus’ bodily resurrection: the starting point ‘The central claim of authentic Christian faith is that the living God raised Jesus Christ bodily from the tomb.’ Who would want to follow a dead Jesus? No resurrection would mean: –No Good News –No ‘Christianity’ worth its name –No point in doing this course!

Arguments vs the resurrection (1) “A bodily resurrection is contrary to history and science” –Christians believe God sometimes works in his world in ways which break scientifically- observable patterns; ‘miracles’ “Jesus experienced a spiritual rather than bodily resurrection” –This doesn’t explain the disciples’ changed behaviour and the words they start to use when talking about Jesus

Arguments vs the resurrection (2) There could be other explanations for the empty tomb –“Jesus wasn’t really dead” Though the Romans were expert at execution Jesus would have been in an appalling physical state –“The body was stolen” But why would the Roman or Jewish authorities hide the body? Why would the disciples die for something they knew was a lie?

Evidence for the resurrection (1) Jesus was seen – –On a number of occasions –By different people –He ate food –Thomas touched him 1 Corinthians 15:6 – many of those who had seen him were still alive when Paul was writing his letters

Evidence for the resurrection (2) Without the resurrection, what explanation is there for: –The disciples becoming bold witnesses? –The disciples calling Jesus ‘Lord’ and ‘Son of God’ when as Jews they believed God alone was the LORD (Deut 6:4)? –The first Christians changing their day of worship from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday? –The rapid spread of this Jewish messianic sect across the Greco-Roman empire? –The New Testament emphasis on the resurrection (compared with the Old Testament)?

What the resurrection teaches us about God Evidence of God’s existence Introduces us to God’s holiness Reveals God’s love Reveals God’s purpose

What the resurrection teaches us about Jesus Establishes Jesus’ unique identity supported by: –the circumstances of his birth; –his authoritative teaching; –his powerful miracles; –and his sinless life. Final piece in the puzzle

Thus we can conclude because of the resurrection.... We live in a world visited by God God is interested in this created world and in all aspects of human life, including our physical bodies There is a future for all of us after death The most important person in this life and the next is Jesus

Meeting the Risen Jesus Recognising Jesus as the Risen Lord is the essential starting point of the journey along Jesus’ Way

Responding to the Risen Jesus Revelation 3:20 The Risen Jesus never rejects those who sincerely turn to him –Have I truly responded to this challenge of Jesus as Lord? –Am I quite clear that Jesus is risen from the dead and therefore alive today? –Have I begun my relationship with Jesus?

‘Lord Jesus, I now know you are the Lord and recognise you as my true king. You came from God; you died for me; you are alive today. Please forgive me my sins; please forgive me for living my life without you. I come to you; please receive me. I open the door and welcome you. Please now come into my life and stay with me, helping me to follow you day by day. Amen’

Living for him Christianity is not primarily about obeying commandments but about enjoying relationship with a living person Jesus is our friend and also our Lord Living as a Christian is to grow in knowledge and love of Christ We can enjoy his presence with us through this life and beyond

Building-block 1 in following Jesus his way: Enjoy Jesus’ Resurrection – He is Alive!