An Empty Tomb The foundation of our faith
An Empty Tomb The foundation of our faith he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption Acts 2. 31 All quotations taken from ESV
Why does the resurrection matter? • When we demonstrate that Christ rose from the dead and left the tomb, we point to reasons for faith • Jesus’ death & resurrection is the full goal & purpose of God’s plan for us • death : forgiveness : : raised : hope • Points to Consider: 1) The Empty Tomb 2) Christ Appeared Alive 3) It’s Too Young to be a Legend Romans 6. 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life
The Empty Tomb 1 • Matthew 27. 62 -66 — the Leadership fears scandal • Matthew 28. 1 -10 — the women see Jesus • Matthew 28. 11 -15 — the Leadership spins the tale • Did the Pharisees say, “We have the body!”? • Did the soldiers have the body? • Was anyone held accountable? • Was the tomb secretly hidden? • Did the disciples expect or plan anything in this? • What does Peter say happened? Acts 2. 29 -36
Jesus Appeared 2 Women outside Jerusalem Mary Magdalene Two traveling to Emmaus Peter in Jerusalem 10 disciples in upper room 11 disciples in upper room 7 disciples fishing 11 disciples on mountain More than 500 people James Disciples at ascension Matthew 28. 9 -10 John 20. 15 -18 Luke 24. 13 -32 Luke 24. 34 John 20. 19 -25 John 20. 26 -31 John 21. 1 -23 Matthew 28. 16 -20 1 Corinthians 15. 5 1 Corinthians 15. 7 Luke 24. 44 -49, Acts 1. 3 -8 read Paul’s list of witnesses!!! 1 Corinthians 15. 5 -9
Jesus Appeared • Who first saw Jesus? • Women and two “unknown” men • Why not someone “reputable”? • Do the gospel accounts contradict each other? • They all tell the same core story • Inconsistencies reflect multiple independent accounting as well as style and purpose • Consider the simplicity of the early creed: 1 Corinthians 15. 3 -5 2
3 Too Young to be a Legend • Consider the clarity and simplicity of Mark’s account: Mark 15. 42 -16. 20 • Would you believe a 20 -30 year old legendary god? • If Jesus was a only Good Man who was eventually “deified”, resurrection stories would be written later on and be more “exciting” (and they are!) Jesus Raised 33 Mark 53 -55 (20 yrs) 1 Corinthians 53 -55 (20 yrs) Luke Acts Matthew David Koresh Elvis Presley 62 (30 yrs) 55 -65 (30 yrs) 1993 (24 yrs) 1977 (40 yrs)
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