In Matthew 27:45 – 28:20 we read about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Hope to believe in. Jesus is more powerful than death.
Eye witness accounts of resurrected Jesus: Matthew 28 Mark 16 Luke 24 John 20-21 Acts 1:1-11
In each story, we read that they responded with fear and doubt. They shared honestly about the journey.
- Matthew 28:4-5
- Matthew 28:8, 17
- Mark 16:11, 13-14
- Luke 24:11-12, 36-43
- John 20:24-29
It is human to experience fear and doubt.
What do we learn?
Hope to believe in. Jesus is more powerful than death. Jesus brings life over death. Jesus gives life more powerful than death.
What should we do?
Believe. Receive. Respond.
- Believe.
Purpose of the Matthew, Mark, Luke, John:
“30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” – John 20:30-31
- Receive.
This is what the early Christians believed and received:
“God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:4-6
- Respond.
Jesus points to purpose in His resurrection.
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, ‘Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.’” – Luke 24:45-48
“They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’” – John 20:21
They went to the Jerusalem Temple, publicly praising God for Jesus’ resurrection. – Luke 24:52-53