This lesson gives the account of death and resurrection of Jesus from the records of the witnesses. Two prominent Jewish leaders, two Romans soldiers and some of his followers were the witnesses to his death and resurrection. Their records provided us with the evidence that will help strengthen our faith. Revelation 1: 18 - I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. The followings are discussed: Jesus Died and was Buried; Jesus Rose from the dead, and Jesus is Lord and God.
Jesus Died and was Buried: His death put an end to the intense physical and spiritual suffering on the cross. He was tortured and made to bleed under prolonged painful condition until he gave up the ghost (John 19:28-30). Some verses of Psalm 69 prophesied concerning the agony of the Saviour. His suffering was to accomplish the plan of God for salvation of souls of mankBibleHe came to take sins of the world on himself, and through his sacrificial death he paid the price of our sin. Christ was truly divine and truly human: his conception was by the spirit and his birth was as human.
Jesus body was prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-42). Joseph was a wealthy member of the Jewish Council, and a secret follower of Jesus. He was the one that approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus to be buried in the tomb made for himself. Nicodemus was the Pharisee who prepared Jesus body with lots of spices for burial. The two Roman soldiers were the guards who were watching to ensure Christ's body was not taken away so that complexity about his prophesied resurrection could be prevented. All these people testified to death of Jesus.
Jesus Rose from the Dead: Early in the morning of the third day Mary Magdalene went to the place where Jesus was buried but she saw the tomb was open and empty. She rushed back to tell Peter and John what she saw. Without wasting time the disciples ran to the tomb and found it empty. They saw the cloths used to wrap Christ's body and head were laying separate in the tomb. It was then confirmed that Jesus had risen from death (John 20:1-8 ). John gave a good record as one of the first witnesses of resurrection of Jesus. His record is vital to our belief in Jesus as the Lord.
The resurrected Lord appeared to many. Mary was the first person that saw the risen Lord. On the same Sunday Jesus appeared to the whole group of his followers (John 20:20). They saw his wounds and heard his voice. Evidences and testimonies of his appearance further comfirmed his resurrection from death.
Jesus is Lord and God: Thomas missed the first appearance of Christ to the disciples, so he didn't believe his resurrection. He might not be at fault for his doubt, he needed his own evidence and firsthand information. He was closely related to Jesus and felt the deep grief of missing him. As such he gave the condition to believe in his resurrection. Christ wasn't offended for Thomas' state of mind. Instead of taking an offence he met Thomas' needs (John 20:24-28). At the susequent appearance Jesus provided Thomas with all he wanted. Then he believed and called Jesus both the Lord and God.
If we seek God with faith He will provide what we need. There are blessings attached to faithfully seeking God and strong belief in Him. Jesus said, 'blessed are they that have not seen, and yet they have believed'. The words of Jesus we are learning from the Bible are a blessing to those who believe. Lesson texts: John 19: 28 thru 20:31
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