108. Resurrection

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[hanks]

1. Why did the women go to the tomb on Sunday morning very early? Why didn't they go later in the day, do you think? (Luke 24:1) 
They had prepared all the ointments, spices, and fragrances needed on Friday evening before the start of the Sabbath. On Saturday the women rested, in obedience to the commandment concerning the Sabbath. Come Sunday, they are now keen to get early to the grave and anoint the body of Jesus properly. In their sorrow they had forgotten the prophesies that our Lord Jesus Himself had spoken; there was no thought of a resurrection. They were impatient to anoint the body, as soon as possible, and it was in their time of depression, discouragement, defeat, sadness, and confusion that these women rose early. This out of their love and faithfulness towards their beloved Lord. They didn’t go later in the day perhaps because they may have been worried that the body had not been properly anointed, in their haste, by Joseph and Nicodemus. There was also the concern about rolling the stone away from the entrance. How were they going to roll it away on their own? 
 

[hanks]

2. What evidence do we have that the empty tomb isn't just a case of mistaken identity of one tomb for another? 
Luke writes that the women who followed Jesus remained keenly interested in what was going on, and had followed Joseph closely so that they saw exactly where the tomb was and how the body was laid (23:55). Matthew also confirms that they saw how the body of Jesus was carried into the new tomb which Joseph, who owned the garden in which it was located, had carved out in the rock. The women also observed how a big stone had been rolled in front of the entrance of the tomb (Matt 27:59-61). Again, Mark mentions that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where He was laid. They were watching, were observing … carefully, intently, devoutly. They had seen the stone rolled in front of the entrance, and now they see that exact stone rolled away from the tomb. So, they knew exactly where Jesus was buried and were able to go early in the morning to the exact tomb, without any hesitation or doubt. 
 

[hanks]

3. In what way is the angels' declaration ironic? (Luke 24:5b) In what way is it thrilling? (Luke 24:6) 
It’s ironic in that the women are looking in a tomb for the living Christ, but of course He’s not there among the dead. He has risen! It’s thrilling in that through our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection we have been given a new birth through our faith in Him (1 Pet 1:3). Here Peter gives us the full name of the Son: Lord - the One with the exclusive right to rule in hearts and lives; Jesus - the One who saves His people from their sins; Christ - God's Anointed One who has been exalted to heaven's highest place. As sinners, we had no hope beyond the grave. There was nothing ahead for us but the certainty of judgment and fiery indignation. But in the redemptive work of Christ, God found a righteous basis upon which He can save ungodly sinners and still be just. Christ has paid the penalty of our sins. This is why Paul can say that God "made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved, and raised us up with Him" (Eph 2:5-6). 
 

[hanks]

4. How could Jesus have predicted His death and resurrection three times (see footnote 19 below) and it still hadn't registered with His disciples? (Luke 24:6-8) 
The angels reminded the women that Jesus had accurately predicted all that had happened to Him. We read earlier that Jesus had spoken to His disciples in Luke 9:22; 9:44; and 18:31-34. Initially (9:22) He told them that He must suffer, must be rejected by the religious leaders of Israel, must be killed and must be raised the third day. This was an astounding announcement and must have come as a shock to the disciples. But then He warned them not to tell this to anyone, so that this news would not hamper their ministry. So, I doubt they realised what Jesus was saying. This of course was the very opposite of the popular conception of Messiah's role. They were expecting a leader that would destroy the Roman rule over them. Our Lord again reminded them that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of men, that is, to be killed (9:44). He was performing miracles and had a huge following, and to the disciples His death would have meant defeat which was unthinkable considering the Messiah had become a popular hero. Finally, for the third time Jesus predicts His death and resurrection (18:31-34). Yet again they did not understand what He was saying or perhaps did not want to understand. We often believe what we want to believe, and block out anything that does not fit into our preconceived notions. Besides they most probably still had their minds set on a Messiah who would rescue them from the yoke of Rome, and set up the His kingdom immediately. 
 

[hanks]

5. What do we know about these women who cared for Jesus' corpse and were the first witnesses to His resurrection? Where did they come from? Why did they love Jesus? (Hint: see Luke 8:1-3) 
We know that they started to follow Jesus early in His Galilean ministry. These were faithful women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases, and who out of love and gratitude were helping to support Jesus and the twelve. Those who had experienced the Saviour’s mercy had the privilege of serving Him out of love. They were delivered and healed from the afflictions that had dominated their lives, and now they wanted to serve the Lord. Here we see that when Christ powerfully breaks into a life with His good news of salvation, the captive sinner is released from bondage. The gospel always makes a demonstrable difference in the life of the person who has responded to it. These women could see that Jesus and the disciples were not getting rich off the gospel, and they saw the needs and took the initiative to give without being pressured. Luke 8:1-3 provides us with an insight into how Jesus and His disciples met their basic needs, and how the women were able to supply the daily necessities of Jesus and His disciples. Without them, humanly speaking, Jesus and the twelve would have had to spend time working to support themselves and would not have been free to preach the gospel. 
 

[hanks]

6. Why did the female disciples believe in Jesus' resurrection while the male disciples didn't believe yet? (Luke 24:11) 
These women had been emotionally involved in all that happened these last few days. They had suffered when Jesus had been handed over to the Jewish leaders, and even more so as to His crucifixion, having been present at Calvary. One cannot imagine the trauma and shock they must have experienced seeing their beloved Jesus dying on the cross. The fact that that these women were often in the company of the disciples meant that they would also have heard Jesus predicting His death and resurrection. And now the two angels link these things together. The dramatic events that happened which to a large extent they had witnessed, and Jesus’ words and predictions. It all started coming back to them – they remembered. They had confirmation, the empty tomb and the reminder that they had received from the two angels was all they needed. But to the male disciples this all seemed like idle tales, and they did not believe what the female disciples told them. They had to go and see for themselves. 
 

[hanks]

7. How do Peter's observations of Jesus' graveclothes (Luke 24:12) bear on the rumour that His body had been stolen? (Matthew 28:13-15) 
When Peter went to the tomb he confirmed that the tomb was empty, and he saw the linen cloths lying there by themselves. These were the cloths that had been tightly wound around our Lord’s body. Matthew tells us (Matt 28:11-13) that as soon as the religious leaders were told that the tomb was empty, they quickly thought out a strategy to bribe the soldiers, who were to tell that the disciples stole the body of Jesus while they slept. All that had to be done was to produce the body and the Christian movement was dead and buried. The fact that the grave-clothes were left behind shows that the body was not stolen; thieves would not take time, or even have the time, to remove the coverings. Jesus’ body had passed through the grave clothes and left them lying there intact. There were other lies which stated that the women went to the wrong tomb – we know this to be a lie since the women had watched Joseph bury our Lord in the tomb Joseph owned. That would have meant the angels had been mistaken about the right tomb, having said “He is not here. He is risen” (24:6). Others have suggested that Jesus did not die, but swooned away, and that He was resuscitated somehow in this damp tomb. Forgetting that no man on the inside of that tomb could ever roll back the heavy stone which came down an incline and fitted into a groove. People will make all sorts of excuses not to believe in the resurrection. This is because they do not want to turn away from their sin. If Jesus is risen, then He is the rightful Lord of all, and I must turn from my sin and live under His lordship. 
 

[hanks]

8. Does the validity of the Christian faith rely upon resurrection as an historical fact rather than a religious myth? Yes or no? Support your answer. 
The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact. There is abundant testimony to the resurrection of Christ in the Gospels (Matt 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25). The book of Acts tells us about the resurrected Christ who is alive and reigning in heaven. The Epistles write about Jesus as a living, reigning Saviour who is now the exalted head of the church, who is to be trusted, worshiped, and adored, and who will someday return in power and great glory to reign as King over the earth. The book of Revelation repeatedly shows the risen Christ reigning in heaven and predicts His return to conquer His enemies and reign in glory. In fact, the whole NT bears witness to the resurrection of Christ. The evidences that Christ was risen are many and are very strong and convincing. The empty tomb - the only explanation for the missing body is the resurrection; the undisturbed grave clothes – thieves would not have had enough time to remove the clothes, and for friends it would have been disrespectful; the unnecessary guarding of the tomb – the enemies of Christ would not want to steal the body; the lies spoken by the guards – that they were asked to lie indicated that the Jewish leaders believed the resurrection had occurred and tried to cover it up; the unbelief by Christ’s disciples – they did not believe in the resurrection and were very slow to finally believe; the undeniable appearances of Christ – He appeared to over 500 people, and at least eleven times to His followers between the resurrection and the ascension. In these appearances He ate with His followers and showed them His wounds in His body; giving indisputable evidence of His resurrection. All these appearances cannot be explained as imaginations or illusions. I have read it said, “The evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.” He has risen! 
 

[Irmela]

1.  Why did the women go to the tomb on Sunday morning very early? Why didn't they go later in the day, do you think? (Luke 24:1)

It was the third day (even though only part of 24 hr periods) and the Friday had been a hasty (entombment) wrapping up of the body. The women were eager to do it properly and had gone early to get more spices and perfumes as were customarily used for preparing the bodies with. The earlier they went, the better. Then if anything was still needed they would have time to get it all done. The stone had to be rolled from the grave and the soldiers were bound to still be there if they went very early and assist them with that. 

2.  What evidence do we have that the empty tomb isn't just a case of mistaken identity of one tomb for another?

The women are very certain of the location. They saw where Joseph and Nicodemus had lain the Lord on the Friday. The tomb was a new one hewn out of the rock. There were no other bodies inside it. In no way was it mistaken for another one. The burial clothes that had been wrapped around the body of Jesus were in the tomb and the cloth that was around His head was neatly laid one side. 

3.  In what way is the angels' declaration ironic? (Luke 24:5b) In what way is it thrilling? (Luke 24:6)

Why do you look for the living amongst the dead?. They were looking for the 'dead'. They were looking for a body/corpse. The living would not have been in a tomb. It had not occurred to them yet that Christ was indeed LIVING. 

He is not here? This was indeed puzzling to them because in the norm of things a corpse does not disappear. 

HE HAS RISEN! That indeed is the reason why He is not where they expected Him to be. Jesus' words were brought to mind that He would be handed over to sinful men, would be crucified, would be buried and would rise again on the 3rd day. HALLELUJAH!!! 

They remembered. It was true. It had happened as He said it would. 

4.  How could Jesus have predicted his death and resurrection three times (see footnote 19 below) and it still hadn't registered with his disciples? (Luke 24:6-8)

The desciples were hoping against hope that Jesus was the Messiah that would topple down Roman oppression and that He would sit and reign on David's throne. This fact clouded anything different that He said to them. It did not fully register with them. 

The terrifying happenings of the Friday had further clouded their memories. They only saw the evidence of an end, viz., death of their beloved Lord, whom they believed with all their hearts to be the Messiah, the Anointed One. 

Fear had them in its icy grip and made them see only right in front of them, and not ahead of them. In front of them was death and ahead of them was the resurrection from that death as had been told them beforehand.

5. What do we know about these women who cared for Jesus' corpse and were the first witnesses to his resurrection? Where did they come from? Why did they love Jesus? 

The women were the same ones that had followed Jesus from Galilee. Some had been cured of diseases and also some from the grip/clutches of evil spirits. (Seven demons had been expelled from Mary Magdalene.) These women ministered and provided for Jesus and the group of followers from out of their property and personal belongings. They loved Jesus for Who He was and also for What He had done for them. 

They had been set free. 

[Irmela]

6. Why did the female disciples believe in Jesus' resurrection while the male disciples didn't believe yet? (Luke 24:11)

The women had been to the tomb and had found it empty. They had seen the angelical beings who had lit up the tomb and had jolted their memories to remember where Jesus had said that He would rise from the dead. They now believed and excitedly reminded the men. The men were as yet not convinced. They had not seen for themselves. 

7. How do Peter's observations of Jesus' graveclothes (Luke 24:12) bear on the rumor that his body had been stolen? (Matthew 28:13-15). 

If the body had been stolen it would have been together with the grave cothes. But both the shroud or linen cloths were left one side as well as the napkin that had been around His head. This was folded neatly and put to the side. 

Robbers would not have worried about such detail. 

8.  Does the validity of the Christian faith rely upon resurrection as an historical fact rather than a religious myth? Yes or no? Support your answer.

It is an historical event. Several times Jesus mentioned His death, burial and resurrection. Angels too confirmed that he was indeed risen as He had foretold. 

The tomb was indeed found empty and without a body but the graveclothes left where once a body had lain. 

After that Jesus appeared to the disciples in His resurrected body and also to other loved ones. 

[Katy]

Q1. Jesus death had happened on Friday, Saturday was Sabbath so nothing was done as prescribed by God in His commandments. The women had prepared spices and ointments in preparation for anointing the body of Jesus. So early on Sunday morning they went to do the anointing which they didn’t have time to do on Friday evening before the Sabbath started at sun down. There may also have been a concern about the body starting to decay in the heat of the climate in Jerusalem. 
Q2.The women had followed Joseph and Nicodemus when they went to lay Jesus in Joseph’s brand new tomb, so they knew exactly where the tomb was. Jesus was the only body in the tomb so they could not have mixed the body up with someone else’s. The burial cloths were on the floor with the head cloth folded , if the body was stolen the cloth would be missing as well.

Q3.The angels declaration is ironic because the women were looking in a tomb for a dead person, if they knew He was alive they would not have been looking in the tomb. They did not remember in their grief that Jesus had told them He would rise from the dead. It was thrilling because the angel was telling them that after all Jesus had gone through He had risen from the dead and was alive, just as He had said but that they didn’t understand at the time. 
Q4. The disciples just didn’t understand because they knew Jesus was the Messiah, and they expected Him to relieve them from Roman rule and not be captured torture and killed in this way. Even though Jesus had told them He would be put to death it just didn’t register with them until now they find themselves living through the experience. Sometimes it is only in retrospect that we human’s understand things that happen in life. I can imagine them talking and thinking’ how did we not see these things coming and understand what Jesus had told us’. They just had been taught to expect a different kind of Messiah and didn’t consider it might happen in a different way.

Q5. The women loved Jesus and followed Him because Jesus had healed many of them from various ailments which were afflicting them. After being cured they followed Jesus doing what they could to help, which included financial support as they were able. 
Q6.The women were the first to visit the tomb and they knew exactly where Jesus had been laid on Friday because they had followed Joseph and Nicodemus to the tomb. They saw the angel who had asked them “ Why are you looking for the living among the dead”, “He is not here He is risen”. That must have been fairly convincing. 
Q7. If Jesus body had been stolen the grave cloths would not have been left in the tomb. The head cloth was folded. If the body had been stolen the thieves would not have stopped to remove them. They would grab the body and run, taking cloths with them.

Q8. Yes the validity of the Christian faith does rely upon the resurrection as a historical fact. Jesus is alive and living and reigning in heaven. The New Testament shows us very clearly that Jesus was seen by the disciples and many others after His death and resurrection. I think the passage in 1 Corinthians 15 v 12 -20 explain it well.