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The Resurrection and the
Ascension I. Evidences
(proof) of the Resurrection A.
From the documents – The N.T. documents have never been discredited (shown to
be in error). They are
the product, humanly speaking, of reputable men, many of whom were
eyewitnesses of the events about
which they wrote. B.
Testimony of the witnesses-Jesus appeared at least 10 or 11 times after the
resurrection; once before more than
500 people. The apostles were among
these witnesses. C.
The change in the disciples-Immediately after the death of Jesus, the
apostles were a confused and uncertain group.
Upon realizing that Jesus had been raised, they became a dynamic and
aggressive group and courageously
preached the gospel. Nothing less
than the resurrection of Jesus would have brought about this change. D.
Fulfilled Prophecies
1. From the O.T.-Psalms
16:10
2. From Jesus
himself-John 2:19; Luke 9:22
E. The resurrection is
mentioned in its completeness in all four gospels and emphasized in the rest
of the O.T.
F. It is impossible to
explain the empty tomb without the resurrection.
G. The early church
considered the first day of the week (the day of Jesus' resurrection) so
important that they assembled
on that day to commemorate His resurrection. H.
Baptism (Romans 6:3-4) is testimony of the resurrection. II. Appearance
of Jesus after the Resurrection A. Mark 16:9-10; John 20:11-18 – to Mary
Magdalene (and to other women? see Matthew 28:9-10) B. Luke 24:15-31 – to the two disciples
(Cleopas and another) on the road to Emmaus C. Luke 24:34 and I Cor. 15:5 – to Simon D. John 20:19-23; Luke 24:33-49; Mark 16:14-18
– to the disciples E. John 20:26-29 – to the disciples, including
Thomas F. John 21:1-14 – to seven disciples G. Matthew 28:16-20 to the 11 in Galilee H. I Cor. 15:6 – to 500 disciples I. I Cor. 15:7 – to James J. Acts 1:2-9? – to the 11 III. The
Body of the Resurrected Christ A. It was different than it had been. i. Mary didn't recognize him – John 20:15 ii. Nor did the disciples recognize him – John
21:7 B. Yet it was similar to what it had been. i. It was of flesh and bone, not a spirit –
Luke 24:39 ii. He spoke and ate – Luke 24:42 C. Nature presented Him no obstacles. i. Apparently he could pass through walls –
John 20:19 ii. He could disappear immediately – Luke 24:31 iii. He resisted the pull of gravity to ascend to
the heavens – Acts 1:9 IV. The
result of the Resurrection A. It shows His deity – Not Romans 1:4; the
resurrection proved what he said about himself and therefore vindicated
him. B. It made possible his work as intercessor –
Romans 8:34 C. It showed that there is a future life D. It gives us power to live the Christian life
– Phil. 3:10 E. It gives us hope of our own resurrection –
I Cor. 15:20-24 F. It offers us justification – Romans 4:23-25 G. It shows what our resurrected bodies will be
like – I John 3:1-3 H. It assures us of a future judgment – Acts
17:31 V. The
Ascension of Jesus – Mark 16:10-20; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:6-10 A. It occurred 40 days after the resurrection,
in Bethany – Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:3 B. What is the significance of Jesus'
ascension? i. It shows his acceptance by God – Hebrews
10:12 ii. It allowed him to become out High
Priest - Hebrews 4:14-16 iii. It provided the way for the coming of the
Holy Spirit – John 16:7 iv. It assures us that Jesus will return in the
same manner – Acts 1:10-11 C. Final words to the Apostles i. A promise – the coming of the Holy Spirit
over the apostles to give them power – Acts 1:8 ii. A blessing – Luke 24:50-51 iii. A commission (part of the promise) to
testify of Him in Jerusalem, in all the region of Judea and Samaria,
unto the uttermost parts of the earth. – Acts 1:8 Lesson 9
Questions The Resurrection and the Ascension 1. What
are 6 proofs (evidences) for the resurrection of Jesus? 2. True
or False _______A. There was a little difference between the
attitudes of the disciples after the death of Jesus, but
before his resurrection and their attitude upon realizing he had been raised. _______B. Jesus appeared to few people after the
resurrection. _______C. The body of Jesus remained in the tomb and
only his spirit was raised. _______D. After the resurrection Jesus apparently
could pass through walls _______E. Jesus ascended 40 days after the
resurrection. _______F. Among the final words of Jesus are found a
commission for the disciples.. 3. Of
what significance is the ascension of Jesus? 4. Write 4 results of the resurrection of
Jesus? Application Does the resurrection and ascension to
Jesus give you hope? In what
sense? |