#13: Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?

Bible Truth Outline #13

DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD?

Introduction

If Jesus actually arose from the dead in a real body, not merely an illusion or phantom, then Christianity must be viewed in an entirely different light. The integrity of Jesus and the validity of the Gospel message hinge on this important issue. Does the Bible give any solid evidence on the subject? Let's look.

I. Jesus Predicted His Suffering, Death and Resurrection.

A. What are some of the details Jesus gave concerning these coming events? Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19 (Note: The New Testament records at least three distinct, detailed accounts of Jesus' prediction).

II. Jesus Experienced an Actual Physical Death.

A. What happened to Jesus' "spirit" at the moment he died? John 19:30

B. What did the Roman soldiers do in order to verify that Jesus was actually dead? John 19:32-33; Mark 15:42-45

C. What does the preparation of Jesus' body for burial say about his actual death? John 19:38-40

III. Jesus' Dead Body was Securely Buried.

A. Where was Jesus' body placed? John 19:41-42

B. How was the entrance to the tomb secured ? Mark 15:46

C. What additional precaution was taken to insure that the tomb (and body in it) were not disturbed? Matt. 27:62-66

IV. Evidence Verifying the Resurrection of Jesus.

A. What did some women discover upon going to the tomb on Sunday morning? Mark 16:1-8

B. What strong evidence was there that Jesus was alive again following his death and burial? I Cor. 15:4-8

C. What does the reaction of Jesus' followers upon learning of his resurrection testify regarding their gullibility? Mark 16:9-14.

D. What did Jesus invite his followers to do to him that verified he was physically alive after his resurrection? Luke 24:36-40; John 20:26-29.

E. What did Jesus' eating and drinking signify to his followers about his body? Luke 24:41-43; Acts 10:40-41.

F. What does the plot of the Jewish leaders say about the validity of the resurrection? Matthew 28:11-15

Other discussion questions:

If the resurrection of Jesus DIDN'T happen:

1. How do we account for the disciples going from hopelessness (Luke 24:21) to a confident proclamation of the resurrection (Acts 2:24)?

2. How do we account for the establishment of the church, based upon the resurrection message, at the exact location fewer than 2 months later? (Acts 5:30)

3. How do we account for the great number of Jewish leaders who came to accept the fact of the resurrection (Acts 6:7)?

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