1. The Serial Gospel The Empty Tomb

2. 1 Cor 15:1-4 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, What is the gospel that Paul preached? What is the gospel that the Corinthians received? What is the gospel that was saving the Corinthians? What is the gospel that the Corinthians held fast?

3. 1 Cor 15:1-4 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, This is the gospel.

4. Matt 27:59-60 (ESV) And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mark 15:46 (ESV) And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Luke 23:53-54 (ESV) Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. Last week, we discussed the burial of Jesus’ body. Describe Jesus’ body and His tomb.

5. John 19:38b-42 (ESV) So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. Describe Jesus’ body and His tomb.

6. Matt 27:61 (ESV) Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. Mark 15:47 (ESV) Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. Luke 23:55-56 (ESV) The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Who were witnesses to Jesus’ burial?

7. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. On what day did the chief priests and Pharisees go to Pilate?

8. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. Were the chief priests and Pharisees aware of the prophecy of the Messiah rising again?

9. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. What were they worried about?

10. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. What was the plan to prevent reports of a resurrection?

11. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. What do the chief priests and Pharisees admit in v.64?

12. Matt 27:62-66 (ESV) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. Pilate says “make it as secure as you can”. Do you think this sounds like he believes there is a chance Jesus will rise from the dead?

13. The Empty Tomb Matt 28:1-8, 11-15 Mark 16:1-8 Luke 24:1-8,12 John 20:1-10

14. Matt 28:1 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Mark 16:1 (ESV) When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. Luke 24:1 (ESV) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. John 20:1a (ESV) Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, What day of the week is it? What time is it?

15. Matt 28:1 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Mark 16:1 (ESV) When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. Luke 24:1 (ESV) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. John 20:1a (ESV) Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, Who came to Jesus’ tomb? Why?

16. Matt 28:2-4 (ESV) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. How was the stone rolled away?

17. Matt 28:2-4 (ESV) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. Why was the stone rolled away?

18. Matt 28:2-4 (ESV) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. Describe the angel.

19. Matt 28:2-4 (ESV) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. What was the response of the guards when they saw the angel and his actions?

20. Matt 28:2-4 (ESV) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. What was the response of the guards when they saw the angel and his actions? Matt 26:53 (ESV) Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? How do you think they would have reacted if 72,000 (12 * 6000) angels had showed up?

21. Mark 16:2-3 (ESV) And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Would they have known about the seal and guards?

22. Mark 16:2-3 (ESV) And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” What do you think their plan was if the stone wasn’t already rolled away?

23. Mark 16:4 (ESV) And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. Luke 24:2 (ESV) And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, John 20:1b (ESV) and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. What do you think came out of the mouth of the first woman to notice the stone had been rolled back?

24. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. How could the women be unafraid of the same angel who scared the guards to death? Matt 28:3-4 (ESV) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

25. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What important message did the angel bring?

26. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What important message did the angel bring? If the body of Jesus was not in the tomb, what are possible explanations for it missing?

27. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What important message did the angel bring? If the body of Jesus was not in the tomb, what are possible explanations for it missing? A) The disciples stole it

28. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What important message did the angel bring? If the body of Jesus was not in the tomb, what are possible explanations for it missing? A) The disciples stole it B) Christ’s enemies stole it

29. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What important message did the angel bring? If the body of Jesus was not in the tomb, what are possible explanations for it missing? A) The disciples stole it B) Christ’s enemies stole it C) He rose from the dead

30. Matt 28:5-6 (ESV) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. What evidence would there be to show that a body had lain in a rock tomb?

31. Mark 16:5a (ESV) And entering the tomb, Luke 24:3 (ESV) but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. What did the women see/not see?

32. Mark 16:5b (ESV) they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. Luke 24:4 (ESV) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. What did the women see/not see?

33. Mark 16:5b (ESV) they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. Luke 24:4 (ESV) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. What did the women see/not see? Matthew has one angel sitting on the rock outside. Mark had one angel sitting inside. Luke has two angels standing inside. John has two angels sitting inside. Why do you think the gospels differ about this?

34. Mark 16:6 (ESV) And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. Luke 24:5-8 (ESV) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, Would was Luke’s profession? Would it have an effect on his belief in the resurrection?

35. Matt 28:7-8 (ESV) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Mark 16:7-8 (ESV) But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. John 20:2 (ESV) So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” What directions did the angels give the women?

36. Matt 28:7-8 (ESV) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Mark 16:7-8 (ESV) But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. John 20:2 (ESV) So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” What hope did the angels give the women?

37. Luke 24:9-11 (ESV) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. How was the eyewitness account of the women received by the apostles?

38. Luke 24:9-11 (ESV) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. How was the eyewitness account of the women received by the apostles? Why do you think the apostles rejected their account?

39. Luke 24:9-11 (ESV) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. How was the eyewitness account of the women received by the apostles? Why do you think the apostles rejected their account? Does this sound like the makings of a conspiracy to lead everyone to believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

40. Luke 24:12a (ESV) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; John 20:3-5 (ESV) So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Which apostles went to check it out?

41. Luke 24:12a (ESV) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; John 20:3-5 (ESV) So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. What verb is used to describe the linen cloths?

42. Lie (to recline)Lay (to place) Present tenseLie, lyingLay, laying Past tenseLayLaid Past participleHas lainHas laid

43. Luke 24:12a (ESV) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; John 20:3-5 (ESV) So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. What verb is used to describe the linen cloths? What if the verb was “sitting” or “standing”? Lie (to recline)Lay (to place) Present tenseLie, lyingLay, laying Past tenseLayLaid Past participleHas lainHas laid

44. Luke 24:12 (ESV) [Peter] stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. John 20:6-7 (ESV) Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. What was different about the face cloth?

45. John 20:8-10 (ESV) Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. Did they recall/understand that Jesus said He would rise from the dead?

46. John 20:8-10 (ESV) Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. Did they recall/understand that Jesus said He would rise from the dead? Did they start a search for the body?

47. John 20:8-10 (ESV) Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. Did they recall/understand that Jesus said He would rise from the dead? Did they start a search for the body? What did Peter and John believe?

48. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Did all of the guard leave their post to go to the city?

50. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. How did the chief priests receive the news?

51. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. What’s wrong with the lie “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.”?

52. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Coffman’s Commentary asks if there ever been another grave guarded for fear of resurrection? Why would Satan want a guard posted?

53. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Is the story of bodysnatching still told today?

54. Matt 28:11-15(ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Is the story of bodysnatching still told today? Is the story behind the story still told today?

55. Next Week The Serial Gospel What do you want to cover? A) Did Jesus really rise from the dead? B) Did He die for our sins? 1 Cor 15:3 (ESV) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,