The Significance of the Resurrection Matthew 28:1-10 I Corinthians 15:12-19

Appearances after the crucifixion Matt. 28:9; Mark 16:8-9 & John 20:14-18 – Mary Magdalene Matt. 28:16 – the 11 at the Great Commission Luke24:13ff & Mark 16:12 – the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus

Appearances after the crucifixion John 20:19-23 – to the 11, minus Thomas John 20:26-29 – to Thomas John 21:1 – to the 11 on the Sea of Galilee

Appearances after the crucifixion John 21:4 – on the shore John 21:14 – at breakfast on the shore Acts 1:3 – to the 500 at the Ascension

The resurrection is the most fundamental aspect of Christianity – everything about our faith hinges on this one fact I Corinthians 15:12-19

For the unbeliever It verifies the deity of Jesus – –proves that He is the Son of God – Romans 1:1-4 –Jesus was the only person resurrected who raised Himself from the dead!

For the unbeliever It verifies the deity of Jesus – –too many witnesses after the fact –demonstrates He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth

For the unbeliever It verifies the truthfulness of Jesus – –He foretold His resurrection on multiple occasions –if Jesus was telling the truth in describing this, then He was telling the truth in all He said –otherwise, the “perfect” sacrifice would be a fraud, a liar, a charlatan

For the unbeliever Consequently, the following are true – –He was from the Father & spoke the words of the Father – John 8:28-29 –no one can come to the Father, but through Him – John 14:6 –His blood was shed for the remission of sins – Matt. 26:28

For the unbeliever Consequently, the following are true – –He came to offer abundant life – John 10:10 –He went to prepare a place for us – John 14:2 –He shall come again – John 14:3 –there will be a resurrection of the dead & ensuing judgment – John 5:28-29, 12:48; Acts 17:30-31

If Jesus was indeed raised from the dead, then the significance for the unbeliever is enormous He is either what He claimed to be or a fraud – there is no in-between

Implications for the believer – 1 Corinthians 15 If Jesus was not raised, then –gospel preaching is in vain – v.14 –our faith is vain – v.14 –apostles were false witnesses – v.15

Implications for the believer – 1 Corinthians 15 If Jesus was not raised, then –we are still in our sins – v.17 –believers have perished – v.18 –Christians are to be pitied – v.19

For the believer If Jesus has been raised, then –it verifies & confirms our justification – Romans 4:24-25 –it demonstrates the power available to the Christian – Ephesians 1:18-20

For the believer If Jesus has been raised, then –It gives us hope concerning our own resurrection – 1 Peter 1:3-5 –It demands our complete loyalty to Him – Romans 14:9

Conclusion For the unbeliever: If Jesus was raised from the dead, then we need to believe in Him – John 8:24 For the believer: Do our lives reflect that we serve a risen Lord and Savior?