Did the resurrection really happen?

“It is not enough for the skeptic, then, to simply dismiss the Christian teaching about the resurrection of Jesus by saying, “It just couldn’t have happened.” He or she must face and answer all these historical questions: Why did Christianity emerge so rapidly, with such power? No other band of messianic followers in that era concluded their leader was raised from the dead—why did this group do so? No group of Jews ever worshipped a human being as God. What led them to do it?... How do you account for the hundreds of eyewitnesses to the resurrection who lived on for decades and publicly maintained their testimony, eventually giving their lives for their belief?” -Keller

 The resurrection has evidence that demands a verdict. If the resurrection did not happen, we Christians are still in our sins and the most miserable people of all (1 Cor. 15:19). But an honest appraisal of the evidence makes clear that the resurrection really did happen, and that changes everything. 

 Take-Home Message: Because Jesus is alive, we have hope.

 The Reality of the Resurrection

- An Angel Appears (1-4)

- The Empty Tomb (5-8)

- Jesus Appears (9-10)

• Christ’s appearances between his resurrection and ascension

1. To Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mk. 16:9; Jn. 20:11-18)
2. To the women on the road (Matt. 28:9-10)
3. To the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-32)
4. To Peter (Lk. 24:34)
5. To 10 of the 11 disciples (Thomas absent) (Lk. 24:36-43; Mk. 16:14; Jn 20:19-25)
6. To the 11 disciples (Thomas present) eight days later (Jn 20:26-31)
7. To seven disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 21:1-25)
8. To more than 500 disciples, probably on a mountain in Galilee (1 Cor 15:6)
9. To James (1 Cor. 15:7)
10. To the apostles when he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:3-11).

 Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10   28 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. 2 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. 5 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[a] lay. 7 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. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.

 Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

 Prairiebible.org