DOCSLIB.ORG

20 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
20 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus phenomenal cause. The question persists: What else could have caused the commitment, perseverance, and rapid expansion of the early church to the present two billion people on earth who worship Jesus today other than His resurrection from death? There have been many disagreements among Christians on secondary matters of their faith throughout the history of the church. But on the primary issues related to Jesus, such as His bodily resurrection from death, there has always been consistent agreement. *The resurrection of Jesus is more than just yet another amazing historical fact. It has unprecedented, practical implications for our life both in this world and beyond our grave. 20 Proofs of Jesus' Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus is the most known and celebrated miracle a prominent place, easy to find. Everyone would know which tomb in the history of the world. Jesus' resurrection is an Historical in which Jesus had been placed…it would have been very easy to Fact…that is why we have gathered today…to celebrate this fact. find. Proof #1 Prophesies Fulfilled Proof #5 Public Appearances Roughly 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples who were prophesied that Jesus would be born into humble circumstances to certain that the tomb was empty, but uncertain if He had truly risen live a simple life, die a brutal death, and then rise to take away our from death physically. Luke 24:36-43 records that Jesus was emphatic sin (Isaiah 53:8-12). There are also over 80 additional prophecies about His bodily resurrection and went out of His way to prove it. that Christ fulfilled. The probability for Him to even have fulfilled one prophecy is like 1 to the 17th power, much less over 80 of them Proof #6 Quickly Pronounced in Scripture perfectly! In 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, the apostle Paul states, "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was Proof #2 Jesus' Promise raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." This Jesus often promised that He would die and rise 3 days later. statement is widely accepted as the earliest church creed, which began Matthew 12:38-40; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34 & John 2:18-22 are circulating as early as AD 30-36, shortly following Jesus' resurrection. just a few examples. Proof #7 Tomb Secured & Sealed Proof #3 Professionally Executed Jesus' tomb was as secure as a maximum-security prison! With After a sleepless night of trials and beatings, Jesus' scourging Roman guards stationed at the tomb and the seal of Rome, no one was so horrendous that many men would have died from it before dared mess with the stone, the guards or the seal! ever making it to their crucifixion. Jesus was crucified and a professional executioner declared Him to be dead. A spear was The Bible states, The next day…the chief priests and the Pharisees then thrust into His side, puncturing His heart sack (Jn. 19:34-35). went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was His body was wrapped in roughly 100 pounds of linens and still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So spices; if He were able to somehow survive the beatings, give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. floggings, crucifixion, and a speared heart, the embalming process Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the would have killed him by asphyxiation. Even if Jesus somehow people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception survived all of this, which would in and of itself be a miracle, He will be worse than the first." "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, could not have endured 3 days without food, water or medical make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made attention in a cold tomb carved out of rock. the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. (Matthew 27:64-66 NIV) Proof #4 A Rich Man's Tomb Some 700 years before Jesus was even born, God through Isaiah The seal could only be set on the stone in the presence of the promised that Jesus would be buried in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah Roman guard. The seal itself was 2 pieces of rawhide (leather), 53:9). Jesus was a very poor man on earth who could not have stretched diagonally to 4 separate clay packs. Once these leather afforded an expensive burial plot. But following Jesus' death, a cords were stretched across the tomb, the signet ring of the emperor wealthy man named Joseph of Arimathea, gifted his expensive of Rome was pressed into the center like a stamp, sealing the tomb tomb for the burial of Jesus. This tomb was not obscure, it was in by the authority & power of Rome. (A. T. Robertson in Word Paul Althaus states that the resurrection "could have not been Pictures in the New Testament (New York: R.R. Smith, Inc., 1931) maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact for all The Roman soldiers that stood guard at the tomb numbered concerned." anywhere from 4 to 20 as a guard unit. They slept in shifts, every 3 hours they would change shifts. In groups of 12…8 men slept Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty while 4 men stayed awake. In groups of 16…10 men slept while tomb. Those resources range from Josephus to a compilation of fifth- 6 stayed on guard. century Jewish writings called the "Toledoth Jeshu." Roman guards were armed with 6 foot Pikes (long sticks w/spear Dr. Paul Maier calls this "positive evidence from a hostile source, heads on the end surrounded by smaller spear heads), they were which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this also armed with 3 foot thrusting swords, daggers, and for protection, means that if a source admits a fact which is decidedly not in its a wooden or wicker shield covered with leather and metal work. favor, then that fact is genuine." If any soldier standing guard fell asleep, the entire 12 or 16 man Gamaliel, who was a member of the Jewish high court, the team was executed. They were stripped of their clothes and burned Sanhedrin, put forth the suggestion that the rise of the Christian in a fire started with their garments! movement was God's doing; he could not have done that if the tomb were still occupied, or if the Sanhedrin knew the whereabouts of Yet, knowing the consequences, the seal was broken, the guards Christ's body. became as dead men and Jesus was raised to life! Matthew describes what happened that night while the guard was on duty, It’s interesting to note that all the contemporary witnesses agree "... a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord on this fact. The disciples, the Jews, and the Romans all knew that descended from heaven…and his appearance was like lightning, the tomb was empty. It’s true that each group viewed that fact and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear differently but no one disputed the basic assertion that on Easter of him, and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:2-4, NASB). Sunday morning Jesus was no longer in the tomb. God demonstrated His power & His authority over the worlds No one has ever found the body of Jesus and no one ever will. The best! By breaking the seal & overthrowing the power of Rome, skeptics simply can’t answer the question, “What happened to his God teaches us that He is the ultimate power & ultimate authority. body?” It is the ultimate unanswered question. Where is the There is no power that can compare to His & there is no authority body of Jesus? that is higher than His! The Fact was that nothing was able to stop Jesus Christ from rising from the dead! The Jews never produced his body. If anyone—anyone at all— had produced the dead body of Jesus, the entire Christian movement Proof #8 Jesus' body was raised to life as well as his spirit. His would have gone the way of so many other short-lived religions whole person was raised to life & adapted to eternity by the power across the centuries. of God. Jesus' followers did not go off to Athens or Rome to preach that Christ was raised from the dead. Rather, they went The authorities hated Christianity and did everything in their right back to the city of Jerusalem, where, if what they were power to stop it from spreading. They arrested the apostles, teaching was false it would have been evident. threatened them and eventually killed some of them. None of that would have been necessary if they could have produced the body. Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' The obvious reason why they did not is that they could not. The awareness? The stone was at least 2 tons! tomb was empty. The body was gone. Let's take another look at what Matthew wrote, "There was a Proof #9 The Stone Thrown violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven On that Sunday morning the first thing that impressed the and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Resurrection of Christ and the Rise of Christianity
    The Resurrection of Christ And the Rise of Christianity by Fr. Steven C. Kostoff Orthodox Christians believe that the New Testament Church and the Christian faith itself ap- peared at a particular point in history because the crucified Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead. The cause behind the emergence of the Church and the Christian Faith was not a crucified, dead and buried Jesus. Rather, that very crucified, dead and buried Jesus was revealed to be both Lord and Christ following His Resurrection “on the third day.” God vindicated the messianic claims of Jesus when He raised Jesus from the dead “according to the Scriptures.” Contempo- rary Orthodox Christians readily agree with the Apostle Paul’s insistence on the absolute central- ity of the bodily resurrection of Christ as the foundation of Christian faith in Jesus: ‘If Christ is not raised, then your faith is in vain and our preaching is in vain.” (I COR. 15) Among all Christians this has been an overwhelming consensus since the initial witness of the apostles to the Risen Lord. But since the emergence of critical biblical scholarship within the last two cen- turies or so, we find Christian scholars and those influenced by them questioning, reinterpreting or openly denying the bodily resurrection of Jesus. This process may be more accelerated today, or simply more prominent and public in its expression. A vivid – if not lurid - expression of this skeptical approach to the resurrection claims of the first Christians can be found in the work of the New Testament scholar Dom Dominic Crossan.
    [Show full text]
  • Annunciation Bulletin 3-25-18A
    Annunciaton Byzantne Catolic Church Established on July 20, 1969 + Church Blessed May 16, 2006 995 N. West Street - Anaheim, CA 92801-4305 - (714) 533.6292 Located on West Street just south of La Palma Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix Most Reverend John S. Pazak, C.Ss.R DIVINE LITURGIES BAPTISM/CHRISMATION & SUNDAY 10:00 am COMMUNION Membership & HOLY DAYS Preparation classes required. Vesper/Liturgy 7:30 pm & Feast Day 9:00 am ANOINTING OF THE SICK & DAILY SHUT-INS the parish office must Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9:00 am be contacted. Anointing of the Sick No Liturgy on Thursdays is available in church after the Liturgy. CONFESSIONS Sunday 9:30 -9:50 am CROWNING OF MARRIAGE Daily 8:30 - 8:50 am Arrangements must be made 6 months in advance. OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 10am-4pm QUINCEANERA available for Closed on Thursdays parish members. Give a courtesy call before coming to the Office. EASTERN CHRISTIAN FORMATION September - June on ADVISORY BOARD Sunday after the Parish Liturgy. Stephen Kopko, Jan Washicko, Marya Weil Religious Coordinator. Mara Weil, Bruce Terry, Helen Preschool through High School Malinick, Nina Erickson, John Sheftic & Beth Gath PARISH CHOIR director Robert Pipta. Rehearsal every other week. FINANCE COUNCIL Want to join? See our director. Andy Spisak, Stephen Kopko & Robert Erickson Parish Membership The Parish Family of Annunciation is open to any Catholic, and to anyone: - who is interested in seeking the Lord Jesus Christ through His Word and Sacred Mysteries (Sacraments) - who accepts the
    [Show full text]
  • The Death and Resurrection of Jesus the Final Three Chapters Of
    Matthew 26-28: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus The final three chapters of Matthew’s gospel follow Mark’s lead in telling of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. At each stage Matthew adds to Mark’s story material that addresses concerns of his community. The overall story will be familiar to most readers. We shall focus on the features that are distinctive of Matthew’s version, while keeping the historical situation of Jesus’ condemnation in view. Last Supper, Gethsemane, Arrest and Trial (26:1–75) The story of Jesus’ last day begins with the plot of the priestly leadership to do away with Jesus (26:1–5). As in Mark 14:1-2 they are portrayed as acting with caution, fearing that an execution on the feast of Passover would upset the people (v 5). Like other early Christians, Matthew held the priestly leadership responsible for Jesus’ death and makes a special effort to show that Pilate was a reluctant participant. Matthew’s apologetic concerns probably color this aspect of the narrative. While there was close collaboration between the Jewish priestly elite and the officials of the empire like Pilate, the punishment meted out to Jesus was a distinctly Roman one. His activity, particularly in the Temple when he arrived in Jerusalem, however he understood it, was no doubt perceived as a threat to the political order and it was for such seditious activity that he was executed. Mark (14:3–9) and John (12:1–8) as well as Matthew (26:6–13) report a dramatic story of the anointing of Jesus by a repentant sinful woman, which Jesus interprets as a preparation for his burial (v.
    [Show full text]
  • 40 Days with the Words of Jesus
    40 DAYS WITH THE WORDS OF JESUS 2 RED LETTER REVOLUTION || INTRO Thank you for participating in Red Letter Revolution: 40 Days with the Words of Jesus Jesus started a revolution. His ministry began when he stood up in his home congregation and upon reading from the prophet Isaiah, he said he was to preach good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. During Jesus’ ministry crowds marveled at his teachings because he was “one who taught with authority.” The apostles chose to stick with Jesus because his words are “the words of eternal life.” You are wise when you put into practice the words of Jesus. Like the wise man who built his house upon a rock, the winds may blow, and the storm waters may surge but your faith will not fall. Jesus started a revolution. And it’s still going strong. There is no stopping “the Word made flesh.” Over the next 40 days, you will immerse yourself in the words of the Living Word, Jesus Christ. You can be a part of the Red Letter Revolution. As you spend time with the words of Jesus, may you begin to live a red-letter life. - Jovan Barrington, Senior Minister of Littleton Church of Christ RED LETTER REVOLUTION: 40 Days with the Words of Jesus 3 Over the next 40 days, you will read the words of Jesus daily. With each reading you will be provided these questions to help live a red-letter life. REFLECT What does Jesus want you to see? (Notice the words or phrases that connect with you.) Who does God want you to be? (How can this passage shape who you are becoming?) RESPOND What does the Holy Spirit want you to do? (How should I respond to the passage?) PRAYER How does God want you to pray in response to the reading today? RED LETTER REVOLUTION: 40 Days with the Words of Jesus 4 RED LETTER REVOLUTION || DAY 1 Reading: Luke 4:14-21 (NIV) Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
    [Show full text]
  • I Believe Text
    CONTENTS PART l: THE OLD TESTAMENT The Creation . 9 The Reign of David . 41 The Earthly Paradise . 10 The Reign of Solomon . 45 Cain and Abel . 10 The Division of the Tribes . 47 The Deluge . 11 The Kingdom of Israel . 48 Abraham . 12 The Kingdom of Judah . 52 Isaac . 13 The Babylonian Captivity . 57 Esau and Jacob . 14 The Return and Restoration . 59 Joseph . 15 The Prophets . 61 Moses and the Deliverance . 17 The Four Empires . 64 The Israelites in the Desert . 20 The Maccabees . 65 Joshua . 28 Jewish Sects and Parties . 66 The Judges . 31 Herod . 67 The Reign of Saul . 36 Fullness of Time . 67 PART ll: THE LIFE OF JESUS I. Birth and Early Life St. John the Baptist . 69 The Presentation . 75 The Annunciation . 70 Adoration of the Magi . 76 The Visitation . 71 The Holy Innocents . 77 Dream of St. Joseph . 71 The Flight into Egypt . 77 Birth of Our Lord . 73 Loss of Jesus . 78 Adoration of the Shepherds . 74 The Hidden Life . 78 The Circumcision . 74 II. Public Ministry Baptism of Jesus . 79 The Storm on the Lake . 92 In the Desert . 80 Legion of Devils . 93 The First Disciples . 81 The Daughter of Jairus . 94 Marriage at Cana . 82 Mission of the Seventy-Two . 95 The Cleansing of the Temple . 83 The Widow’s Son . 96 Nicodemus . 84 The Penitent Woman . 96 Samaria . 84 The Women Who Served . 97 The Ruler’s Son . 86 Christ’s Testimony to St. John the Miraculous Draught of Fish . 87 Baptist . 97 Sabbath at Capernaum . 87 The Beheading of St.
    [Show full text]
  • Study Guide Study Guide For
    THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEK OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO EVER LIVED ANDREAS J. KÖSTENBERGER & JUSTIN TAYLOR WITH ALEXANDER STEWART STUDY GUIDE STUDY GUIDE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEK OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO EVER LIVED ANDREAS J. KÖSTENBERGER & JUSTIN TAYLOR WITH ALEXANDER STEWART PREPARED BY ALEX AND JENNY STEWART WHEATON, ILLINOIS This study guide has been designed for use by families, small groups, or Sunday school classes. There are discussion questions to accompany each section of the book. Some sections are, of course, longer than others and will require additional time. This study guide can be optimized by first reading the Scripture passages and the accompanying commentary in The Final Days of Jesus. Depending upon the size or nature of the group, some questions could be by-passed by the group leader. Also feel free to add additional questions based upon your own reading and study. As you begin this study, list and discuss a few things that you hope to gain from reading the material and studying Jesus’s final week. What are your goals both intellectually (what you might learn) and spiritu- ally (how you might be transformed) for carefully studying the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s final week? Study Guide for “The Final Days of Jesus” Copyright © by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor Published by Crossway 1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copright law.
    [Show full text]
  • John 19:17-42
    Sunday, July 21, 2019 FBC Vidalia Dr. Ricky Cummings Evening Service Series: Christ the Logos – A Study of the Gospel of John Sermon: The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus Christ John 19:17-42 Facts about the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ: Jesus was crucified between two criminals. John 19:17-18 (ESV) 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. A sign was written above Jesus stating, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. John 19:19-22 (ESV) 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” The soldiers divide up Jesus’ clothes. John 19:23-24 (ESV) 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, The women who stood near the cross John 19:25 (ESV) but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
    [Show full text]
  • The Last Passover Lesson 19 Mark 14:1-31
    Jesus Christ, the Son of God Studies in the Gospel of Mark The Last Passover Lesson 19 Mark 14:1-31 Trinity Bible Church Sunday School May 9, 2021 The Gospel of Mark < Galilean/Perean ministry (1-10) – Who is Jesus? (1:1-8:30) – Jesus came to die (8:31-10:52) < Jerusalem ministry (11-16) – The King arrives (11-13) – The Savior dies (14-16) Passion Week < Saturday – A woman anoints Jesus (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1) < Sunday – Triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-10) < Monday – Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:11-19) < Tuesday – Teaching & Olivet Discourse (Mark 11:20-13:37) < Wednesday – The Passover plot (14:1-2; 10-11) < Thursday – Preparation and celebration of Last Passover (14:12-31) < Friday – Trial, crucifixion and burial of Jesus The Last Passover < The Preparation – The Passover plot (14:1-2) – A woman anoints Jesus at the home of Simon the leper (14:3-9) – Judas joins the Passover plot (14:10-11) < The Last Passover and First Lord’s Supper – The last Passover (14;12-21) – The first Lord’s Supper (14:22-26) – Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered (14:27-31) The Passover Plot (14:1-2) < The Passover and Unleavened Bread (14:1, 12) – The Last Plague - a sentence of death (Ex 11:1-8) – It shows how God will deliver His people < The plan – Not on the feast – Not in public < THE PLAN – On Passover – In Public A Woman Anoints Jesus (14:3-9) < Unnamed by Mark – Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus (John12:1-3) < Mary at the feet of Jesus – “the good part” (Luke 10:38-42) < Mary’s faith expressed (John 11:32) < She saw the resurrection of Lazarus < A woman of faith and intent on hearing Jesus < “Some” were critical – do not waste; give to the poor < Jesus defended her – “She has done a good deed to Me” – “You always have the poor with you .
    [Show full text]
  • THE SEVENTH STOP: the BURIAL of JESUS “…Mary Magdalene And
    THE SEVENTH STOP: THE BURIAL OF JESUS “…Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.” When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.” (Matthew 27:57-61) Jesus is Laid in the Tomb by Tea Schaino Reflect Burial is the period at the end of the human sentence. Its crushing finality bears witness to the extent of loss. How does one ever find compensation for the death of a loved one – more so for the death of one who carries all hope for the future? The Hindu poet Tagore tells of a widow who grieved bitterly by the river for her dead husband and wished desperately to join him. A wise man, finding her so aggrieved, sent her home with much spiritual encouragement, promising that she would soon find her beloved. After a month, neighbors noticed a change in the woman’s demeanor and a lightness about her, and asked, “Woman, have you found your husband? Where is he?” She answered, “In my heart is my lord, one with me.” She had realized what all who grieve must learn – that what is held in the heart is never truly lost.
    [Show full text]
  • BURIAL of JESUS Monday, June 21 Reading: Luke 23:50-56 READ
    BURIAL OF JESUS Monday, June 21 Reading: Luke 23:50-56 Luke 23:50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man… 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It is sad that the disciples were not there to take care of Jesus’ body. The only ones present are a group of women who have followed Jesus from Galilee and a courageous religious leader. (John’s gospel records that Nicodemus was also present). Up to this point, Joseph of Arimathea had followed Jesus “secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders” (John 19:38). But now, while those who Jesus chose were hiding in fear, Joseph boldly identified himself as a disciple of Jesus to Pilate. Surely his actions would ostracize him from the council and make him an “outlaw” along with the rest of Jesus’ followers. But Joseph finally had the faith and courage to take a stand. His love is finally made public by placing Jesus’ body in his own brand new tomb. This is a moment of sorrow. The Lord is dead! The women watch as He is laid to rest. With the Sabbath quickly approaching, this is a rushed process. The women will return after the Sabbath to anoint Jesus’ body and finish the burial process. But for now, all they can do is watch and weep.
    [Show full text]
  • The Burial of Jesus SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:57-66 SPEAKER: Michael P
    1 SERIES: The Good News, as Reported by Matthew SERMON: The Burial of Jesus SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:57-66 SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus DATE: April 5, 2009 Over the past six weeks we have considered Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and religious trial, His political trial, His crucifixion, and His death. Today we come to the burial of Jesus. A question that may cross your mind this morning might be, “Is the burial of Jesus really worth a sermon all by itself?” Many apparently think not, for His burial is frequently passed over quickly in commentaries and sermons as being simply a necessary bridge between His death and resurrection. But historically the Church has considered the burial of Jesus an important aspect of the Passion story. The Apostles’ Creed includes a statement about His burial, separate from His crucifixion and death: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried .” Why is that so important? Primarily because burial is the proof of death. You don’t bury people unless you’re absolutely certain they are dead. In Jesus’ case that is critical because of the allegations that have periodically been perpetrated by His enemies that He had not really died but only lost consciousness. But the burial of Jesus is important for other reasons as well. Our Scripture text today is Matthew 27:57-66. As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
    [Show full text]
  • “On the Third Day”: the Time Frame of Jesus' Death And
    JETS 56/3 (2013) 511–42 “ON THE THIRD DAY”: THE TIME FRAME OF JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION MARTIN PICKUP* I. INTRODUCTION The three-day time frame of Jesus’ death and resurrection was a part of the earliest Christian preaching. It had a place in the kerygmatic formula that Paul quotes in 1 Cor 15:3–5, a four-line formula that is generally acknowledged to have originated in the very earliest years of the Church.1 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.2 * Editor’s note: Martin Pickup unexpectedly passed away shortly after submitting this piece for pub- lication. This article reflects his interest and expertise in the Jewish background to the NT and in the early church’s proclamation of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. His family, friends, and many former students rejoice in the hope Marty defended with such skill in this article. “So also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor 15:22). 1 Scholars across the theological spectrum acknowledge the earliness of this formula. Most assign it a date of no more than two to five years after Jesus’ crucifixion. See, e.g., K. Lake, The Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (London: Williams and Norgate, 1907) 37–43; J. J. Smith, “Resurrection Faith Today,” TS 30 (1969) 403–4; G.
    [Show full text]