ACTS: Jesus is Coming Back, but We're Empowered Now!

Beloved,... knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” ... But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:1-9)

In our conclusion of the study of the gospels, After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19 NIV) But before His ascension, He told them, I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44-49; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Give Final Instruction, then He Ascends)  Jesus is not on the earth physically right now, but He is here spiritually.  We will study more about that shortly, but we can not allow the things we see to stop us from believing what we can't see.  Remember, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith in Christ Jesus is believing the evidence, even though we can't see Him with our natural eye. 

God helps us with our faith, through the scriptures and the apostles. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers [James, Joses, Jude and Simon]. (Acts 1:12-14; see THE GOSPEL: Disciples, Who are These Guys)

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” ... “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:... ‘Let another take his office.’[Psalm 109:8] (Acts 1:15-20; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested; the Word is the Truth) 

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21-26)

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (I Corinthians 14:33) God is a God of order!  Jesus had promised the disciples, “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:28-30)  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Revelations 21:10-11, 14)

In order for Christ's prophesy to be fulfilled, someone had to take Judas Iscariot's place.  Which leads us to the requirements of an apostle, a person who was an eye  witness of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and/or had direct contact with Christ and participates in the ministry of spreading the gospel.  Other than the twelve, only one other person considered the thirteenth apostle met this qualification; Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, (I Corinthians 1:1) whom we will study more about later in a future lesson.  We just need to be mindful of the titles we give ourselves.  There were about a hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room, but only twelve of them were called the twelve apostles .

Now that the business of getting themselves in order was complete, God was ready to fulfill the promise He had made through Christ Jesus.  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4) Tongues?  Exactly what is this and why?  We will discuss further in the next study...

THE GOSPEL: Jesus Gives Final Instruction, then He Ascends!

In my former book, Theophilus, I [Luke] wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3 NIV)

We've studied in the previous lessons that Christ appeared to various believers (and non-believers). (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to His Caregivers and Two Disciples; THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to the Eleven Disciples and All of Us; THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears, Restores and Teaches) Jesus appeared over a period of forty days.  Forty is a very significant number throughout scripture: Noah and his family and the animals were on the ark for forty days, while it rained (Genesis 7); the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, after traveling forty days to the promised land but refusing to go in (Numbers 14); etc. (read "The Significance of the Number 40") Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil for forty days (Luke 4); now, He's preparing to go back to the Father, forty days after His resurrection.

Also, before His crucifixion, He informed the disciples, "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32; Mark 14:28) Now, they were going to meet Him there, just as He had said. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV; press highlighted phrases for scripture links) 

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18 NIV; press highlighted phrases for scripture links) 

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44-49; press highlighted phrases for scripture links)

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (Acts 1:4-9 NIV)

Jesus gave so much information and prophesy in these previous four paragraphs, and all of this is for us also, ...those who have not seen [Christ] and yet have believed. (John 20:29) We are commanded by Christ to:
- go and make disciples of all nations, preach the gospel to all creation 
- baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
- teach them to obey everything Christ has commanded us
- be Christ witnesses to the ends of the earth

But the only way we will be able to do any of these things is FIRST, wait for the gift God the Father promised, be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned! Once we are saved, believing through faith in Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we will receive the Holy Spirit and power when the Holy Spirit comes on us. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (I John 3:24) Jesus was very clear to all of us who are Christians, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51 NIV) After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19 NIV) They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:1-11)

Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (Luke 24:52-53 NIV) Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:20 NIV) THE END OF THE GOSPEL!

THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears, Restores and Teaches!

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1 NIV) 

It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:2-6 NIV) 

In the previous lesson, we studied that Jesus had appeared to the disciples and proven to them that indeed He was alive and not a ghost, and had a physical body that they could touch, and see the marks from where He was crucified. (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to the Eleven Disciples, and All of Us)  Now, He was appearing to them again, and performing yet another miracle that would serve as an example of a spiritual truth. Remember when Jesus called the first four disciples, they were fishermen, And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-22; see THE GOSPEL: Disciples, Who are These Guys)

Jesus was revealing two spiritual truths to the disciples when He had them throw their net on the right side of the boat: (1) they had to obey His commandment, even with doubts or questions whether it would work; and (2) they would be blessed and be a blessing to many because of their obedience.  They had just spent all night not catching a thing, but within minutes, after obeying Jesus' instruction, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.  Now the time had come for them to do the same by obeying and following Christ, and He would make them fishers of men.  Just as Peter had done before, Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. (John 21:7-8 NIV)

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (John 21:9-14 NIV) How loving, all that happened!  Peter, so overjoyed that Jesus was appearing to them again, couldn't wait for the boat to get to land, so he jumped into the water, while the other disciples followed in the boat.  Only after Jesus speaks to him, does Peter go back to help drag the net ashore.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 20:15-17 NIV)

Remember before Jesus was crucified, during His last supper with the disciples, He told them, Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [Zechariah 13:7] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:31-35; see THE GOSPEL: Don't Say What You Won't Do; Pray for Strength) We know that Peter did everything he promised he wouldn't do, Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-26; see THE GOSPEL: The Rock denies The ROCK)

The guilt Peter felt was so overwhelming that he wept bitterly.  But Jesus had made him a promise also.  And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32)  Peter was so anxious to see Jesus because he had felt so much guilt.  Now Jesus was keeping his promise to him, and restoring him back to his position of leadership and future responsibilities of building the "church", the body of believers. (read THE GOSPEL: "The Rock" vs. rocks)  That's why Jesus gave him the specific commandments to “Feed my lambs;”  “Take care of my sheep;” and “Feed my sheep."  While Jesus, the Good Shepherd is gone back to the Father, He has left certain ones with the responsibility to ... take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him,“Follow me!” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (John 20:18-23 NIV)

Yet again, we can learn from Jesus how we should respond to people's questions, by stating the facts and move on, not arguing the point or trying to convince anyone.  Jesus has told each of us individually to “Follow me!”  We are not to look back or around, and see how others are following or not following. Christ is saying, “...what is that to you? You must follow me.”  This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. (John 21:24-25 NIV) Based on what has been written, we have more than enough proof and evidence to make a choice, whether to believe in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord and be saved; or deny the Truth, and deal with the consequences.

But the Apostle Paul gives us one final summary as verification of all that is written in the gospels. Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I [Paul] preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me [Paul] also, as to one abnormally born. (I Corinthians 15:1-8 NIV)

THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to the Eleven Disciples, and All of Us!

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said,“Peace be with you!” (John 20:19; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36 NIV)

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? (Luke 24:37-38; Mark 16:14 NIV) he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. (Mark 16:14 NIV) Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24:39-43 NIV)

In the previous study, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, and She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. (Mark 16:9-11 NIV) He also appeared to two other followers; These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. (Mark 16:13 NIV) (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to His Caregivers and Two Disciples) 

Of all people, we would assume that the eleven disciples would believe Jesus had risen without actually seeing, based on all that He had told them before He was crucified. Especially Peter, because From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23; see THE GOSPEL: "The Rock" vs. rocks)

But even with all the foreknowledge, warning and teaching Jesus had given them, even though He was standing there in a physical body, and ate their food, they still had difficulty believing. After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23 NIV)  WOW!  We've said it many times before, that Jesus never says or does something that He won't empower us to do. 

He gives us the example, but He also gives us the ability to do the same things.  Just as He had received the Holy Spirit from the Father the day of His baptism by John, we who believe in Him as our Savior and Lord will receive the Holy Spirit also. (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Baptized, then Tempted) Through the Holy Spirit, we will have access to the kingdom of heaven while here on earth, and He will instruct us regarding conviction, correction and judgment. (John 16:5-15; see THE GOSPEL: Kingdom of God is With Us, Who Believe) Jesus was saying, as He had said before, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19 AMP)

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29 NIV)

And all of us, from before Christ's physically came to the earth and since His resurrection, are the blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.  We may not have seen Him with our physical eyes, but we have "seen" Him.  Just like the disciples, and the Jewish religious leaders, although they refused to believe what they saw, we have seen Him through the Word of God, because "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me [the Christ]." (John 5:39) 

If we believe the Word of God and accept Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we will receive the Holy Spirit, and "...when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me [the Christ]." (John 15:26)  Christ Jesus is real, He is alive and He has made Himself clearly known to all of us; all we have to do is believe!  Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 NIV) AMEN!

THE GOSPEL: Jesus Appears to His Caregivers and Two Disciples!

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. (Mark 16:9 NIV)

In our previous study, the women discovered that Jesus was no longer in the tomb. They informed the disciples, who also came and saw for themselves that He was not there.  (read THE GOSPEL: Jesus Lives; There is Life After Death) Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb after the disciples left.  Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (John 20:11-14 NIV)

Mary Magdalene turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Him.  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2) Lovingly, God allowed her to "see" soon after.  He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:15-17 NIV)

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18 NIV) She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. (Mark 16:9-11 NIV) While Mary Magdalene was returning to tell the disciples she had seen Jesus, the other women were also heading back to the tomb. Suddenly Jesus met them [some of the women]. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:9-10 NIV)

Remember, when the women originally went to the tomb to perform the burial ritual, ...the tomb was made secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. (Matthew 27:66 NIV) When the angel appeared, The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:4 NIV) The guards became like dead men, but they weren't dead.  While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. (Matthew 28:11-15 NIV)

Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. (Mark 16:12 NIV) Yet again, when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. But at this time, Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. (Luke 24:13-19 NIV)

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” (Luke 24:19-24 NIV)

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. (Luke 24:25-29 NIV; press highlighted phrases for scripture links)

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”  Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:13-35; see THE GOSPEL: The Lord's Supper; Flesh and Blood) These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. (Mark 16:13 NIV) "Seeing is believing", as we will see...

THE GOSPEL: Jesus Lives; There is Life After Death!

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome [the mother of James and John] bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:1-3; Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1 NIV) But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. (Mark 16:4; Luke 24:2 NIV)

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:2-6; Mark 16:5-6 NIV)

...but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words. (Luke 24:3-8 NIV)

[Then the angel said to the women,] "Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him [*just as he told you].’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:7; *Mark 16:7 NIV) Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (Mark 16:8 NIV) So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Matthew 28:8 NIV)

So she [Mary Magdalene] came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (John 20:2 NIV) When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. (Luke 24:9-11 NIV)

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. (Luke 24:12 NIV) So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (John 20:3-8; Luke 24:12 NIV) and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. (Luke 24:12 NIV) (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. (John 20:9-10 NIV)

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (I Corinthians 15:12-19)

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.”[Psalm 8:6] But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. (I Corinthians 15:20-28)

But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” Foolish one, what you sow [plant] is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. (I Corinthians 15:34-41)

So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”[Genesis 2:7] The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (I Corinthians 15:42-49)

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”[Isaiah 25:8] (I Corinthians 15:50-54)

“O Death, where is your sting? [Hosea 13:14] O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:55-57) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11) AMEN!