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Sermon for April 15, 2012 - The Witnesses Of The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-10

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Sermon for December 30, 2012 - This Weeks sermon - Back To The Basics
Sermon for December 23, 2012 - This Weeks sermon - The Visit Of The Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12
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Sermon for November 11, 2012 - Preach The Word! - 2nd Timothy 4:1-4
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Sermon for September 30, 2012 - Why I Believe In The Second Coming
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Sermon for April 29, 2012 - The Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
Sermon for April 22, 2012 - Alternatives To The Resurrection - Matthew 28:11-15
Sermon for April 15, 2012 - The Witnesses Of The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-10
Sermon for April 8, 2012 - Three Parts - Matthew 27:22 - 28:10
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Sermon for March 18, 2012 - The Judgment Of The Nations - Matthew 25:31-46
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Sermon for February 26, 2012 - The Beatitudes - II - Matthew 5:3-12
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Sermon for February 12, 2012 - Introduction To The Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 5:1-2
Sermon for February 5, 2012 - The Itinerant Ministry Of Jesus - Matthew 4:23-25
Sermon for January 29, 2012 - The Discipling Ministry Of Jesus - Matthew 4:18-22
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Sermon for January 15, 2012 - The Temptation Of Jesus - Matthew 4:1-11
Sermon for January 8, 2012 - The Baptism Of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-17
Sermon for January 1, 2012 - Preparing The Way Of The Lord - Matthew 3:1-12
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Sermon for December 18, 2011 - The Visit Of The Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon for December 11, 2011 - This Weeks sermon - Jesus And Immanuel Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon for December 4, 2011 - This Weeks sermon - Matthew 1:1-17
Sermon for November 27, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 18:37-38
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Sermon for September 18, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 8:12 - 36
Sermon for September 11, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 7:17 - 39
Sermon for September 4, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 6:67 7:9
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Sermon for July 31, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 2:1-25
Sermon for July 24, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 1:19-51
Sermon for July 17, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 1:9-18
Sermon for July 10, 2011 - This weeks Sermon is Book of John Verses - John 1:1-8
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Sermon for June 26, 2011 - Sermon is - Our Dependence Upon The New Testament
Sermon for June 19, 2011 - Sermon is - The Historical Jesus
Sermon for June 12, 2011 - Sermon is - Introduction To Christian Apologetics
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Easter Sermons For April 24, 2011 - Part 4 of 4, The Celebration Of Easter
Easter Sermons For April 23, 2011 - Part 3 of 4 The Significance Of The Resurrection Of Christ
Easter Sermons For April 22, 2011 - Part 2 of 4, The Passion Of The Christ
Easter Sermons For April 21, 2011 - Part 1 of 4 The Lord's Supper
Sermon for April 17, 2011 - Are You Ready For Your Journey Into Eternity?
Sermon for April 10, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 - Hearts Wide Open
Sermon for April 3, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 - The Ministry Of Reconciliation
Sermon for March 27, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 4:1 - We Do Not Become Discouraged (Faint Not)
Sermon for March 20, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed By Beholding

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

The Sermon for this week is: The Witnesses Of The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-10 - In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ really took place, it has great significance...

a. For those who have yet to believe in Christ

b. For those who are Christians

 

-- Which we examined in another lesson

 

2. Upon what basis should one believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead?

a. The evidence presented in the New Testament involves eyewitness testimony

b. Ten distinct resurrection appearances of Christ are recorded in the New Testament

c. One such case is that found in Matthew 28:1-10 -  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 

3. It is clear in the Scriptures that our faith in Jesus is to be based upon such testimony...

a. As Jesus intimated in His prayer, and John in his gospel - John 17:20 - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; ; John 20:30-31 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

b. Jesus expected His apostles to be His witnesses - John 15:27 - And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. ; Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

c. Especially concerning His resurrection - Acts 1:22 - Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. ; Acts 2:32 - This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. ; Acts 3:15 - And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. ; Acts 4:33 - And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. ; Acts 10:39-41 - And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. ; Acts 13:31 - And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

 

4. Since our faith in Jesus rests upon the testimony of these witnesses...

a. Were they credible witnesses, such that we should take them seriously?

b. How strong is their testimony?

c. How do we know they did not make it up, or were simply deluded?

 

[As with any event alleged to have occurred, there are a number of factors to consider before we accept the event as a historical fact. One such factor is...]

 

I. THE NUMBER OF WITNESSES

 

A. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT...

 

1. The strength or weakness of any testimony is affected by the number of witnesses

 

2. E.g., the Law of Moses required at least two or three witnesses - Deuteronomy 17:6 - At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

 

3. Today, the number of witnesses also plays a crucial role in our justice system

 

-- The more witnesses you have, the stronger your evidence!

 

B. THERE WERE MANY WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION...

 

1. Paul lists many of these witness in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

a. Jesus was seen by Cephas (Simon Peter) - cf. Luke 24:34 - Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

b. Jesus was seen by the twelve (apostles) - cf. Luke 24:36-43 - And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. ; Acts 1:2-3 - Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

c. He was seen by five hundred people at one time (probably in Galilee) - cf. Matthew 28:10 - Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. ; Matthew 28:16-17 - Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

d. He was seen by James, the Lord’s brother

e. He was seen by Paul, on the road to Damascus - Acts 22:6-10 - And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

 

2. Other appearances are recorded in the Scriptures

a. To Mary Magdalene - Mark 16:9 - Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. ; John 20:14 - And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

b. To other women returning from the tomb - Matthew 28:9-10 - And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

c. To two disciples on the road to Emmaus - Luke 24:13-33 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, sayin And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

d. To the apostles, Thomas absent - John 20:19-24 - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

e. To the apostles, Thomas present - John 20:26-29 - And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

f. To seven disciples by the Lake of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) - John 21:1-23 - After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

g. To the apostles at the ascension - Acts 1:3-12 - To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

 

[So for a period of forty days (Acts 1:3 - To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:), over 500 people had ample opportunity to see Jesus, and determine for themselves if He was really raised from the dead. They were convinced, but are they reliable witnesses? How do we know they were not simply gullible, believing whatever they wanted to believe? This leads us to consider another factor important to accepting the testimony of witnesses...]

II. THE CHARACTER OF THE WITNESSES

 

A. SOME HAD NOT BELIEVED IN JESUS...

 

1. Like His brothers in the flesh - John 7:3-5 - His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.

 

2. They even thought Him crazy - Mark 3:21 - And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

 

-- But seeing Him after His resurrection, they became His disciples! - Acts 1:14 - These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

 

B. SOME WERE SKEPTICAL AFTER JESUS’ DEATH...

 

1. Thomas would not accept the words of others - John 20:24-25 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

 

2. Not until he had empirical evidence would he believe - John 20:26-28 - And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

 

3. This demonstrates witnesses who were not gullible or easily deceived

a. Which is why the Lord appeared to select witnesses - cf. Acts 10:40-41 - Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

b. Witnesses who were qualified to know if it really were Jesus

 

C. ONE WAS EVEN A FORMER ENEMY...

 

1. Saul of Tarsus, who later became known as Paul the apostle - Acts 9:1-2 - And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

 

2. Until he saw Jesus raised from the dead, he believed it to be God’s will to oppose Jesus and His followers - cf. Acts 26:9-11 - I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

 

[These were not gullible witnesses, ready to believe any hint that Jesus had risen. They required overwhelming evidence to convince them that Jesus was truly raised from the dead. This leads us now to consider...]

 

III. THE STRENGTH OF THEIR WITNESS

 

A. DEMONSTRATED BY THE NATURE OF THEIR TESTIMONY...

 

1. Their testimony appealed to empirical evidence

a. I.e., evidence derived from experiment and observation rather than theory

b. For forty days they were given infallible proofs - Acts 1:3 -  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

c. They ate and drank with Jesus - Acts 10:41 - Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

d. They saw, heard, and touched Him - John 20:24-28 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. ; 1 John 1:1-2 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

 

2. There is no way they could have been deceived or deluded

a. If all they had were individual dreams, visions, or hallucinations...perhaps

b. But they testified that Jesus appeared to them in groups as well as to individuals

 

B. DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR TRANSFORMATION...

 

1. Prior to the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples were afraid and without hope

a. They fled at his arrest - Mark 14:50 - And they all forsook him, and fled.

b. Peter cowardly denied Him three times - Mark 14:66-72 - And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

c. The women mourned His crucifixion - Luke 23:27 - And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

d. After His death, the disciples were sad - Luke 24:13-17 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

e. After His death, the disciples hid behind closed doors, for fear of the Jews - John 20:19 - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 

2. But after the resurrection, they fearlessly praised God and proclaimed Jesus!

a. Praising God in the temple - Luke 24:52-53 - And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

b. Proclaiming Christ, despite persecution - Acts 5:28-32 - Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. ; Acts 5:41-42 - And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 

3. This transformation in their lives is strong evidence for the resurrection, as admitted by one

Orthodox Jewish scholar:

a. “If the disciples were totally disappointed and on the verge of desperate flight because of the very real reason of the crucifixion, it took another very real reason in order to transform them from a band of disheartened and dejected Jews into the most self confident missionary society in world history.” - Pinchas Lapide, former Chairman of the Applied Linguistics Department at Israel’s Bar-Iland University (TIME, May 7, 1979)

b. He concluded that a bodily resurrection could possibly have been that reason!

 

C. DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR HIGH MORAL STANDARD...

 

1. They taught others to live holy lives - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 - Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. ; Ephesians 4:25 - Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

 

2. They lived their own lives in unimpeachable way - 1 Thessalonians 2:3-12 - For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

 

-- Does this sound like people who propagate lies when they know better?

 

D. DEMONSTRATED BY THE PRICE THEY PAID...

 

1. The apostles endured much suffering because of their testimony - 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 - For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

 

2. All but one died a martyr’s death because of their testimony

 

3. Even Jesus’ brother, James, was thrown off the temple and then clubbed to death for his testimony

 

-- There was no motive for them to persistently lie about Jesus ’ resurrection!

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. The nature of their witness does not allow for the option of being deceived or deluded...

a. Again, they professed empirical evidence

b. They claimed to eat and drink with Him, touch Him, see Him

 

2. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, there is only one alternative...

a. These witnesses were liars, deceivers

b. Even Paul freely admits this is the only alternative - 1 Corinthians 15:14-15 - And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

 

3. Is it reasonable to believe they successfully propagated a lie?

a. Too many people attested to the same fact

b. They were not the kind of people to fabricate such a falsehood

c. They lived noble lives, and were ALL willing to suffer and die for their testimony!

 

When we carefully examine the lives and testimony of “The Witnesses Of The Resurrection”, the only reasonable conclusion to draw is that they really saw what they claimed: Jesus is risen!

 

And His resurrection from the dead is assurance from God that Judgment is coming and we must repent:

 

Acts 17:30-31 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

 

Are you ready for that Day?

 

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this  I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

 

Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.