The Resurrection of Jesus
June 27, 2019
Commentary
Almost all biographies end with the death and burial of the subject. I am sure that you have never read one that describes the subject’s resurrection from the dead. The fact that John shared the resurrection miracle is proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This section of John’s Gospel provides a powerful eyewitness testimony of the Resurrection. On Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Christ (v. 1). She had been an observer at the cross and was then the first person to go to the grave. A large stone had been rolled in front of the tomb and sealed by the authority of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:65-66). Mary Magdalene was no doubt wondering how she would ever get the huge stone moved from in front of the tomb. When she arrived, however, the stone had already been moved. But then, she had a bigger problem. The body was missing. The stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out, but so others could get in.
Mary ran to tell this startling news to Peter and John (v. 2). They immediately ran to find out what had happened (vv. 3-4). John arrived first but seemed to hesitate outside. Peter rushed right into the tomb (vv. 5-6). To his amazement, the graveclothes were lying there as an empty cocoon, still retaining the shape of Jesus’ body. Even the headband was folded and lying in a separate place (v. 7). It was quite obvious that the body had not been stolen. Then John joined Peter inside the tomb (v. 8). The teaching of Christ’s resurrection was now beginning to dawn on them (v. 9). The only way those linen clothes could be left in that condition would be if Jesus passed through them as He arose from the dead. Jesus had told them many times that He would be raised from the dead. Peter and John returned home to tell the others (v. 10).
Application
Although Jesus had told His disciples many times that He would rise from the dead, they did not really believe Him. What has He promised to do for me that perhaps I have not fully believed?
John 20:1– 10 (NET)
1 Now very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. 2 So she went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out to go to the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down and saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who had been following him, arrived and went right into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been around Jesus’ head, not lying with the strips of linen cloth but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, came in, and he saw and believed. 9 (For they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.)
10 So the disciples went back to their homes.
Illustration: McDowell Only Christianity has empty tomb
All but four of the major world religions are based on mere philosophical propositions. Of the four that are based on personalities rather than philosophies, only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. In 1900 B.C. Judaism’s Father Abraham died. In 483 B.C., Buddhist writings say Buddha died “with that utter passing away in which nothing whatever remains behind.” June 6, 632 A.D., Mohammed died. In 33 A.D., Jesus died but came back to life appearing to 500 people over a period of 40 days."And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (I Corinthians 15:14). (Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Page 180).