EASTER

 

1.      Mary Magdalene, Mary (mother of James and Joses, wife of Clopas), Salome (mother of James and John, wife of Zebedee), Jonna, and other women go the the tomb at sunrise on Easter morning.  Perhaps departing form Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha.)

1.Matt 28:1

2.      The angels appear and, with a small earthquake, roll away the stone, frightening the guards. Matt 28:2-4

3.      Mary Magdalene, upon seeing the open tomb, runs to Jerusalem and finds Peter and John, reporting that the tomb is empty.  John 20:2

4.      The other women enter the tomb, see two angels and are addressed by one. These angels send them to the disciples (and to Peter) to report the Lord's resurrection and to go and meet Him in Galilee.  Matt 28:5-8

5.      The women go back to Jerusalem to find Peter and John at John's house.

6.      In the meantime, Peter and John have left to investigate the empty tomb. They pass these women on the way, not speaking to them, go to the tomb, see it's emptiness. John believes. They both return to Jerusalem. John 20:3-10

7.      Mary Magdalene, who followed Peter and John, remains in the garden, speaks to the angels, and then Jesus appears to her.

8.      When Peter and John return home, the women waiting there report the empty to and the words of the angels, then they leave to find the other disciples (who perhaps were staying in Bethany).  John 20:11-17

9.      On their way to find the other disciples, Jesus appears to the women, sending the disciples to Galilee. Matt 28:9-10

10.   Mary Magdalene returns to Jerusalem and reports all she has seen.  Mark16:10-11

11.   Guards go to the chief priests, report what happened, and plot to keep the resurrection a secret. Matt 28:11-15

12.   The women go to the other disciples, report what they have seen. Luke 24:9-11

13.   After hearing the report of the women and Peter and John, Cleopas and another disciple leave

14.   Jerusalem to travel to Emmaus. They are met by Jesus who is hidden from them. When they arrive at Emmaus, Jesus stops, prays, is recognized in the breaking of the bread, and disappear from their sight.  Luke 24:13-32

15.   The other disciples gather in Jerusalem.  Cleopas and the other disciples turn and run back to Jerusalem.  Luke 24:33

16.   Jesus appears to Peter alone.  Luke 24:34

17.   Cleopas and the other disciple arrive at Jerusalem, find ten of the disciples, report all that they have seen.  Luke 24:35

18.   Jesus appears to the ten disciples and others, shows then His hands and His side. Jesus breathes on them and sends them out to forgive and retain sins.  John 20:19-23

19.   After Jesus leaves Thomas returns and doubts the account of the other disciples.  Luke 20:24-25

 

Why is the Resurrection Important?

 

1.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that believers are justified or put right before God.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:25

2.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ shows that Jesus defeated death.  “O death where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?  ’” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 1 Cor 15:57

3.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that believers are united with Christ.  When we believe in Christ, we are united to Him in faith.  2 Corinthians 4:14

4.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms the truth of Scripture and the gospel is true.  And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17-19

5.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus is the Son of God.  Christ was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:4

6.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that God the Father will give His Holy Spirit to believers and a living hope.  “According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”  1 Peter 1:3-4

7.      The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that we will be raised like Him and Christ will judge the world in righteousness. 1 Cor 15:42-44

 

Conclusion let us rejoice and give thanks for Easter.  Jesus Christ has risen.  He has risen indeed