The Risen Christ

TEXT: Luke 24:1-12

The story of the Resurrection of Jesus is given us by all four writers of the Gospels because the truth of the Resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Had Christ remained in the grave there would have been no New Testament. The Resurrection changed the course of history. It established the risen Christ as the source of redemption and transformed the tragedy of the Cross into the source of life and hope for all mankind.

QUESTIONS

1. Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. What significance does this have for the Christian?
2. To substantiate that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, name some witnesses to whom Christ appeared on this Resurrection day (Mark 16:9; Luke 24:13-15,34; John 20:19). Describe the probable emotions the disciples felt when Christ died, and then as they realized He actually was alive again.
3. Verse 2 of Luke’s account says they found the stone rolled away from the door of the sepulchre. It was large, sealed with the Roman seal, and guarded by a band of soldiers. How was the stone moved? See Matthew 28:1-2.
4. Some women went early in the morning to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived at the tomb, what did they find and how did they respond?
5. Read carefully the message of the angels, verses 5 to 7. Then write how this message affects your life now.
6. To whom did the women who visited the tomb tell of their experience, and how was their story received?
7. Using John 20:8 and Luke 24:12, describe in your own words the reaction of John and of Peter when they saw the neatly arranged grave clothes and the empty tomb.
8. What is the Christian’s assurance that if he dies he will be resurrected with a new glorified body? See John 14:19, Romans 8:11, and Philippians 3:20-21.
9. How many people were in the largest group recorded as seeing Jesus after His Resurrection? See 1 Corinthians 15:6.
10. Suppose a friend asked you the question, “How do you know Christ really rose from the dead?” How would you answer?