Jesus died. He did not take a magic potion and go into a coma. Jesus 100% died. Then three days later, He came back to life and rose from the grave victorious over death, Hell, and the grave. How is this possible? Jesus was not a typical human like you and me. This is something only God could do.
Read John 19:31-37.
1. Why would they break the legs of those on the cross? Why did they not break Jesus’ legs?
2. What is the significance of blood and water coming out of Jesus’ side as He was pierced?
According to this passage, we see that Jesus was truly dead. We can scientifically prove this by knowing blood and water poured out of Him when He was pierced. This happened because He had already died at that point. Some people like to speculate whether Jesus’ death was true or not. Some say that He went into a coma and people only thought He died. There are many conspiracy theories about Jesus’ death, but the truth of the matter is that Jesus truly died. If you want to know more about the science behind Jesus’ death on the cross, study your Bible and talk to your leaders. The science behind it is hard to bear, but the truth behind His death makes me even more grateful for what Jesus endured for me. As much as the death is significant, the resurrection shows the power of God.
Read Luke 24:1-12.
3. Why was Jesus not in the tomb?
4. Who were the two men? What did they tell the women?
Read Luke 24:36-49.
5. How did Jesus appear to His disciples? Why were they frightened?
6. Why does Jesus tell them to touch Him? Why does He eat with them?
As we have seen, the Gospel accounts make it clear that Jesus physically resurrected from the dead. He was not a ghost. He was not an image. He physically appeared to many people after having been crucified, died, and buried. Perhaps one of the best arguments for the resurrection of Jesus comes in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
7. What does Paul say the death and resurrection of Jesus was according to in verses 3 and 4? Why is that important?
8. Who does Paul list that Jesus appeared to after He was resurrected?
9. Does Paul say these people were still alive when he wrote this letter?
10. Could the people who read this letter have spoken to some who saw Jesus after His resurrection? Why is that important?
Paul gives his argument that the scriptures testify that Jesus was supposed to be crucified and that He was supposed to be resurrected. He then goes on to say that not only do the scriptures testify, but over 500 (!!!) people have seen Jesus physically resurrected. In essence, when Paul is writing this letter he says, “If you don’t believe me, go ask those who saw it. They are still alive!”
He then goes on to say why the resurrection is essential for our faith.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:13-19.
11. If Christ has not been raised, do we receive a resurrection?
12. If Christ has not been resurrected, why would we still be stuck in our sin?
13. Is there any hope for us if Christ died and stayed dead? Why not?
14. Does reading these verses make you believe in the resurrection? Does it help you understand it more? Does it make it more significant to you? Explain.
Read Acts 2:22-25.
15. Why is it important that Jesus died for us according to God’s plan?
16. Does death or sin have a hold on Jesus? Why?
17. If Jesus did not physically resurrect, what happens?
Read Romans 8:11 and Ephesians 1:19-20.
18. How should the resurrection change your daily life?
Read John 11:25.
19. Do you believe this?
We see over and over throughout the New Testament phrases like, “God raised Him from the dead.” It is evident that the resurrection changes everything. It means death and sin had no hold on our Lord. He could not be bound by it like we are. He overcame the power that holds us down, and He showed He is all-powerful. He shows us that He was and is who He said He was. He is Jesus. He is God. We can now have full faith and trust in Him. You have this account in your hands, what are you going to do with it? Will you share this Good News or hide it? The resurrection should change our view and outlook on life. Jesus did something no man could ever do. He did only what God could do.