[YG_2] Chapter 38 - The Resurrection of Jesus

The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus

Introduction to John Chapter 20

• The discussion begins with a reading from John chapter 20, focusing on the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus.

Mary Magdalene's Discovery

• On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb early in darkness and finds that the stone has been removed. She informs Simon Peter and another disciple about the missing body of Jesus.

• Both disciples run to the tomb, with the other disciple reaching it first but hesitating to enter. Peter follows and enters, observing linen clothes lying there.

Belief in Resurrection

• After entering, the other disciple also sees and believes in Jesus' resurrection, although they initially do not understand its scriptural significance. They then return home.

Significance of Resurrection and Ascension

• The speaker emphasizes questioning whether these events hold meaning for faith life, suggesting a need for deeper exploration among students regarding their implications.

Prophecies of Resurrection

• The speaker references Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus’ suffering and resurrection, particularly Isaiah 53 which details his death as an offering for sin. This prophecy indicates that his death was foreseen as part of God's plan.

Assurance through Scripture

• Hosea 6:2 is cited to reinforce that after two days God will revive His people on the third day—a clear foreshadowing of Christ’s resurrection. Additionally, Matthew 12:39 highlights that no sign will be given except for Jonah's sign—symbolizing Christ's three days in death before rising again.

Historical Context and Expectations

• The speaker discusses how Mary Magdalene’s shock at finding an empty tomb contrasts with scriptural predictions; her reaction underscores human expectations versus divine fulfillment as foretold by prophets like Isaiah and Hosea. This moment serves as a pivotal point in understanding faith amidst historical context.

The Importance of the Resurrection

The Discovery of the Empty Tomb

• John, being younger, outran Peter to reach the tomb first, highlighting his eagerness and significance in witnessing the resurrection.

• The disciples initially did not understand that Jesus must rise from the dead, reflecting their confusion and lack of faith at that moment.

Assurance Through Resurrection

• The speaker emphasizes that if Jesus had not resurrected, they would not believe in Him; thus, affirming the centrality of resurrection in Christian faith.

• Acts 17:31 states God assured everyone by raising Jesus from the dead, reinforcing belief in His resurrection as a foundation for faith.

Early Church Preaching

• The early church focused on preaching about Jesus' resurrection as a pivotal message (Acts 2:23-24).

• Peter's denial before Christ's crucifixion contrasts with his later boldness after witnessing the resurrection, showcasing transformation through faith.

Historical Evidence of Resurrection

• Numerous accounts exist regarding Jesus’ appearances post-resurrection to various individuals and groups (e.g., Mary Magdalene, disciples), providing historical credibility.

• First Corinthians 15 discusses how denying Christ’s resurrection undermines Christian preaching and faith; it is essential for salvation.

Purpose of Resurrection

• The speaker questions why Jesus resurrected and concludes it was to assure believers of their faith and justify them before God (Romans 4:25).

• Emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection serves to cleanse believers from sin and call them righteous.

Resurrection and Transformation: Understanding Our Future Bodies

The Power of Resurrection

• The gospel reveals that Jesus Christ has abolished death, demonstrating His power over it through resurrection.

• Jesus' resurrection signifies a transformation; He entered despite the closed door, illustrating the nature of resurrected life.

Nature of Resurrected Bodies

• The body we will receive after resurrection is fundamentally different from our current one; it will be glorious and transformed.

• 1 Corinthians 15 discusses the concept of resurrection, emphasizing that what is sown (our current bodies) differs from what is raised (resurrected bodies).

Differences in Body Forms

• Just as seeds yield different plants, our resurrected bodies will differ significantly from our earthly forms.

• God determines the form each body takes; it will not be flawed or undesirable but suited to divine purpose.

Glory and Incorruption

• The glory of celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) serves as a metaphor for the varied glory in resurrected forms.

• Our resurrected bodies will be incorruptible and powerful, contrasting with our current weak and corruptible state.

Hope Through Resurrection

• Jesus’ resurrection provides believers with hope for their own future transformation into glorious beings.

• This living hope is especially significant for those enduring suffering, promising a future free from tribulation.

Assurance in Transformation

• Believers are encouraged to appreciate their present bodies while anticipating a glorious transformation at Christ's return.

The Significance of Jesus Christ's Ascension

The Relationship Between Suffering and Glory

• The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is linked to the glory that believers will receive, emphasizing that suffering for the Lord leads to greater rewards.

• Historical figures of faith embraced suffering voluntarily due to their hope in resurrection, highlighting a belief in future glory surpassing present pain.

Metaphor of Transformation

• The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly symbolizes spiritual rebirth; cutting open a chrysalis prematurely hinders the butterfly's ability to fly, paralleling spiritual growth through struggle.

• This metaphor illustrates that struggles are essential for developing strength and capability, akin to how Jesus' resurrection empowers believers.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

• Acts 1:8 emphasizes that believers receive power through the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascends, enabling them to witness effectively.

• John 16:7 states it is advantageous for Jesus to depart so that the Helper (Holy Spirit) can come, underscoring reliance on divine assistance for understanding scripture and fulfilling God's work.

Empowerment Through Ascension

• Without the Holy Spirit's help, human efforts are insufficient; believers are empowered by Christ’s ascension into heaven.

• John 14:12 indicates that those who believe in Jesus will perform even greater works because He ascended, suggesting an ongoing partnership between Christ and His followers.

Righteous Judgment and Redemption

• John 5:22 reveals that all judgment has been entrusted to the Son; this assures righteous judgment aligned with God’s will rather than personal bias.

• Hebrews 9:28 discusses Christ’s second coming as pivotal for salvation completion; without His return, redemption remains unfulfilled.

Conclusion on Ascension's Importance

• Believers eagerly await bodily redemption at Christ’s second coming; understanding His resurrection and ascension is crucial for faith development among students.

Faith and Assurance in the Resurrection

The Importance of Faith in Christ's Return

• Emphasizes the necessity of a deeply rooted faith based on the resurrection of Christ, which assures believers that He will return again.

• Reflects on a past conversation about faith, highlighting concerns over whether the Lord's second coming would occur as anticipated, questioning if their faith would be in vain.

Parental Concerns and Faith Transmission

• Discusses how parents express their fears regarding children's safety by restricting them, illustrating a misguided approach to instilling faith.

• Shares personal reflections on having few children due to concerns about salvation and hell, driven by a strong belief in resurrection and hope for Christ’s return.

Growing Up with Faith

• Notes that children raised with these beliefs have now become college students; questions whether their foundational faith has diminished over time.

• Asserts that despite growing up, there is an assurance that they are closer to Christ’s second coming than before.

Strengthening Faith Amidst Worldly Distractions

• Urges believers to live with multiplied faith rather than succumbing to worldly distractions that weaken spiritual hope.

• Warns against regret at the time of Christ’s return if one does not maintain hope and readiness for His coming.

Assurance Through Teaching and Prayer

• Highlights the need for teachers to assure their own faith while guiding students towards understanding resurrection and second coming concepts.

• Concludes with a prayer asking for improved faith among teachers and community members through grace received from God.