The Witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus

The Witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus

📖 Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that, He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present."

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). But how do we know it really happened? Because the resurrected Jesus was seen by many people! Let’s look at the key witnesses of His resurrection.

1. The First Witnesses – The Women at the Tomb

📖 Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-10, John 20:11-18

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • Mary Magdalene
  • Mary (mother of James)
  • Salome
  • Other women

🔹 What happened?

  • They went to the tomb early Sunday morning and found it empty.
  • An angel told them, “He is not here; He has risen!”
  • Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first.
  • The women ran to tell the disciples.

🔹 Why is this important?

  • Women’s testimony was not highly valued in ancient Jewish culture.
  • If the resurrection was fake, people would not have chosen women as the first witnesses.

2. The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

📖 Luke 24:13-35

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • Two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

🔹 What happened?

  • Jesus walked with them, but they didn’t recognize Him at first.
  • As He explained the Scriptures, their hearts burned within them.
  • When He broke bread, they realized it was Jesus!

🔹 Lesson:

  • Jesus reveals Himself to those who seek Him.

3. Peter (Cephas) – Private Appearance

📖 Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • Peter (Cephas), separately from the other disciples.

🔹 Why is this important?

  • Peter had denied Jesus three times.
  • Jesus restored him, showing His mercy and love.

4. The Twelve Disciples in a Locked Room

📖 John 20:19-29, Luke 24:36-49

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • The disciples, including Thomas (later).

🔹 What happened?

  • Jesus suddenly appeared in a locked room.
  • He showed them His hands and side.
  • A week later, He appeared again when Thomas was present.
  • Thomas, who doubted, finally said, “My Lord and my God!”

🔹 Lesson:

  • Jesus gives proof to those who seek truth.
  • Faith is believing even when we cannot see (John 20:29).

5. More Than 500 People at Once

📖 1 Corinthians 15:6

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • Over 500 believers at one time.

🔹 Why is this important?

  • It wasn’t just one or two people claiming to see Jesus.
  • Hundreds of witnesses testified that He was alive.
  • If it were a lie, so many people would not agree!

6. James, the Brother of Jesus

📖 1 Corinthians 15:7

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • James, the half-brother of Jesus.

🔹 Why is this important?

  • Before the resurrection, James did not believe in Jesus (John 7:5).
  • After seeing Jesus alive, he became a leader in the early church (Acts 15:13-21).

7. The Disciples at the Ascension

📖 Acts 1:3-11

🔹 Who saw Him?

  • The disciples before Jesus went to heaven.

🔹 What happened?

  • Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
  • He blessed them and ascended to heaven.
  • Angels said He will return the same way!

Conclusion: The Total Number of Witnesses

Adding all these groups together, at least 500+ people saw Jesus alive after His resurrection.

📖 Acts 1:3 – “He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days.”

Final Lessons

✅ The resurrection is a historical fact—it was seen by many witnesses.
✅ Jesus appears to those who seek Him.
✅ Faith is believing even when we cannot see (John 20:29).
✅ The resurrection proves Jesus is alive and we will also be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

💡 Reflection Question:
Do you believe in the resurrection? If yes, how does it impact your life today?

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