TOPIC: THE RISEN CHRIST (EASTER)

BIBLE TEXT:

Matthew 27:57-61,64,66; 28:1,5-7,19-20

MEMORY VERSE:

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay, ( Matthew 28:6 KJV).
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CENTRAL TRUTH

Jesus Christ rose from the dead and lives forever.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson,
students will be able to:

1. Understand and come to reality of the proofs and benefits of the Resurrection.

2. Consider how they can live victoriously because of Christ's resurrection power and apply the benefits of Christ's resurrection to their lives.

3. Accept their responsibility regarding the Great Commission.
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THE LESSON OUTLINE

1. CHRIST'S BURIAL

A. Private Burial (Matthew 27:57-61)
B. Guarded Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)

2. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION

A. Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1-7)
B. Joyful Reunion (Matthew 28:8-10)

3. CHRIST'S MANDATE

A. Meeting Jesus (Matthew 28:16-18)
B. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
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INTRODUCTION

The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are the foundation of Christianity. In recent years there has been an increased effort by some to discount the reality of Christ's death and resurrection. But without Christ's sacrifice, we are still dead in our sins. Without Christ's resurrection, we do not have the power to live an overcoming life.

This week's lesson focuses not only on the facts surrounding Christ's resurrection, but also on what the Resurrection means to Christian living.
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Contemporary and Application

##1. CHRIST'S BURIAL
A Private Burial (Matthew 27:57-61)

The day of Christ's crucifixion was drawing to a close. It sometimes took several days for those who were crucified to die. The Jewish leaders did not want these men to remain on the cross during the Sabbath, so the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves to hasten their death (John 19:31-33). But Christ had died quickly, (Mark 15:44; John 19:33) so the soldiers did not need to break His legs.

QUESTION

How do we know that Jesus was dead when He was removed from the cross?

In recent years, many have claimed that Jesus did not die. They have suggested Jesus only fainted and that He revived in the coolness of the tomb. But Scripture is clear that He died.

QUESTION

Why is it important that Christ died?

Christ died as the sacrifice for our sins. Without Christ's death there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 10:10). There is no other way humanity can be reconciled to God except through the death of Christ. If Christ merely fainted on the cross, He has not become our sacrifice, and we are still in our sins.

The Romans generally left the bodies of those they crucified on the cross to rot. But the Romans did allow friends and family who made request to the Roman magistrate to take the body from the cross for burial. ln what must have been a bold step on his part, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body (Matthew 27:57,58). Pilate allowed Joseph to have Jesus' body.

Matthew provides only this information about Joseph: He was from Arimathea; he was rich. Mark explained that Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling body that had sentenced Jesus to death (Mark 15:43). But Joseph did not consent to their action. Perhaps he was not at the early morning of the Sanhedrin, He believed Jesus was the Messiah and, along with Nicodemus, had become His disciple (John 19:38,39).

After a quick preparation and burial; Joseph and Nicodemus rolled a large stone in front of the tomb (Matthew 27:59,60: John 19:42). This was to keep grave robbers from entering the tomb and desecrating the body.

Joseph and Nicodemus were not the only ones who were there when Christ was buried (Matthew 27:61). Several women had ministered to Jesus throughout His ministry. Some of them had witnessed His crucifixion and had also become witnesses of His burial.

B. Guarded Tomb (Matthew 27:62--66)
The Jewish religious leaders were well aware of Jesus' statements that He would rise after three days (see Matthew 12:40; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; John 2:19-21). They did not believe this would happen, but they wanted to prevent His disciples from stealing His body and claiming that Jesus words had come true. The Jewish authorities devised what they thought was a fool-proof way to make sure this did not happen. Along with the Roman authorities, they established a guard at the tomb (Mathew 27:62-66).

How these Jewish authorities knew where Jesus was buried is not known, but they also did not understand that His disciples were not bold enough at this time to take Jesus' body from the tomb. They were hiding in fear (John 20:19).

The phrase "Ye have a watch" (KJV) in Matthew 27:65 refers to the soldiers who were to guard the tomb. Some believe these soldiers were the temple guards. This belief also comes from the fact the guards first reported to the priests after Christ's resurrection (28:11). But more likely they were Roman soldiers. This is seen in the fact they feared for their lives (verse 14). Roman soldiers would have been put to death for dereliction of duty by sleeping while on watch.

The efforts of mere mortals could not keep Jesus in the grave and stop God's plan for the salvation of the world. In a similar way many today try to stop the spread of the gospel. But they also are no match for God's power. Even though the
world may persecute the Church, nothing can stop it from growing (see Matthew 16:18).

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2. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION

A. Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1-7
Jesus' burial had been done in haste. The women who came to the tomb early on the day after Sabbath wanted to further prepare His body (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56). Since no work could be done on the Sabbath, this was the first opportunity they had to return to the tomb. But before they arrived, Jesus had already been raised from the dead.

Matthew described what had taken place that morning (Matthew 28:2,3). There was a violent earthquake and an angel rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. This was more than the soldiers could handle. Their fear was so great that they fainted (verse 4). These soldiers would become part of a pian to deny the reality of Jesus' resurrection (verses 11-15).

The tomb was opened, not to let Jesus out- He had already been resurrected. The tomb was opened so His disciples could see He was no longer there.

The scene at the tomb must have been frightening to the women who had come (verse 5). But the message the angel gave to these Women was one of hope (verse 6). The words of Jesus were true. He had indeed risen from the dead.

The angels had another message for these women. The good news of Christ's resurrection
must be shared with His disciples. Jesus had promised to go ahead of His disciples into Galilee (26:32). The empty tomb was only one proof that Jesus had been raised from the dead. In Galilee they would see Him again.

The resurrection of Jesus is a vital part of the gospel. It was not enough that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

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QUESTION

Why is Christ's resurrection such a vital part of the gospel?

Christ's resurrection from the dead brings new life to all who accept Him as Saviour (see Romans 6:4-11). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee that all who follow Him will also be resurrected from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20). The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in those who follow Christ
(Ephesians 1:18-20).
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B. Joyful Reunion Matthew 28:8-10
The women were still awed by the events of that Easter morning. While they were experiencing joy because of the news of Christ's resurrection, they were still afraid (Matthew 28:8). The presence of the angel and the empty tomb were probably more than they could comprehend, but they quickly obeyed the angel's instructions.

Before they had gone very far, Jesus met them (verse 9). In reverence and worship, they bowed down and worshipped Him. Jesus assured them that they did not need to be afraid (verse 10). He commanded them to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee.

The interaction between the risen Saviour and these women shows us what the Christian life is supposed to be: worship and service. We worship Him as the One who died and was raised to life for the forgiveness of our sins. We serve Him as the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

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3. CHRIST'S MANDATE

A. Meeting Jesus Matthew 28:16-1 8
In the Resurrection accounts in Mark, Luke, and John, we can see the various encounters Jesus had with His followers (Mark 16:914: Luke.24:13-51: John 20:15-30), In addition to describing some of these encounters, Matthew's Gospel also points out the disciples' obedience. to Christ's instructions. The disciples had gone to the specific place Jesus told them to, go-Galilee-to meet with Him (Matthew 28:16).

The disciples were overjoyed to see Jesus once again, as expressed
by their worship, There may have been more than His disciples in this group. It appears that some who gathered with them doubted were hesitant to believe that this was really the resurrected Christ. In other instances followers of Jesus did not recognise Him in His post resurrection body (Lüke 24:13-35; John 20:14-26): Even though Christ had predicted His resurrection, His followers had not anticipated it. Any hesitation on the part of the followers of Jesus was quickly dispelled when He spoke (Matthew 28:17,18). He assured them of His great power, most recently demonstrated in His resurrection.

As part of the Godhead, Jesus has always had all power and authority. He had voluntarily Submitted himself to God's plan of redemption. But as the resurrected Christ God's plan of salvation has been accomplished and Christ is now working through His Church to accomplish God's eternal plan for all of creation (Philippians 2:5-11).

Even though the Gospel of Matthew does not mention it. the Gospel of Luke states that Jesus told His followers about the power of the Holy Spirit that would soon come on them (Luke 24:49). This power would help them fulfil His Great commission.

QUESTION

In what ways is Christ's power available to Christians today?

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B. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19,20)

Because the disciples would have Christ's power as their source of strength, they were to proclaim the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:19). The word "go" can be understood as while you are going."As Christ's disciples, we are to proclaim the gospel to the whole world. Proclaiming the gospel is to be intentional. During the everyday events of our lives, God brings opportunities our way to tell others about Christ.

REVELATION 7:9,10 pictures people from the various nations who have turned to Christ and are worshipping around the throne. They won't be there unless we do our part and proclaim the good news about Christ.

But the Great Commission involves more than evangelism. The word translated "teach (Matthew 28:19, KJV) can also be translated make
disciples" (NIV). A disciple is one who has been taught the teachings of Christ and has incorporated them into his or her life.
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QUESTION

How can we make disciples of those who accept Christ as their Savior?

After we lead people to Christ we must help them grow in the Christian life. We can study the Bible with them to help them understand God's Word We can also teach them how to pray. We can explain to them about the baptism in the Holy Spirit and pray with them to be filled with the Spirit. We can show them how to witness by taking them with us as we witness to others about
Jesus.

Those who turn to Christ are to be baptised. Water baptism is a physical sign that one has entered into the Christian community. It is also a symbol of the death and burial of the old life and being resurrected into new life in Christ (see Romans 6).

The disciples had spent the hours between Christ's death, and His resurrection believing they would never see him again. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised He would never leave them. His presence and power would always be with them until the end of the age.

THE GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS Jesus Christ is alive. His death and resurrection has purchased salvation for ALL who believe in Him. There is no other way of salvation (Acts 4:12). We must proclaim this message.

QUESTIONS

In what ways can we share the good news concerning Christ's resurrection.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Romans 42:5 states that Jesus was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (KJV). We are made right through our faith in what Jesus did by His death, burial, and resurrection. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us so we can live as new creatures in Christ (see Romans 6:4,2 Corinthians 5:17).

If we have expenienced the life-changing power of Christ, we have a responsibility to help others experience it too. Christ's mandate is that we go to others and tell them about Him, Those who will respond to the good news are to be taught how to live for Him. If we are open to His leading, God will provide us with opportunities to tell others about Jesus.

Ministry in Action

Think about one or two people you might be able to tell about Jesus this week Join with two or three other students to pray together that the Lord would prepare their hearts to hear the gospel and provide opportunities for believers to share with them about Christ. Encourage students to continue to pray throughout the week for these lost people and one another. Ask students to be prepared to testify to the class next week how God answered their prayers.

This is the exclusive publication of the General Council of Assemblies of God Nigeria