These notes are to accompany the sermon found here: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=41120208263444 Please make time on Easter Sunday to ponder these things together. We invite you to use some of the hymns linked here, or some of your own, and lift them up to the Father together. Many additional links have been provided to give you things to consider throughout the week.

The Evidence of the Resurrection

Jesus burial and resurrection according to the Holy Scriptures: 

1. Burial of Jesus.  Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-42.
2. The women witness the location of the tomb, and the tomb is sealed and guarded. Matthew 27:61-66; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56.
3. The women buy spices and visit the closed tomb.  Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1.
4. An angel opens the tomb, and the guards are stunned.  Matthew 28:2-4.
5. The women visit the tomb about sunrise.  Matthew 28:5-8; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1.
6. The women tell the Apostles about the empty tomb.  Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10.
7. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and gives her a message for the disciples.  Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18.
8. Jesus appears to the other women.  Matthew 28:9-10.
9. The guards report to the Jewish leadership.  Matthew 28:11-15.
10. Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32.
11. The two disciples report to Simon Peter.  Luke 24:33-35.
12. Jesus appears to many disciples in the upper room.  Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25.
13. Jesus appears again to the disciples, this time with Thomas.  John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5.
14. Jesus appears to seven disciples at the sea of Galilee.  John 21. 
15. Jesus appears to many more disciples and gives a commission.  Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6. 
16. Jesus appears to the disciples with another commission.  Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8. 
17. Jesus makes his last appearance and his ascension.  Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.^[1] 

Other Evidences to consider:

• The actions of the early church to persevere in proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ despite persecutions and even death. They had no worldly gain from holding to this teaching.
• The human obsession with death and the afterlife, including mythology, entertainment, and various religious expressions. 
• The value placed on human life, but for secular people, the complete inability to explain a reason for that value. 

The Significance of the Resurrection

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Confirms…

• His identity as the Son of God. Romans 1:4
• His righteous authority to Judge. Acts 17:30-31
• His sacrifice for our sins. Romans 4:24-25
• His victory over death. Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
• His power for us to live a new life. Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20; John 11:25-26; Ephesians 1:18-21; Colossians 2:9-15; 3:1-4;

The Relevance of the Resurrection

• Death is Defeated.  1 Corinthians 15:50-58.
• The Gospel is Glorious.  John 3; Romans 8.

See Also:  1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-34; Matthew 17:22-23, 20:19; Mark 9:30-31, 10:33-34;

Recommended Hymns:

“See, What a Morning” by Keith and Kristyn Getty,

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” by Matthew Bridges, Godfrey Thring,

“The Wonderful Cross” by Isaac Watts, performed by Chris Tomlin, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaO3XOI8P6w

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[1] Based on Robertson, A. T. A Harmony of the Gospels. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.