String 6: _Resurrection_
Nisan was the beginning of months in the Jewish religious year; and the
fourteenth day of Nisan, A.D. 33, found Jesus of Nazareth dead and in
the tomb. The hopes of his followers were dashed to the ground. Looking
back to the promises made by Jehovah to faithful Abraham, his disciples
and other associates had believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah and
trusted that he would be the deliverer of Israel from Roman bondage and
would also be the instrument for the blessing, through Israel, of all the
nations of the earth. But now he who they had hoped would redeem Israel
(Luke 24:21) was dead. They were perplexed and overwhelmed. Seemingly
they did not expect him to rise again from the dead, nor did they know
at that time that Jehovah would not suffer the flesh of his Holy One to
corrupt. The conduct of the disciples at this time, as well as of those
who were in full sympathy with them, shows that they did not expect his
resurrection. The body was carefully wrapped and placed in the tomb with
myrrh, aloes, and spices, evidently to prevent decomposition. The
subsequent great sorrow of the women at the tomb and their belief that
the body of Jesus had been wrongfully removed and hid elsewhere, also
the perplexity of the disciples, all tends to show that they did not
have any hope or expectation of the resurrection of Jesus. Then we have
the positive statement: "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he
must rise again from the dead".--John 20:9.
[246]The disciples were Jews and it might be supposed that they were
somewhat acquainted with the Scriptures. We remember, however, that they
were not learned men; and even if they had been acquainted with the text
of the Scriptures they could not have had a very clear understanding of
them at that time; just as we now see there are many wonderful truths in
the Bible which have been there for centuries and which Christians never
understood until recently. Now as we look at the inspired Word of God we
can see some texts in the Old Testament which clearly refer to the
resurrection of Jesus, and which texts must have been familiar to many
Jews at the time Jesus was crucified. For information we note some of
these texts here.
[247]The prophet Job pointed to the time of redemption and deliverance
when he said: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth". (Job 19:25) If the Redeemer was
to stand at the latter day upon the earth, then he must arise from the
dead after he had provided the redemptive price by his death; hence this
Scripture must foreshadow his resurrection. The psalmist David wrote
prophetically concerning Jesus' resurrection when he said: "For thou
wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One
to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence
is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore."
(Psalm 16:10,11) We have the inspired testimony of the Apostle that the
Prophet did there refer to the resurrection of Jesus.--Acts 2:27-31;
13:35-37.
[248]Again the prophet David wrote concerning Jesus, the Savior of the
world: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be
satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness". (Psalm 17:15) The awakening
clearly means the awakening out of death. Jesus was awakened out of
death in the express image of the Father. (Hebrews 1:2) Again the
Psalmist wrote: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity
captive: thou hast received gifts for men". (Psalm 68:18) Clearly the
apostle Paul refers to this same Scripture in Ephesians 4:8, showing
that the Psalmist referred to the resurrection of Jesus.
[249]The prophet Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a
son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his
name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his
government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David,
and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and
with justice from henceforth for ever." (Isaiah 9:6,7) Here it is
clearly stated that the One who would hold this exalted position, the
Messiah, is to be the everlasting Father. Father means life-giver, and
it would be impossible for Jesus to be the great Life-giver to man
unless he was raised from the dead.
[250]Again the prophet Isaiah described the sufferings of Jesus and his
death and subsequent resurrection when he wrote: "The Lord hath laid on
him the iniquity of us all.... He is brought as a lamb to the
slaughter.... He was taken from prison and from judgment: ... He was cut
off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people
was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the
rich in his death: ... when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,
he shall see his seed.... He shall see of the travail of his soul and
shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify
many." (Isaiah 53:6-11) He could not have poured out his soul unto
death and afterward see the travail of his soul and be satisfied unless
he should be raised from the dead.
[251]These Scriptures clearly foretell the resurrection of Jesus.
Besides this, Jesus had told his disciples while in Galilee that he
would be put to death and rise from the dead. (Luke 24:6,7) "And while
they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be
betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill him, and the third
day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." (Matthew
17:22,23) But it may not be expected of them that they should understand
the meaning of these Old Testament Scriptures as referring to the
resurrection of the Lord. They were not men of great learning. They were
poor and followed humble occupations. They had doubtless not had the
advantage of a great amount of education; but a stronger reason is that
the holy spirit had not then been given and their minds had not been
illuminated, and it is not to be expected that they would understand
then the deep things of God's Word. (1 Corinthians 2:14) Nor is it at
all surprising that they had forgotten some of the sayings of Jesus
concerning his betrayal, his death and resurrection. We must remember
that they loved Jesus very devotedly; and uppermost in their minds was
the hope that he would be the deliverer of Israel. Only five days before
his death they had joined him in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem,
when the common people hailed him with gladness and joy. (Matthew
21:1-11) His death was so very sudden, so cruel, the shock so terrible,
that the minds of these faithful disciples and others who loved him
dearly were stunned. They were truly overwhelmed with sorrow and grief.
He had been rudely snatched from them; unjustly tried, brutally
condemned, and then subjected to the most ignominious death known to
man, the death of the cross.
[252]Clearly in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah above noted,
Jesus was put to death as an evil one, thereby making his grave with the
wicked; and he was laid in the sepulchre of a rich man of Arimathea,
named Joseph.--Matthew 27:57.
[253]Little is said as to the doings of the disciples and their
associates immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus when he was
laid away in the tomb. The good women went and "beheld where he was
laid". No doubt little else was done. After 6 o'clock p.m. of that day
was the beginning of the sabbath day, and under the law the Jews must
rest; hence we are not to expect that they did much of anything. Nor
could it have been a day of much rest to them. It was a day of great
sorrow. They could do no work to divert their minds from the terrible
shock caused by the crucifixion of the Lord. The rest must have been one
merely of cessation from labor. Surely they had little rest of body or
peace of mind. It was a day of sorrowful waiting for them, because
tomorrow they would go to the tomb. The sabbath ended at 6 o'clock p.m.,
but the night followed, which prevented them from visiting the tomb
then.
[254]The morning following was the first day of the week; and early
that morning, before it became very light, Mary Magdalene and other good
women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered unto him,
hastened to the Savior's tomb. When they reached there the angel of the
Lord appeared unto them, saying: "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek
Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his
disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold he goeth before
you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they
departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did
run to bring his disciples word." (Matthew 28:5-8) This news to these
faithful women sounded too good to be true. They were dazed and
bewildered; yet with joy they hurried away to deliver the message to
others who loved the Lord.
[255]Here we have the proof that the resurrection of Jesus is one of
the strings upon the harp of God, yielding great joy to those who hear
its blessed sound. The first human being who heard of the resurrection
rejoiced. How much more joy there must have been in heaven at that hour!
[256]Angel means messenger; that is, one who is sent on a mission as
a representative or deputy, or messenger of God. These holy messengers
or angels always have access to the Father, Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10) We
should expect, of course, that these holy ones of the heavenly host would
sing praise and give utterance to joy before the Lord at every progressive
step of his plan. These angels inhabit the heavens, the high place. And so
the Psalmist writes of them: "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from
the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels:
praise ye him, all his hosts". (Psalm 148:1,2) The Bible abounds with
many instances wherein God has used these holy angels as messengers. He
communicated with Abraham by his angels (Genesis 22:15); also with Jacob.
(Genesis 31:11) God appeared unto Moses by his angel. (Exodus 3:2) He also
delivered a message to Elijah by his angel. (1 Kings 19:5) These holy
messengers of God guarded the interests of Jesus at all times, from the
moment he left the heavenly courts to become the man Jesus for the purpose
of redeeming the world of mankind. (Zechariah 3:1-7) The angel of the Lord
announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of the babe Jesus. (Luke
1:31) When she gave birth to this wonderful child, the angel of the Lord
brought the message to the faithful shepherds, and the great multitude of
the heavenly hosts joined together with that angel in praising, God.--Luke
2:9-11.
[257]We may be sure that these faithful, holy angels, as God's
instruments, were carefully watching every step of Jesus from the time
of his birth up to the moment of his resurrection. With eagerness they
would watch and wait to see if Jesus fully met all the requirements of
God's law. They evidently knew that his full compliance would meet with
the marvelous reward of a resurrection from the dead. It was one of
these faithful messengers that the Lord sent from heaven to roll back
the stone from the door of the tomb at the resurrection of the Master.
What great joy must have filled the heavenly courts now when they beheld
Jesus, by the power of God, triumphant over death and the grave!
[258]Lucifer, who became Satan, who had once been associated with the
holy angels and who had seduced some of their fellow angels, had for
centuries opposed Jehovah and specially tried to destroy Jesus. Jesus
had been sent into the world that he might destroy the works of Satan;
and now, having been raised from the dead, he would ultimately "destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil," which destruction
would guarantee the deliverance of the human race. (Hebrews 2:14) Now
Jesus had broken the bonds of death, being raised by Jehovah to power
and glory, demonstrating the fact that he was fully approved by Jehovah.
He now proved that he was worthy to be praised; and without question he
received the unlimited praise of all the heavenly host. The Revelator
says: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about
the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a
loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing."
--Revelation 5:11,12.
SCRIPTURAL PROOF
[259]It was not their previous knowledge of the Scriptures and their
faith in them that Christ Jesus would arise from the dead which induced
the disciples to believe that he was risen, but it was what they
actually saw and experienced that led them to this conclusion. The
knowledge gained by experience, coupled with the knowledge of the
Scriptures subsequently acquired by them, not only established beyond a
doubt in their own minds the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but it
emboldened them to declare the message on every opportune occasion to
others and to emphasize this great doctrine of truth in their epistles
to the church.
[260]It will profit us here to consider the Scriptural testimony given
by the Evangelist in proof that Jesus did arise from the dead three days
after his crucifixion. There have always been some that denied the
resurrection and hence it is always well to fortify ourselves against
such denial, as well as to strengthen our own faith. It must be
remembered that the writers of these gospels were not learned men; they
were not such men as would arrange a fraudulent scheme to deceive
anybody. There would be no occasion for them to do this. The fact that
they did not expect a resurrection and gave evidence of that by their
conduct and their speech at and just after the Lord's death is strong
circumstantial evidence that their testimony subsequently given is true.
Besides this, the testimony itself bears all the earmarks of truth.
[261]At the time Jesus died there was an earthquake. The Roman
centurion who stood by exclaimed "Truly this was the son of God!" "When
the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who
also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body
of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when
Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and
laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he
rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed and
there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the
sepulchre."--Matthew 27:57-61.
[262]The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, basing
their conclusion upon the words of the prophets. They feared that Jesus
might arise from the dead. They knew they were guilty of having him put
to death and they hoped that would be the end of him. "Now the next day,
that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and
Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that
deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise
again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third
day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto
the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse
than the first." (Matthew 27:62-64) When the Roman governor heard their
request he granted them a Roman guard, saying to them: "Ye have a watch:
go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the
sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."--Matthew
27;65,66.
[263]The Lord Jehovah must have held these Pharisees in derision, who
presumed by having the stone sealed and a Roman guard placed at the
entrance that they could prevent his bringing Jesus out of the tomb.
God could have easily resurrected the Lord without removing the stone.
He chose, however, to do the latter. And in addition to raising up Jesus
as a divine being, he also removed the body in his own good way and to
his own good place, that it might not see corruption, even as he had
promised.--Psalm 16:10.
[264]This Roman guard kept a close vigil over the tomb during Friday
night, Saturday and Saturday night; and early Sunday morning the angel
of the Lord appeared and rolled back the stone. The keepers testified
that the countenance of the angel was like lightning and his raiment as
white as snow, and these watchmen did shake because of fear.
[265]The sabbath day now ended, the dawn of the first day of the week
being here, the faithful women were the first ones to start for the
tomb. "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first
day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the
sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of
the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from
the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his
raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and
became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear
not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not
here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord
lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the
dead; and, behold he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see
him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre
with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as
they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All
hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then
said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go
into Galilee, and there shall they see me."--Matthew 28:1-10.
[266]There must have been great excitement about that time among some
of the people of Jerusalem. These faithful women ran to tell the
disciples, while the Roman soldiers hurried into the city to notify
their employers of what had happened. "Now when they were going, behold,
some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests
all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the
elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we
slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him,
and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and
this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this
day."--Matthew 28:11-15.
[267]The account given by St. Luke is almost identical with that given
by St. Matthew. Likewise the testimony given by St. Mark. St. John also
gives an accurate account of the resurrection of the Lord. We insert
here the testimony of each of these witnesses for the purpose of showing
that the four testified substantially to the same facts and fully
corroborated each other.
[268]"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the
mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might
come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the
week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they
said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of
the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled
away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw
a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment;
and they were affrighted. And he said unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye
seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not
here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his
disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall
ye see him, as he said unto you."--Mark 16:1-7.
[269]"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning,
they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had
prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled
away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of
the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed
thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as
they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said
unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is
risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men,
and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his
words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto
the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and
Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which
told these things unto the apostles."--Luke 24:1-10.
[270]"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was
yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the
sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other
disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away
the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the
sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun
Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and
looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh
Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the
linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying
with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then
went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and
he saw, and believed."--John 20:1-8.
[271]Added to the testimony of these four witnesses is that of St. Paul,
who had a miraculous vision of the Lord on his way to Damascus.
Concerning the resurrection of the dead the Apostle later testified:
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how
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 of Cephas, then of the twelve: after
that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the
greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After
that he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he
was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."--1 Corinthians
15:3-8.
[272]St. John, subsequently writing concerning the Lord, emphasizes the
fact that they saw with their own eyes, saying: "That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which
we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
(for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto
you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship
is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things
write we unto you, that your joy may be full."--1 John 1:1-4.
[273]Thus we see there were more than five hundred witnesses who
testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This alone should
establish the fact beyond any question of a doubt; but when we see the
reason for the Lord's resurrection, the whole matter not only becomes
clear but brings great joy to the heart of one who does see it. We must
furthermore consider that these faithful witnesses of the Lord did not
go to some isolated place to give their testimony concerning his
resurrection, but they gave it openly before the tribunals, before Jews
and heathen philosophers, courtiers, lawyers, as well as the common
people. They did not wait until years afterward to begin to give their
testimony concerning his resurrection, but did so immediately after the
great event took place. They were so bold in declaring it that had there
been a possibility of refuting their testimony we may be sure that the
Pharisees would have attempted it. They did not give this testimony for
the purpose of gaining fame, glory, or riches. But, on the contrary,
they knew that they would bring upon themselves the indignation of the
Pharisees and rulers and would expose themselves to suffering and death.
[274]At Pentecost, only fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord,
the apostle Peter stood forth before the multitude and proclaimed to the
men of Judea and all that dwelt in Jerusalem concerning the resurrection
of the Lord. In his eloquence he exclaimed: "Therefore let all the house
of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
have crucified, both Lord and Christ". (Acts 2:36) So persuasive and
convincing was the Apostle's argument that the Jews who had participated
in having the Lord put to death "were pricked in their heart, and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall
we do?" Some of them suffered death and martyrdom because they preached
Christ and his resurrection. (Acts 7:59) The apostles and early
Christians received much persecution because they testified boldly that
Jesus was raised from the dead. They would not have done this had they
been trying to carry out some fraudulent imposition. Their motive in
preaching these doctrines was to be witnesses for the Lord concerning
the fulfillment of his great plan for the redemption and deliverance of
mankind.
CHRIST THE LORD DIVINE
[275]Jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine
being. (1 Peter 3:18) God had promised to grant unto him the divine
nature, giving him the power and authority to have inherent life. Only
divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain
life. Jesus said: "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he
given to the Son to have life in himself". (John 5:26) When on earth he
was a man. When he arose from the dead he was the express image of
Jehovah God. "Who being the brightness of his [Jehovah's] glory, and the
express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his
power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right
hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels,
as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they."
(Hebrews 1:3,4) He was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his
baptism in the Jordan. He was born on the divine plane to the divine
nature at his resurrection. When he arose from the dead he was both Lord
and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Lord means one who owns; one who has power and
authority, and one whom his followers acknowledge as Master and Lord.
Christ means the anointed one; the one appointed by Jehovah to carry out
his great plan. So now being raised from the dead he is both owner of
all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's
plan. The name Jesus means Savior of the people. That was his earthly
name. It is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer, or
one who made his soul an offering for sin, who suffered for us and who
bore our sins--the one whom the Prophet describes as "the man of
sorrows".
[276]When he arose from the dead Jehovah highly exalted him and gave him
a name above all other names. He was once a man of sorrows, acquainted
with grief. Now, resurrected from the dead, he is the exalted one; hence
the Apostle declares: "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which
is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth and
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father."--Philippians 2:8-11.
[277]God has decreed that since the earth was the scene of Jesus'
suffering it shall be the scene of his glory, and all creatures shall
bow at the name of Jesus, and that every creature shall confess that
Jesus is Christ and is the Lord.
[278]On the day Jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions
thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially
loved him. He did not appear to them in the same body which was
crucified; nor with the same clothing in which he was buried. The
Scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and
laid aside in the tomb. Had he appeared in the same body that was
crucified, those who were with him for three and a half years would have
readily recognized him. Surely Mary would have known him. He appeared to
her as a gardener on one occasion, and only when he spoke her name in
the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him. The Scriptural
account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly
noted as follows:
[279]He appeared on Sunday morning, early in the day of his
resurrection, to Mary Magdalene near the sepulchre at Jerusalem.--John
20:11-18.
[280]On the same Sunday morning, to the women returning from the
sepulchre.--Matthew 28:9, 10.
[281]On the same Sunday morning to Simon Peter alone near Jerusalem.
--Luke 24:34.
[282]On the same day to two disciples going to Emmaus, between Jerusalem
and Emmaus.--Luke 24:13-21.
[283]On the same Sunday evening to the apostles (except Thomas) at
Jerusalem.--John 20:19-25.
[284]Thereafter he appeared again one week later (Sunday evening) to the
apostles, Thomas this time being present, at Jerusalem.--John 20:26-29.
[285]Some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of Galilee to seven
of his disciples who had gone back to fishing.--John 21:1-13.
[286]A little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain
near Galilee.--Matthew 28:16-20.
[287]A short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than
five hundred of his followers, gathered by appointment, in Galilee.
--1 Corinthians 15:6.
[288]He again appeared to the apostle James only.--1 Corinthians 15:7.
[289]Then he appeared for the last time on the side of the Mount of
Olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension.--Luke 24:50,51;
Acts 1:6-9.
[290]The question will arise in the minds of many, Did he appear in a
spirit body or a human body, and how did he get the body if it was not
the one in which he was crucified? We may be sure that he did not arise
from the dead with a human body, because on one of these occasions he
appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors
fastened. (John 20:19-26) The only answer is that now, as a divine
being, he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any
time and upon any occasion that he desired. Mary supposed him to be a
gardener; two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a
stranger in the community. Again, none of the disciples recognized him
by his body on the sea of Galilee; likewise on other occasions when he
appeared unto them. On all these occasions he was recognized by his
actions, his words, and the familiar tone of his voice. It was hard to
convince Thomas, who declared he must have some more proof; therefore
the Lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order
that Thomas might be convinced. And when he was convinced, Jesus said to
him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are
they that have not seen, and yet have believed".--John 20:27-29.
[291]The purpose of Jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact
might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive. He had the
power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any
time; and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked
doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved
it when he disappeared. To prove to them that he was a real body of flesh
and bones he said to them: "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not
flesh and bones, as ye see me have". (Luke 24:39) This was not a spirit
body, but a body of flesh. The body with which he ascended on high and
which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and
live except by the miraculous power of Jehovah. The apostle Paul states:
"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". (1 Corinthians
15:50,51) In addition to this, St. John says: "It doth not yet appear
what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be
like him; for we shall see him as he is".--1 John 3:2.
[292]St. Paul was given a miraculous view of the Lord in glory. As he
was journeying to Damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from
heaven. He did not see the body of Jesus but only the light from his
glorious body. He heard a voice saying unto him: "I am Jesus". So
brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind; and the Lord
performed a miracle by removing his blindness. "And immediately there
fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight
forthwith and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:1-19) The apostle Paul
afterward relating this incident said: "And last of all he [Jesus] was
seen of me also, as one born out of due time". (1 Corinthians 15:8) Here
we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the Lord is. These
facts show that the bodies in which Jesus appeared after his resurrection
were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body,
but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his
disciples. Our Lord's human body, the one crucified, was removed from
the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been
an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet
instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the
giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The Scriptures do not reveal
what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts
2:27,31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it
somewhere to exhibit to the people in the Millennial age. The Scriptures
tell us that God miraculously hid the body of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6;
Jude 9); and Jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away
the body of Jesus. Jesus being resurrected a divine being, the express
image of the Father, we are sure that no man could look upon him and
live. (Exodus 33:20) Christ Jesus the Lord in heaven is a glorious
being, the fairest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and no human
eye has ever seen him since glorified, except the vision miraculously
given to St. Paul.
[293]The purpose of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when understood
is further proof that he was raised divine. As we have seen, the ransom
must be provided by a perfect human being going into death. This
ransom-price, namely, the value of a perfect human life, must be
presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind.
Unless this was done, the ransom would be of no avail and there would be
no purchase of the human race from death and its results. The apostle
Paul plainly states that Christ Jesus has entered into heaven itself,
now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) He is now a
great high priest who passed into the heavens, becoming the high priest
on behalf of those who come to God through him during the gospel age.
(Hebrews 4:14-16) On the typical atonement day, as we have seen, God
caused Israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the
sin-offering. The high priest appearing in the Most Holy and sprinkling
the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of Jesus appearing in heaven
itself, presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering.
This would have been impossible had not Jesus been resurrected a divine
being.
[294]Afterward Jesus Christ gave unto St. John a revelation by his
angel, which is recorded as the book of Revelation. In that he said: "I
am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18) Hell
means the tomb, the grave, the condition of death into which the whole
human race has been going for so many centuries. Death is the great
enemy and in due time the Lord will abolish or destroy both death and
the grave, as we shall see later on.
[295]As each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ and understands and appreciates the purpose, his heart is made
glad. Only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that
the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings on God's wonderful harp.
In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall
recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the
selection of the members of his body, which is called the church
(Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented
on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his
resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the
resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead.
[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even
as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if
Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that
there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of
the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is
our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found
false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised
up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For
if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not
raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which
are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have
hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen
from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since
by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as
in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in
his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's
at his coming. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and
authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under
his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."--1 Corinthians
15:12-26.
[297]Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his
ascension on high, all men are guaranteed one full, fair opportunity to
obtain everlasting life. God has made this provision and given this
guarantee, as St. Paul states. "Because he [God] hath appointed a day,
in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom
he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that
he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) We are now just coming
into that "appointed day", in which the world is beginning to know and
soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the
resurrection of our Lord. In that great day the Lord shall reign in glory
and then will be fulfilled his words: "Marvel not at this: for the hour
is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment".
(John 5:28,29, _R.V._) Of this we shall have more to say when we
discuss the string of God's great harp, restoration.
What is the first month of the Jewish religious year? ¶ 245.
On the fourteenth day of that month, A.D. 33, where was Jesus? ¶ 245.
What had his disciples expected him to do? ¶ 245.
What was their condition of mind, and what their hopes, after his death?
¶ 245.
What was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his
resurrection? ¶ 245.
How had the body of Jesus been prepared for burial? and what was the
purpose? ¶ 245.
Give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples
concerning Jesus' resurrection. ¶ 245.
Did the disciples understand the Scriptures at that time with reference
to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 246.
Is the student now able to understand Scriptures in the Old Testament
relative to the resurrection of the Lord that have been heretofore
little understood? ¶ 246.
Give some Scriptural texts of the Old Testament bearing upon the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. ¶ 247.
Did the Psalmist speak of Jesus going to hell? and if so, what was
meant? ¶ 247.
Give the Apostle's interpretation of this statement. ¶ 247.
What was meant by the statement of the Psalmist in Psalm 17:15? ¶ 248.
In whose likeness was Jesus awakened? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 248.
Did the Psalmist in Psalm 68:18 refer to Jesus' resurrection? and if so,
why? ¶ 248.
Quote the words of the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6,7) concerning Jesus. ¶ 249.
Did the Prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 249.
How did Jehovah refer to Christ's resurrection in the words of the
prophet Isaiah (53:6-11)? ¶ 250.
Had Jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead?
and if so, where? ¶ 251.
Why were the disciples sorry, as stated in Matthew 17:22,23? ¶ 251.
Why could not the disciples of Jesus understand the prophecies
concerning his resurrection? Quote a Scripture from the New Testament in
support of this answer. ¶ 251.
What was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251.
What had happened just five days before Jesus' death that increased such
hopes in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251.
What would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death
of the Master? ¶ 251.
In being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a
rich man, what prophecy did Jesus fulfill? ¶ 252.
On what day was Jesus crucified? and what was the day following? ¶ 253.
What were Jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath? ¶ 253.
When did the sabbath day end? ¶ 253.
What was done by Mary and others on the morning of the first day of the
week after Jesus' crucifixion? ¶ 254.
Who appeared unto them at the tomb? and what did the messenger say? ¶ 254.
What effect did this message from the angel have upon these women? and
what did they do? ¶ 254.
What proof have we here that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the
strings upon the harp of God? ¶ 255.
What effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the
resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 255.
How must this news have been received in heaven? ¶ 255.
What is the meaning of the word angel? ¶ 256.
Do these angels have access to Jehovah? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 256.
Is there Scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in
heaven? ¶ 256.
What Scriptural proof have we that God uses angels for messengers? Give
several instances. ¶ 256.
Is there any Scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the
interests of Jesus while here on earth? ¶ 256.
Cite Scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to
Jesus the babe. ¶ 256.
Is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive
steps of Jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection? ¶ 257.
Might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
¶ 257.
Who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus' tomb? ¶ 257.
When the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave was marked, what
effect must that have produced in heaven? ¶ 257.
Would the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate his approval by Jehovah?
¶ 258.
Would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in
heaven? ¶ 258.
Give Scriptural proof of the praise of Jesus Christ by the heavenly
hosts after his resurrection. ¶ 258.
What was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ? ¶ 259.
Being convinced of his resurrection, how did that affect Jesus'
disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth? ¶ 259.
Why should we have Scriptural proof of the resurrection of Christ Jesus?
¶ 260.
Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme
indicating his resurrection, contrary to the facts? ¶ 260.
What convulsion of nature occurred at the time of Jesus' death? ¶ 261.
Give the Scriptural proof of the burial of Jesus' body. ¶ 261.
Why did the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead? ¶ 262.
Did the Pharisees specially request of Pilate a special guard to be
placed over the tomb of Jesus? and if so, why? Give the Scriptural
proof. ¶ 262.
What did Pilate reply to them? ¶ 262.
Could God have resurrected Jesus Christ without removing the stone? ¶ 263.
How would this indicate the derision in which he held the Pharisees?
¶ 263.
Who rolled away the stone from the tomb? ¶ 264.
What did the Roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one
who rolled away the stone? ¶ 264.
Who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of Christ's resurrection?
¶ 265.
Relate what took place there between Mary Magdalene and the messenger
who appeared to her; and what was the message delivered to her? ¶ 265.
What other wrongful thing did the priests do, when they heard of Jesus
Christ's resurrection? ¶ 266.
Compare the testimony given by St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St.
John; and state whether there is any real difference. ¶¶ 267-270.
What other Apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted?
and what did he say about the resurrection of Jesus? ¶ 271.
What further testimony did St. John subsequently give concerning Jesus
Christ's resurrection? ¶ 272.
How many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus?
¶ 273.
Where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the
resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 273.
Did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony? ¶ 273.
The fact that they gave it immediately and boldly, what weight does that
add to its truthfulness? ¶ 274.
What was their motive in testifying of the Lord's resurrection? ¶ 274.
Did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect?
Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 274.
To what nature was Jesus Christ resurrected? ¶ 275.
What does it mean to have inherent life? ¶ 275.
What did Jesus say about the Father giving him this favor? ¶ 275.
When the Lord arose from the dead, was he made lower or higher than the
angels? ¶ 275.
When was he begotten and when born to the divine nature? ¶ 275.
What is the meaning of the terms Lord and Christ? ¶ 275.
What power and authority has the Lord possessed since his resurrection?
¶ 275.
What is the meaning of the name Jesus? ¶ 275.
State what the Scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection.
¶ 276.
Has God decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the
Lord Jesus? ¶ 277.
When was the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after arising
from the dead? ¶ 278.
With what body did he appear? ¶ 278.
Give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified.
¶ 278.
How did Mary recognize him? ¶ 278.
State how many times Jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high,
giving the Scriptural proof. ¶¶ 279-289.
Did he appear in a spirit or a human body? and how did he get the body
in which he appeared? ¶ 290.
How could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when
the door was locked? ¶ 290.
How did the disciples recognize him at the sea of Galilee and other
places? ¶ 290.
What was Jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples? ¶ 291.
Describe the body in which Jesus appeared behind locked doors; and what
did he say to his disciples then? ¶ 291.
Could the body in which Jesus was crucified ascend into heaven? and if
not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 291.
Describe his appearance to Saul on the way to Damascus. ¶ 292.
Did Saul see the body of Jesus at that time? ¶ 292.
What effect did the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul have upon him?
¶ 292.
What did St. Paul later say about Jesus appearing unto him? ¶ 292.
What does the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul prove with reference to
the bodies in which Jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection? ¶ 292.
What became of the body of the Lord that was crucified? ¶ 292.
Christ Jesus in glory possesses what kind of body? ¶ 292.
What did the resurrection of the Lord and his appearance in heaven have
to do with the ransom and sin-offering? ¶ 293.
Were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the
sin-offering? ¶ 293.
On the typical atonement day, through what ceremonies did the high
priest pass in connection with the sin-offering? ¶ 293.
What did this typify? ¶ 293.
In the Revelation of Jesus to St. John, what did he say about being the
one who was once dead? and what power does he now possess? ¶ 294.
What is meant by the terms hell and death as used in Revelation 1:18?
¶ 294.
Up to this time who have appreciated the value of Jesus' resurrection as
a part of the divine plan? ¶ 295.
Do the Scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of Christ Jesus?
¶ 295.
What argument did St. Paul produce against the contention that Christ
was not raised from the dead? ¶ 296.
What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee to mankind? ¶ 297.
Give the Scriptural proof of such guarantee. ¶ 297.
Where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed', as referred to
in Acts 17:31? ¶ 297.
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