He's Alive? I Don't Believe It!
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This morning we are continuing in our study of the Gospel of Mark.
If you’re new to our church today, it would be good for you to know that we practice a style of preaching called “Expository Preaching”. What that means is we believe the Bible is best taught by taking books of the Bible and then studying them from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in order to understand what they mean in our lives.
With that said, we are currently working our way through the Gospel of Mark, and believe it or not as we pick back up in chapter 16 today, we are one week away from ending this study.
I know some of you never thought you’d see the day but next Sunday we will wrap up the Gospel of Mark as we prepare to start the book of Acts in September.
I know some of you never thought you’d see the day but next Sunday we will wrap up the Gospel of Mark as we prepare to start the book of Acts in September.
I have to say, the gospel of Mark has been one of my favorite studies to date. I believe it has been a timely study for our church that has prepared us for more of what God wants to do in and through our church in the days to come.
Today we are picking back up in chapter 16 as we are nearly to the end of our study. Believe it or not, but next Sunday we will wrap up the Gospel of know some of you never thought you’d see the day. But I think we’d all have to admit that our study of Mark has helped us better understand who Jesus is and what it means to follow him.
With all sincerity, I believe the best days of our church are ahead of us. And I believe that God is going to use MCF to impact our county and our region with the Gospel in a supernatural way.
Opening Story
All that to say, I hope the Gospel of Mark has helped you grow in your understanding of Jesus, and I hope you’re ready for this Fall as we begin the book of Acts, because I believe God has big plans for MCF.
But before we get to far ahead of ourselves,
You may recall last week we ended our time together with the Empty Tomb, as the two Mary’s discovered the body of Jesus was missing? And as we learned, it wasn’t missing because it had been misplaced or stolen, but because Jesus had risen.
How do we know he rose? Well, for one, his body was gone, but more importantly we know because an angel, a divine messenger, declared it. Mark writes:
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark says after entering the tomb, the two Mary’s encounter an angel who told them that Jesus had risen from the grave. The angel then gives them specific instructions. Listen to what Mark tells us:
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
Mark 16:
The angel instructs them to go and tell Peter and the other disciples that Jesus has risen. That Jesus is alive!
And after some initial hesitation, that’s exactly what they did. In his Gospel, Luke writes:
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
That’s where we left off last week as the two Mary’s exit the empty tomb and begin to spread the word that Jesus has risen. The question on the table now is, “How will people respond to this news?” And maybe more importantly, “How will we respond?”
And we’ll get to that, but before we do, I think it’s important we take a moment and build a framework for what we are about to read. Because in order to understand this passage, we need to engage mentally and emotionally. And in order to do that, I want to begin by asking you to consider a couple of questions:
Question 1- Have you ever had somebody tell you something that seemed to good to be true? Anybody?
For example, let’s say somebody came up to you after church and said, “Hey did you hear that Pastor Brad is thinking about becoming a Chiefs fan?”
For some of you, that would be exciting news. You’d be like, “Finally, he has seen the light!”. But the truth is, that news is to good to be true. Because I think we all know I’m a die hard Broncos fan. Because unless I recently suffered a massive brain injury and lost all rational thought, that’s just to good to be true.
Question 2 - Have you ever had somebody tell you something that sounded to good to be true, and so you required evidence or proof in order to believe it?
For example, let’s just say the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl this next year. I know, it sounds to good to be true, but just play along with me. Let’s say they make it, but your unable to watch the game because you have to work. But while your working, somebody calls you and tells you the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. But that sounds to good to be true, so you’re going to need to see some evidence. You’re going to need to see the score for yourself or hear somebody on ESPN confirm that it’s true. And even then, you may wonder if somebody is playing a joke on you.
For example, in 2016 when Donald Trump won the Presidential election, even though he won a majority of the electoral votes, there were people who just couldn’t believe it, and still don’t believe it. In their minds there has to be a conspiracy. In their minds he didn’t win, even though the votes say otherwise.
Here’s another example, and after I share it, you’re probably going to think I’m some kind of nut. But, some of you already think that, so here goes. History tells us on July 20th, 1969, Apollo 11 touched down on the moon and Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. An amazing moment in human history.
But if I’m being honest with you, I have a hard time believing that really happened. And when I say that I know what some of you are already thinking. You’re thinking, “Oh no. Are you one of those pastor? Are you one of those conspiracy theorists? Please don’t tell me I need to find a different church.”
No, I’m not a conspiracy theorist. To be honest, I just struggle believing we had the technological capabilities to do that in 1969. Yes, I know they have footage, I’ve watched it. Yes, I know they claim to have moon rocks, I’ve touched one. Yes, I’ve been to the National Air and Space Museum and I’ve seen all of the evidence. But for whatever reason I struggle with the moon landing. And to be honest, until I can look though a high powered telescope and with my own eyes see the flag or some kind of evidence that was left on the moon, I’m going to have doubts about the moon landing.
I know, some of you will never look at me the same again.
Now, you might be wondering, “Ok pastor, now that you’ve weirded us out, what do these questions have to do with the message today?”
I ask you to consider these questions, because in much the same way, the news of Jesus’s resurrection is just going to seem to good to be true. And as a result, even his disciples are going to have a hard time believing it. Some are going to automatically dismiss it as being made up. Some are going to doubt it. And some are going to require factual evidence.
And the reason today’s passage is so important, is because without the belief in the resurrection, there can be no Christianity. Without the resurrection, Christianity is a pointless faith. The Apostle Paul puts it like this. In he writes:
Without the resurrection, Christianity is a pointless faith. The Apostle Paul puts it like this. In he writes:
Without the resurrection, Christianity is a pointless faith. The Apostle Paul himself says this. In he writes:
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Paul says, “As Christians, everything we believe about this life and the life to come is based on the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, Christian faith is futile.” In fact, he goes on to say:
32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Paul says, if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then why go through all the trouble to be a Christians. If he did’t rise, we might as well live it up. We might as well sleep around, get wasted, and live like there is no tomorrow. Because without the resurrection, without a risen savior, there’s nothing worth living for beyond this life.
All that to say, without the resurrection, there is no hope in this life or the life to come. That’s why the resurrection of Jesus is so important.
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
So, if it’s that important, how can we be certain what we believe about Jesus is true? How can we know we’re not wasting our time? How do we know what these two women are saying isn’t to good to be true? What evidence is there that will give us the certainty we need? I think those are great questions.
So, here’s what we’re going to do this morning. First, we’re going to read through the passage. Second, I’m going to show you what the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is. And third, I’m going to show you what it takes to know with certainty that the resurrection took place.
You see, what it boils down to is belief. Belief in the resurrection. If we can’t get over that hurdle, then we can’t follow Jesus. So, with that as our basis.
So, that’s what our passage is about today. Today we’re going to discover that the resurrection isn’t to good to be true. We’re going to see there is evidence to support it. And my hope is, that you’ll walk out of here today having experienced the resurrecting power of Jesus in your life.
So, here’s what we’re going to do. First, we’re going to read through the passage. Second, I’m going to show you what the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is. And third, I’m going to show you what it takes to experience the truth of the resurrection in your life.
So, with that as our basis. Let’s jump back into and find out what the response is as news of the resurrection begins to spread. Picking back up in verse 9, Mark writes:
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
Mark begins by giving us some key details concerning the proclamation and evidence of the resurrection. So, that’s probably where we need to start since it takes evidence to believe that something is true.
So, what is the evidence of the resurrection? Mark presents it in a strategic way:
So, what is the evidence? Before we get to far into the passage, I want to begin by presenting you with the evidence of Jesus’s resurrection.
Before we get to far into the passage, I want to begin by presenting you with the evidence of Jesus’s resurrection.
First, he gives us three separate instances where evidence is presented to three different groups of people:
The second appearance takes place as two unnamed disciples are walking down the road.
And the third appearance is to the 11 disciples who spent three years of their life with Jesus.
The first takes place with a woman named Mary Magdalene.
The second, with two unnamed disciples.
And the third, with the 11 disciples who have been with Jesus from the beginning.
You might ask, “Why does Mark give us three separate instances, and How is that evidence?” He does it for two reasons:
Number one, Mark is once again establishing witnesses. Mark wants us to see it’s not just one or two people that see the resurrected Jesus, it’s several. In fact, by the the time Jesus ascends into heaven, the Apostle Paul tells us that over 500 people witnessed him. In Paul writes:
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
All that to say, Mark is once again establishing credible witnesses.
Number two, Mark has selected specific witnesses. In other words, these aren’t random witnesses. Mark selects them for a reason. We’ll talk more about why in moment.
So, that’s phase 1. Mark gives us key witnesses for the resurrection.
Second, Mark uses a “keyword”. Notice with each occurrence he uses the word “Appeared”. In verse 9 Mark says, “…he appeared first to Mary Magdalene...” In verse 12 Mark says, “…he appeared in another form to two of them...” And in verse 14 Mark says, “…he appeared to the eleven themselves...”
So, why is the word “appeared” so important? It’s important because it represents the evidence. In the Greek it’s the idea that he, Jesus, “became visible”. In other words, the evidence for the resurrection is the physical appearance of Jesus to these witnesses.
That’s why
Now, you might be thinking, “Hold on pastor? That’s the evidence your going to give me this morning? I thought you were going to give me something credible. Something tangible. I mean don’t you have some footage you can show me? Don’t you have some DNA evidence from the Discovery Channel? Isn’t there something tangible you can give me that will prove Jesus rose from the dead?” Nope, that’s it. All I can give you is the appearance of Jesus to these individuals. And to be frank, that’s all we need.
Let me show you what I mean. Mark’s strategy here isn’t to give you evidence that comes by pictures or footage. It’s not evidence that can be confirmed by the history channel, in a lab, or from an archaeological dig. It’s evidence that can only be experienced through a direct encounter with the risen Jesus, because the evidence is the risen Jesus himself.
You see, that’s why Mark gives us three occurrences. Because each occurence is an encounter. And with each encounter these individuals are presented with the evidence as they encounter the risen Jesus.
Now, you might be thinking, “Well that’s just great Pastor. I’m glad they got to encounter the risen Jesus. I’m glad he appeared to them. But Pastor, how does that help us? How does that help me? I wasn’t there. I’m not Mary Magdalene. I’m not one of those two disciples. I’m not one of the eleven. I’m not even one of the 500 who saw him. How does that prove anything to me? I mean at least with the moon landing we have some footage. You’re asking me to believe something with no tangible proof.”
And that’s why Mark gives us three occurrences and three different groups of people. Because Marks goal isn’t to prove Jesus has risen. His goal is to show us how Jesus proves his resurrection to us. And he does it through a personal encounter.
His goal is to show us how Jesus proves his resurrection to us. How does Jesus do it? He does it through personal encounters. So, instead of asking, “Where’s the evidence of a risen Jesus?” The question we need to ask is, “How do I encounter the risen Jesus?”
So, instead of asking, “Where’s the evidence of a resurrected Jesus?” The question we need to ask is, “How do I encounter the resurrected Jesus?” Because that’s where you’ll find the evidence you need.
Because you’re right, you’re not one of those that physically saw the resurrected Jesus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an encounter with Him. That doesn’t mean you can’t experience exactly what Mary, the two disciples, the eleven, and the 500 did. You can experience that encounter. You can encounter the risen Jesus.
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
So, how do you encounter the risen Jesus? Marks about to show us as he introduces us to these three encounters. So, let’s go back to the passage and let’s discover how we too can encounter the resurrected Jesus. Mark writes:
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
Based on this first appearance of Jesus, in order to encounter the resurrected Jesus, here’s what we must be willing to do:
You must recognize your desperate need to be saved.
2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
It’s interesting to note that Mark says the first person Jesus appeared to was a woman named Mary Magdalene. So, a good question would be, “Why her? Why does Jesus first appear to her? Why not Peter? Why not the disciples? Why does Jesus appear first to a woman named Mary Magdalene?”
Well, in a way, Mark tells us. Notice the detail Mark gives us concerning Mary Magdalene. He says of her, “…from whom he had cast out seven demons.”
Apparently this is a woman that Jesus has ministered to and healed in the past. A woman who was tormented by demon possession. The Gospel writer Luke gives us a little more information concerning her past history. Luke writes:
Jesus reveals himself to the bound and broken.
1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
Jesus reveals himself to those seeking truth.
Jesus reveals himself to those who doubt.
So, what does this tell us? It tells us prior to meeting Jesus, Mary Magdalene could have played a star role in the Exorcist. She was a troubled woman full of demonic influence and turmoil.
And while we aren’t given the details of her past life, we can only imagine what her life prior to meeting Jesus must have looked like. More than likely it was a living nightmare full of immoral living, poor choices, and no hope. It was a life out of control.
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
But that all changed when she met Jesus. In her encounter with Jesus back in , Jesus delivered her and set her free from the demonic influence. And it changed her life. For the first time she had hope. For the first time she had purpose. For the first time she had something to live for.
And from that point on she devoted her life to Jesus:
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Titus 3:3-
She followed him throughout his entire ministry.
She stood at the foot of the cross as he breathed his last.
She helped Joseph and Nicodemus bury his body.
And finally, even when he’d been dead for two days, she shows up at the tomb to anoint his body. Because of what Jesus did for her, even in his death she’s a fully devoted follower. While the other disciples are hiding, she’s still following Jesus, she’s still seeking him.
Why? Because she understands her desperate need for Jesus. Jesus did what nobody else could do for her. He brought peace into her life and gave her hope.
So, it shouldn’t surprise us that Jesus would appear to her first. Of all people she understands her desperate need for Jesus.
And so Jesus appears to her. The Apostle John records the details of this appearance. He writes:
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
Even when she thinks he’s dead, Mary is still searching for Jesus. She’s desperate to find him. And in her desperation, Jesus appears to her.
And what was true for Mary Magdalene is true for all of us. The truth is, if you want to experience the resurrected Jesus, you have to recognize your desperate need for him. You have to come to a place where you recognize without him, you’re toast. Without him, there’s no hope. Without him, you might as well pack it up.
Because the fact is, while he came to save all mankind, Jesus appears to those who recognize their desperate need for him.
Paul writes:
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
You see when we recognize our need for Jesus. When we recognize how desperate we are, that’s when he appears to us. That’s when his resurrecting power becomes evident. Because in that moment he does something we could never do. In that moment he resurrects us. He delivers us, he transforms us, he restores us, and he makes us new. Like Mary Magdalene we experience his resurrected power as he delivers and restores us.
And the truth is, you can’t explain this to someone or prove that it’s true. Because it’s not something that can be explained or proved, it’s something that has to be experienced.
It’s like the story of the blind man in . In the story Jesus heals a blind man who has been blind from birth. But then the healing is questioned as the Pharisees seek out evidence for the healing. Listen to how John records their search for the evidence:
18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
I love that. The man says, “Listen, you want evidence? I’m sorry, I don’t have any evidence. I don’t have a note from the eye doctor saying I was blind. All I can tell you is what I’ve experienced. All I can tell you is that I was blind, but now I can see!”
You see, an encounter with Jesus isn’t something you can explain, it’ something you have to experience. And you can only do that if you recognize your blind and in need.
So, if you want to encounter the resurrected Jesus, it begins by you and I coming to terms with our need for Him. To recognize only Jesus has the ability to heal us. Only Jesus can give us hope. And when you come to that place of acknowledgment, like Mary Magdalene, can he appear to you.
That leads us to the second encounter. Mark writes:
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Mark says the second appearance took place out in the country, and involved not one, but two individuals this time. And at first glance it might appear there isn’t much to learn from this appearance, but the gospel writer Luke gives us the details of what took place. So, let’s jump over to and listen in as Jesus appears to these two men. Luke writes:
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24
second appearance of Jesus takes place out in the country as two disciples are on a journey. And at first glance it might appear there isn’t much to learn from this appearance, but the gospel writer Luke gives us the details of this appearance.
To be honest, there is a lot in this passage we could focus on, but what I want you to see in this passage is how Jesus made himself known to these two men. In other words, how they encountered him. So, how did it happen?
Luke says it happened as these two men were walking and discussing all that had happened. In other words, they were talking about all that had happened with Jesus. Because at this point, they’ve heard the rumors. They’ve heard the claims of Mary Magdalene that Jesus is alive. And like so many, they’re wondering if this news is to good to be true.
And apparently, as they’re walking, Jesus begins to walk with them. But Luke says initially they didn’t recognize that it was Him. Why didn’t they recognize him? Luke tells us. Luke says:
And as they were walking, Jesus began to walk with them. But Luke says initially they didn’t recognize that it was Jesus. Why don’t they recognize him? Luke says it’s because their eyes were kept from recognizing him. In other words, they’re still spiritually blind and don’t see Jesus for who He is.
16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
In other words, because they still doubt, they can’t see the resurrected Jesus.
So, what changes their doubt? What helps them see? Luke says it changes as Jesus begins to explain the scriptures to them. Luke writes:
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:27
In that moment, as these two disciples grapple with the resurrection of Jesus, Jesus points them to the Bible. Luke says beginning with Moses he interprets the scriptures concerning himself. In other words, Jesus reveals himself to them through God’s Word.
So, where does he start? Luke says he begins with Moses. Meaning, Jesus begins with the book of Genesis.
He begins with the fall of man in and shows them the promise God makes concerning a redeemer. That one day He will provide redemption for mankind.
He then moves to and shows them how the promised seed would come through Abraham. That through Abraham’s seed and the nation of Israel, the promised redeemer would come.
From there he goes to and shows them how god promised King David it would be through his line the promised redeemer would come. That the redeemer would be a son of David.
He then moves to and he shows them how the redeemer would suffer. How he would be like a lamb taken to slaughter. How he would pay the price for our sins.
He then goes to the Psalms, and he shows them . He shows them the cross. He shows them the victory of the cross. He shows them that the cross isn’t the end, but the beginning.
From Genesis to Malachi Jesus unfolds the scriptures and shows them how it’s all about Him.
And then it all culminates as they’re eating dinner with him, and as Jesus takes the bread, it clicks. In this moment of communion they see the resurrected Jesus. Luke writes:
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Luke says their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And they recall how their hearts burned within them as Jesus opened the scriptures to them. They were blind, but now they can see.
And as a result they’re eyes are opened.
So, what’s this saying to us? It’s saying, if you want encounter the resurrected Jesus:
2. You must be open to the truth of God’s Word.
This is one of the main reasons the Bible is so important. Because it’s not just a manual of how to live. It’s not just a book of do’s and don’ts. It’s not just a book of good ideas for moral living. No, the Bible is so much more than that. The Bible is the story of redemption. The Bible is about Jesus. Every book, every chapter, every story points to Him. The Bible is God’s revelation of His son to us.
John writes in John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1
And in verse 14 he writes:
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
You see, the Bible is all about Jesus. Everything about it points to Him!
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”)
So, what’s this saying to us? What it’s saying is, if you want to encounter the resurrected Jesus, you have to open yourself to God’s Word. You have to open yourself to its truth. You have to allow it to transform you as Jesus reveals himself to you through it.
:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
To be frank, that’s why we practice expository preaching here at MCF. Every week when we open the Bible we are allowing Jesus to reveal himself to us. I don’t know about you, but I want Jesus to reveal himself to me. I want God to reveal truth to me. I want to read the Bible and and let the truth of who Jesus is burn in my heart.
But for that to happen, you have to take God’s Word for what it is. To accept it as the truth. The Apostle Paul writes:
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
The fact of the matter is, until you open yourself to the truth of God’s Word and allow it to transform you, you won’t be able to see the resurrected Jesus.
These two disciples had read these passages a hundred times. They were familiar with the Bible stories. But they had never connected the dots. But now Jesus connects the dots, and they see the scriptures for what they are. They are the story of God’s redemption. They are the revelation of Jesus. And as they open their heart to that truth, they see the resurrected Jesus.
And again, this isn’t evidence that can be explained. It’s evidence that a person must experience as they open their heart to God’s Word. As they allow the truth of the Bible to take hold in their life. As they allow the Holy Spirit to begin to speak to them and soften their heart. God’s Word has the power to do that, if you’ll let it. So, how do you do that?
This leads us to the final encounter. Mark writes:
So, how does this apply to us?
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
Mark says after appearing to Mary, and after appearing to the two disciples, Jesus appears to the eleven.
So, who are the eleven? They are the original 12 disciples minus 1. Judas the betrayer is no longer with them, and now only the 11 remain. The 11 who were the closest to Jesus. The 11 who had seen all the miracles. The 11 who had witnessed everything. And what’s interesting about the eleven, is they are the ones who doubt the most.
How do we know? We know because every time somebody reports that they’ve seen the resurrected Jesus, they refuse to believe. When Mary Magdalene reports her encounter Mark writes, “…they did not believe it...”
In fact Luke records their response to Mary’s news. He writes:
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
They thought she was making it up. They said, “Mary, have you been watching fake news again!”
I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.
But it’s not just Mary they don’t believe. Mark says when the two disciples came back from the country and gave their report, they didn't’ believe them either. Mark writes, “…but they did not believe them either...”
So, why wont’ they believe? Why are they so full of doubt? Mark tells us. Mark writes, “…he appeared to the elven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”
Mark says the encounter takes place at dinner time. He writes, “…he appeared to the elven themselves as they were reclining at the table...”
Mark says the encounter takes place at dinner time. He writes, “…he appeared to the elven themselves as they were reclining at the table...”
Unlike the first two appearances, this isn’t the most pleasant encounter with Jesus. In fact, Mark says when Jesus appears to the eleven, he rebukes them. So, what’s going on here? Why does Jesus rebuke them? Mark tells us. He says it’s because of their unbelief and their hardness of heart.
Here’s what this is saying. In order to encounter the resurrected Jesus:
3. You have to open your heart to Jesus.
You see the problem for the eleven disciples is their hearts. In their hearts they’ve dismissed the possibility that Jesus is alive. It’s not even something their willing to consider. Regardless of what others are saying. Regardless of what others have experienced. Their hearts are closed of to the idea of a resurrected Jesus. Their hearts are hard.
And that my friends is what keeps people from putting their faith in the resurrected Jesus. The truth is, until a person allows the truth to penetrate their heart, they’ll never believe in a resurrected Jesus.
Sure, in their mind they may believe in Jesus, but only from a cognitive standpoint. But Jesus wants more than our mind. He wants our heart as well. And if you want to see Jesus for who He really is, you have to give him your heart.
The question then is, “How do you do that?” Well, to some degree Mark tells us. Because according to Jesus, it begins by ridding yourself of disbelief. Jesus says you have unbelief in your heart.
You see their hearts are hard because they refuse to believe in a resurrected Jesus, and it’s keeping them from seeing him.
And what was true for them, is true for many. When we close our hearts to truth, it blinds us.
But here’s what’s so amazing about Jesus. Even when we refuse to believe, he keeps trying to reveal himself to us. Why? Because he loves us. Because he wants us to know Him and experience the salvation he offers us. And so in his grace and mercy he keeps knocking on the door of our heart.
A great example of this would be the Apostle Paul. A man who loved God but refused to see Jesus as the resurrected savior. In fact, a man who became devoted to destroying that belief.
But God love Paul and had a plan for Paul. And so he kept knocking, right up to the point where he literally knocked Paul off of his high horse. We read about it in Acts. In when Paul, then known as Saul, is on his way to persecute Christians, and on a dusty road to the city of Damascus, Jesus appears to him. Luke writes:
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
In this moment Jesus appears to Paul and he reveals himself to him. In this moment Jesus extends grace and mercy to Paul. Paul later talks about it in his letter to the Galatians. He writes:
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15
Paul says it was by His grace that Jesus revealed himself to Him. Even when he refused to believe, Jesus appeared to Him.
That’s the kind of God we serve. A God who loves us so much that he goes out of his way to show himself to us.
And in , in his grace, he appears to the 11 even when they refuse to believe. And even for one, he goes above and beyond. In the gospel of John, John writes:
To encounter the risen Jesus, you have to first recognize your desperate need for him.
To encounter the risen Jesus, you have to be open to the truth.
To encounter of the risen Jesus, you have to get rid of your hard and complacent heart.
What Jesus had predicted on three occassions had taken place. Because he was sinless, because He’s God, death was unable to hold him. Luke puts it like this in :
First, that Jesus died, paid the price for sin, and rose again.
Second, that his payment for sin is sufficient for your salvation.
Without those two key beliefs working together, it is impossible for a person to be saved. And as a result, those are the two key factors that everybody gets tripped up on. And it happens in a couple of different ways:
First it happens when a person is unwilling to believe that Jesus died, paid the price for sin, and rose again.
Second, it happens when a person chooses religion over relationship. In other words they may believe that Jesus died and rose again, but they don’t believe his payment was sufficient. And that’s where religion comes in as we invents ways to try and supplement the work that Jesus did. Whether it be through church attendance, confession, baptism, or good works, we want to do our part. But the truth is, Jesus doesn’t need our help to save us. He shouldered that all by himself on the cross. All he’s asking us to do now is believe that his sacrifice is enough. That’s it.
You see, what it boils down to is belief. Belief in the resurrection and belief in what it accomplished.
What Jesus had predicted on three occassions had taken place. Because he was sinless, because He’s God, death was unable to hold him. Luke puts it like this in :
24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
The news that Jesus paid the price for our sin.
That death has been defeated.
That Jesus has provided us a way to be right with God.
That death has been defeated. That Jesus has provided us a way to be right with God. That when we die, we don’t die and we will be with the Lord. With him for all eternity. In , John the revelator describes eternity like this:
That when we die, we don’t die and we will be with the Lord for all eternity. In , John the revelator describes eternity like this:
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
The question now is, “Will we put our faith in that?” In other words, will we believe
Because the end of the day, that’s what your eternal soul rests upon. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Paul says, “Everything we believe about this life and the life to come is based on the resurrection of Jesus. Without that our faith is futile.” In fact, he goes on to say:
32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Paul says, if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then we might as well party it up, buy a chiefs jersey, and die. Because without the resurrection, without a risen savior, you’d be better off to put your hope in the tooth fairy than Jesus.
All that to say, if you want to be a Christian, you have to be willing to put your faith in two undeniable facts:
First, that Jesus died, paid the price for sin, and rose again.
Second, that his payment is sufficient for your salvation.
Without those two key factors working together, it is impossible for a person to be saved. And as a result, that’s why those are the two key factors that everybody gets tripped up on. And it happens in a couple of different ways:
First it happens when a person is unwilling to believe that Jesus died, paid the price for sin, and rose again. As we said last week, there are skeptics out there that struggle with believing a dead man could live again.
Second, it happens when a person may believe that Jesus died and rose again, but they don’t believe his payment was sufficient. For that person there has to be more to it. And that’s where religion comes in as man invents ways to try and supplement the work that Jesus did. Whether it be through church attendance, confession, baptism, or good works, we want to do our part. But the truth is, Jesus doesn’t need our help to save us. He shouldered that all by himself on the cross. All he’s asking us to do now is believe that he did. That’s it.
You see, what it boils down to is belief. Belief in the resurrection and belief in what it accomplished.
It’s true today, and it was true back in . Because
All that to say, without the resurrection, without our belief that Jesus did rise from the dead, our faith is useless.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
:
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
Luke 24:
8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
Jesus goes out of his way to reveal himself to the eleven, and in that moment their hearts are softened, and they believe.
17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Matthew 28
Here’s what this means for you and me. If you want to encounter the resurrected Jesus, it starts in your heart. It starts as you open your heart to Him. And for that to happen, you have to set your unbelief aside, and allow the risen savior to show himself to you.
You see, the question isn’t, “Where is the evidence of a resurrected Jesus?” The question is, “Are you willing to have an encounter with the resurrected Jesus?”
Are you ready to admit your need for him?
Are you ready to open yourself to the truth of God’s Word?
Are you ready to open your heart to Him?
Because if you are, the resurrected Jesus will appear to you, and in that moment, you’ll have all the evidence you need as you experience the transformational work of Jesus in your life. You’ll have all the proof you need as the resurrected Jesus resurrects you.
Let’s Pray
John 20:25-27
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
John
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.