13.2 The Stone Was Rolled Away
Testimonies and Evidence of the Resurrection

Read Mark 16:1–8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1–8. What do these passages have in common?

In Mark 16:1–8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, we find central elements of the Christian message: death, burial, resurrection, and the appearance of the risen Christ. Both passages testify to the heart of the Christian faith—that Jesus did not remain in the tomb but was raised from the dead.

The Gospels and Paul’s letters confirm these four essential points: Jesus died, was buried, rose again, and was seen by many witnesses. The empty tomb and the eyewitness accounts, as described in 1 Corinthians 15, strengthen the historical and spiritual foundation of the resurrection.

The stone that was rolled away symbolizes more than just a physical act—it stands for Jesus’ triumph over death and sin. The empty tomb is the key to the Christian hope that we too have new life through faith in Him.

For many people, belief in the resurrection may be difficult to understand. However, as Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15, the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Gospel. If God could create the universe, it is only reasonable to believe that He also has the power to raise Jesus from the dead.

Additionally, there are several pieces of evidence that support the resurrection: the empty tomb, the inability of Jesus’ opponents to produce His body, the numerous eyewitness accounts, and the radical transformation in the lives of the disciples and the Apostle Paul. These individuals were willing to die for their belief in the risen Christ—a strong testimony to their conviction.

Thus, the resurrection is not only a historical fact but also the core of our hope. The stone was rolled away, and with it, the way was cleared for our new life in Christ, full of hope and promise.

What would you answer if someone asked you: What evidence do you have for the resurrection of Christ?

If someone asked me for evidence of the resurrection of Christ, I would point to a combination of historical, logical, and personal aspects:

1. The Empty Tomb: Historically, the empty tomb is one of the best-documented aspects of the resurrection. Even critical historians, including atheists, agree that Jesus’ tomb was empty. If His body had still been there, the religious and Roman leaders would have presented it to immediately refute the rumors of the resurrection. But that did not happen.

2. Eyewitness Accounts: The Gospels and Paul report that many people saw the risen Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul lists eyewitnesses, including more than 500 people who saw Jesus alive. These reports come from different individuals and groups, making the likelihood of a collective hallucination effect extremely low.

3. The Radical Transformation of the Disciples: After Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples were fearful and hid. But after the resurrection, they experienced an astonishing transformation—from frightened individuals to bold proclaimers of the Gospel, willing to die for their faith. This transformation makes it unlikely that they believed in a lie or fabricated the events.

4. The Conversion of Paul: Paul was a determined persecutor of the early Christians. However, after his encounter with the risen Christ, he completely changed his life and became one of the greatest advocates of the Gospel. This dramatic conversion suggests that Paul must have had an overwhelming experience.

5. The Rise of Christianity: Within a few decades after Jesus’ crucifixion, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire despite intense persecution. This rapid expansion was based on the testimony of those who claimed that Jesus had risen from the dead and were willing to die for this conviction.

6. Logical Conclusion: If one believes in God as the Creator, the resurrection as a divine act is plausible. The God who created life can also restore it. Thus, the resurrection becomes a reasonable consequence of God’s omnipotence.

In summary: Historical facts, eyewitness accounts, the radical transformation of the disciples and Paul, and the rise of Christianity are strong indications that the resurrection is not a myth but a real historical and spiritual event.

The resurrection of Christ holds not only historical and theological significance but also a deep connection to our daily lives and faith. It offers us a perspective of faith that can shape our daily thinking, actions, and experiences:

1. Hope in Daily Life: The resurrection is the central symbol of hope in the Christian faith. The stone that was rolled away signifies that nothing—even death—can separate us from God’s love. This hope helps us cope with challenges, crises, and fears because we know that God has the final word and that we have new life in Him.

2. New Life in Christ: Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb, our old life is left behind through the resurrection. Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 15 and elsewhere—through the resurrection, we live a new life in Christ. In our daily lives, this means that we can experience changes through God’s power, whether in dealing with our weaknesses, relationships, or decisions.

3. Faith in God’s Power: The resurrection shows that God has the power to make the impossible possible. This strengthens our faith in daily life when we face situations that seem impossible. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead gives us the faith that God can work in our life circumstances as well.

4. Forgiveness and New Beginnings: The resurrection is proof that Jesus has conquered death and sin. This means that we can live in God’s forgiveness and grace. In our daily lives, this truth gives us the freedom to live in forgiveness—both toward ourselves and others.

5. Courage to Be a Witness: The disciples experienced a radical change after the resurrection—from fearful individuals to bold proclaimers. Likewise, through faith in the risen Christ, we are empowered to live out our faith courageously and share it with others. The resurrection assures us that we need not fear, for Jesus has overcome death.

6. Living Hope: As stated in 1 Peter 1:3, God has given us a “living hope” through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not just an idea but a living reality that accompanies and sustains us in every life situation. It influences how we view our future—not with fear but with confidence.

In summary: The resurrection of Christ not only means that the stone was rolled away from the tomb but also that obstacles and blockages can be overcome in our lives. It gives us hope, new strength, and the assurance that through Christ, we can walk each day in a new life—with courage, faith, and joy.

The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that there is always hope, even when everything seems lost.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-2-the-stone-was-rolled-away-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 23, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 11

¹ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

² And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

³ Give us day by day our daily bread.

⁴ And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

⁵ And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

⁶ For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

⁷ And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

⁸ I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

⁹ And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

¹⁰ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

¹¹ If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

¹² Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

¹³ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

¹⁴ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

¹⁵ But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

¹⁶ And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

¹⁸ If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

¹⁹ And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

²⁰ But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

²¹ When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

²² But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

²³ He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

²⁴ When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

²⁵ And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

²⁶ Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

²⁷ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

²⁸ But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

²⁹ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

³⁰ For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

³¹ The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

³² The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

³³ No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

³⁴ The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

³⁵ Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

³⁶ If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

³⁷ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

³⁸ And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

³⁹ And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

⁴⁰ Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

⁴¹ But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

⁴² But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

⁴³ Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

⁴⁴ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

⁴⁵ Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

⁴⁶ And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

⁴⁷ Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

⁴⁸ Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

⁴⁹ Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

⁵⁰ That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

⁵¹ From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

⁵² Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

⁵³ And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

⁵⁴ Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke Chapter 11 is a significant chapter where Jesus not only teaches the Lord’s Prayer but also explains fundamental principles about prayer, divine provision, and dealing with evil. His words and actions offer deep lessons about God’s will and the true relationship between humans and their Creator. The chapter also provides a critical confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes, exposing the hypocrisy and false piety of these religious leaders.

Commentary:

The Lord’s Prayer, as presented in Luke 11, is not merely a formal instruction on prayer but a deep expression of trust in God’s will and provision. It reflects the essential needs of humanity—both spiritual and physical—and emphasizes forgiveness, protection from temptation, and the longing for God’s kingdom. The subsequent parable of the persistent friend demonstrates that God is willing to answer prayers, especially when offered with persistence and trust. Jesus teaches that God’s love surpasses human love and that the Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

The second part of the chapter involves Jesus’ confrontation with evil spirits and the accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus firmly rejects this accusation, pointing out the absurdity of the idea that Satan would work against himself. His teachings about the return of evil spirits warn that an empty faith without a constant connection to God is dangerous.

Finally, Jesus pronounces strong woes against the Pharisees and scribes. These leaders, who outwardly display piety, neglect the essential aspects of justice, love, and mercy. Their hypocrisy and desire for recognition and power are sharply condemned, and Jesus exposes their inner corruption.

Summary:

Luke 11 begins with a teaching on prayer, providing us with the Lord’s Prayer and showing how we should ask God for provision, forgiveness, and protection. It highlights the need to trust in God’s generosity and the invitation to remain persistent in prayer. As the chapter progresses, Jesus clarifies that true divine power does not operate through deception or hypocrisy but through a direct connection to God. His sharp criticism of the religious leaders shows that outward piety without inner purity and love is meaningless. Jesus calls for a life characterized by justice, love, and authentic devotion to God.

 

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-09-2024-luke-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/