March 31, 2024 - John 20:1-17

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March 31, 2024

John 20:1-17

Lessons Learned

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. He is risen!—He is risen indeed!

2. Each Gospel writer (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) tells the story of the Resurrection in his unique way. Dr. Don Laughlin

3. Parallel passages of the resurrection are:

Matthew 28:1-7, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9

4. The Resurrection is the greatest event in history.

5. By the resurrection of Jesus, God transformed the tragedy into a great victory.

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting?
 O Hades, where is your victory?”  1 Corinthians 15:54b-55

6. 1 Corinthians 15:23 refers to Jesus as the ‘first fruits’ of resurrection, guaranteeing that when the harvest is ready, all those expressing faith in Jesus will be resurrected with him. (See Leviticus 23:10 the Old Testament reference to ‘first fruits’).

7. Jesus reveals himself to those who are seeking Him.

8. The first to see Jesus were those who went looking for Him. (Those who seek Jesus will find Him.)

9. The chief priests and Pharisees remembered that Jesus said He would rise after three days, but His followers were not expecting Him to rise.

10. Grave robbery was common enough in Jesus’ day that the Roman Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54) ordered capital punishment for those convicted of looting graves and removing bodies.

·  This is why the first thought of Mary Magdalene and the women was the body was stolen. John 20:1-2

·  This is what gave traction to the chief priests and Pharisees’ explanation of the empty tomb. Matthew 28:11-15

11. “Jesus appearances on three successive Sunday nights set the stage for believers worshiping on Sundays.” Dr. Bob Utley

12. Mary Magdalene was the first follower of Jesus to see the risen Lord.

13. The stone was rolled away to let the people in, not to let Jesus out.

14. ‘Rabboni’ means my Great Teacher.

15. Spiritual beings are often described as wearing white.

·        Jesus’ garment at the transfiguration. Matthew 17:2

·        Angels at the tomb. John 20:12

·        Angels at the ascension. Acts 1:10

·        Elders around the throne of God. Revelation 4:4

16. Three reasons it was necessary for Jesus’ bodily resurrection. John MacArthur

·        To demonstrate Christ’s complete victory over sin.

·        To demonstrate the purpose of God in humanity is to give glory to God.

• The physical resurrection of Jesus offers visible proof that God was satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus.

17. Application:

·        Evidence of a risen Christ:

n  The empty tomb with grave clothes left behind. Matt. 28:6, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:3, John 20:6-7

n  The testimony of angels. Matt. 28:5-6, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:4-5

n Eyewitnesses. Matt. 28:8-9, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:4-5, John 20:14-16,19, 1 Cor. 15:6

·        Two consequences flow from the Resurrection of Jesus. (Penalty for sin was death but death could not hold Jesus in the grave.) See #5.

n  Sin was overcome.

n  Death was defeated. 

·        Believing in the resurrection of Jesus is necessary for salvation. Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4