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ADULT STS LESSON 146 FRUITS AND TITHES

DCLM ADULT STS LESSON 73 RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND THE GREAT COMMISSION

MEMORY VERSE:And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46,47). 

TEXTS: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53

The resurrection of Christ is one of the most significant events about His life on earth. Like His conception, it was unprecedented, supernatural and unique in all generations. Christianity was founded on the resurrection of Christ as it is one of the central truths of the gospel. It is the cornerstone of the gospel message and New Testament faith. Angels announced it; the Roman soldiers guarding His tomb acknowledged it; and multitudes of believers who saw Him before He ascended to heaven confirmed it. The resurrection of Christ guarantees victory over sin, Satan and death for those who are quickened by His life-giving Spirit (Romans 6:5-11; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). When Christ rose from the dead, He scheduled a meeting with His disciples at Galilee: Then said Jesus unto them… go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me” (Matthew 28:10). While the disciples were still wondering about the authenticity of the news of His resurrection, the Lord met with them and gave them a charge which will bring about the continuation of the task that He came to accomplish on earth. This charge today is known as the great commission. Believers have the infallible proofs of Christ’s bodily resurrection as a great bastion of hope and comfort. This truth emboldens believers to go into all parts of the world, turn men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.

1.   PROPHECIES AND PROOFS OF CHRIST’S BODILY RESURRECTION 

Matthew 28:1 -12; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-48; Psalm 16:9,10; Matthew 16:21; Acts 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:38,20; Revelation 1:17,18

The resurrection of Christ happened as it was foretold in the Scriptures. He re-echoed it to His disciples before it occurred. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). Like His resurrection, every aspect of His life – virgin birth, ministry, death and burial – was recorded by the prophets and every prediction and prophecy came to pass. The accurate fulfilment of the prophecies of His resurrection thus assures believers of the certainty of His second coming and their own resurrection. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept… But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:20,23). The proofs of Christ’s resurrection abound in the scriptures. There are also historical facts to support this claim.

One, the angel declared unto Mary Magdalene and other women that came to the tomb to anoint Christ that “… he is not here: behold the place where they laid  him” (Mark 16:6). They were astonished at the sight of an empty tomb.

Two, Peter and John ran to the tomb, and what they saw was the burial clothes, because Christ had risen in bodily form.And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself (John 20:7).

Three, Jesus appeared unto several of His disciples after His resurrection (Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:13-31,36-51). Four, Christ showed them the evidence of His crucifixion: the nail marks in His hands and feet that were pierced. Behold my hands and my feet, that it Is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39).

Five. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost was a proof of the reality that  Christ is risen from the dead and exalted at the right hand of God as He had promised and predicted (John 16:7).

Six, the apostles preached the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem without fear and those who opposed Christ could not refute it (Acts 5:27- 33).

Seven, the willingness of Christ’s disciples to die for what they knew to be true. Stephen died by stoning (Acts 7:54), James the son of Zebedee died by the sword in the hands of Herod (Acts 12:2), and even Paul, an erstwhile persecutor of the Church, was killed on an account of his faith in Christ.

Eight, the great number of believers in different generations who experienced the presence of Christ in their hearts since the resurrection is a reality that proves beyond any shadow of doubt that Christ rose from the dead.

Nine, the observance of water baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Sunday Worship by the early Church and believers today affirmed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ordinance of water baptism is based on the truths of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Christ’s resurrection on the first day of the week informed the choice of that day for worship (1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). After Christ rose from the dead, He showed Himself alive “…by many infallible proofs, being seen of them |His followers] forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). 

Christ appeared to the following: 

One, Mary Magdalene out of whom He cast out seven demons (Mark 16:9; John 20:15,16); 

Two, The women at the tomb (Matthew 28:9); 

Three, Two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:36- 43); 

Four, Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5); 

Five, The ten disciples with the absence of Thomas (John 20:19); 

Six, All the disciples including Thomas John 20:26-31); 

Seven, About seven disciples beside the sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25); 

Eight, The twelve  apostles including Matthias (1 Corinthians 15:5): 

Nine, Above five hundred believers in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6) 

Ten, James the Lord’s brother (1 Corinthians 15:7): and

Eleven, Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 15:8). 

These witnesses are enough to substantiate the fact that Christ rose from the dead.  Christ’s resurrection from the dead as a fundamental truth of the gospel proves His divinity, the efficacy of His redemptive sacrifice, the infallibility of the Scriptures, the certainty of future judgment upon the wicked and the resurrection of all men (John 10:17,18: Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:17; Psalm l6:10; Luke 24:44-47; Acts 17:30.31). Therefore, all believers shall also live with Him forever after their lives on earth. 

2.   PERJURY AND FALLACY OF THE ADVERSARIES AGAINST CHRIST’S RESURRECTION 

Matthew 28:11- 15; 26:56; 27:62-66; John 20:19; Romans 10:9; John 20:31

The soldiers that were on guard at the tomb were eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection. They went to the chief priest in fear and confusion to announce that Jesus had risen. Instead of accepting it and repenting of their unbelief, the chief priest and the elders of the Jews decided to make them deny the truth of His resurrection. They summoned an assembly and decided to change the narrative. They refused to accept the fact that Christ had actually risen; and planned to keep others from believing in resurrection. They bribed the soldiers with money, despite the fact that they saw the miracle and witnessed the power of His resurrection. They were told to lie that. His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept” (Matthew 28:13). At the end, the truth was revealed and the still believed by many today. The Jewish leaders thought resurrection of Christ is that by bribing the soldiers to lie against the truth, they could overthrow the truth about Christ’s resurrection. How could the disciples who fled during the arrest of Christ and were still hiding for fear of the Jews go to steal the body of Jesus from a tomb that was guarded by Roman soldiers (Matthew 26:56; John 20:19)? Many people in the world today live in complete ignorance of the divine truth. Others willingly allowed themselves to be deceived by Satan that Christ did not die, not to talk of rising from the dead. The purpose here is to make the people reject Christ and God’s offer of salvation. Scoffers may scorn, the ignorant may choose to remain in the dark, but the truth remains that Christ is risen from the dead and those who believe and confess this truth have everlasting life (Romans 10:9; John 20.31). 

3.   PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION THROUGH THE GREAT COMMISSION 

Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49-53; 2 Timothy 4:12; Acts 5:29-32; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Christ’s call to His disciples was to make themfishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). But His arrest, crucifixion and death left them devastated and confused. However, the news of His resurrection terminated their fear and confusion; and brought on a resurgence of hope and excitement as they looked forward to meeting Him again at Galilee. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me” (Matthew 28:10). At that the risen Lord gave them a commission to go and preach meeting, the gospel to all people in all nations of the world. This parting charge of Christ before His ascension should be taken seriously by every believer. The great commission is anchored on Christ’s victory over sin, Satan and death. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). This declaration of His authority and power underpins the commission for soul-winning and is an encouragement to believers to preach the gospel. The authority and might of the risen Christ usually accompanies the great commission. Empowered by Christ, the obedient believers need not fear forces of darkness as they preach the gospel to all categories of sinners including witches, wizards and occultic people. It was with the same power that Philip the evangelist  brought Simon the sorcerer on his knees same power that Philip the evangelist brought Simon the sorcerer on his knees in Samaria and liberated the people who were hitherto under his dominion. It is binding on all believers to accept the great commission and preach the gospel because we are saved to bring fellow humans to the liberating knowledge of Christ. The mandate of the great commission is in four-fold.

One, we are to Go and meet sinners where they are – buses. At home, in their workplace, business centres, trains, social media platforms, etc. None is exempted.

Two, the charge is to “preach” the message of Christ’s love, sacrifice and resurrection for their salvation and those bring them to obey Him.

Three, we are tobaptize those who believe as a public attestation and with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Four, we are to disciple them by teaching them all things He has commanded. This implies the integration of converts into the local Christian assembly for their continual exposure to the doctrines of Christ. Before His ascension, the Lord assures obedient believers, who preach the gospel, like His immediate disciples, of His abiding presence: “… and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20). This assurance guarantees our security, success and fruitfulness as we obey the great commission. While obedience brings blessing, disobedience displeases God and attracts His judgment (John 4:36; Ezekiel 3:17). Our Lord’s resurrection is the basis for the great commission which is the assignment He has given to all believers to preach the gospel to every creature. In conclusion, it is an indisputable fact and  a compelling reality that Christ rose from the dead and is alive for ever as our Lord, Savior, Deliverer, Sanctifier, Baptizer with the Holy Ghost and the coming King who will reign for ever. He is incomparably preeminent and superior to other founders of religion who died and never rose. The true believer’s faith, life, service and hope of resurrection to eternal joy and reward in heaven are anchored firmly on the resurrection of Christ. 

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW:

  1. How does the resurrection of Christ confer uniqueness to the Christian faith?
  2. Mention at least five proofs of Christ’s bodily resurrection from the text.
  3. Name three persons or group of persons who met and interacted with Christ after His resurrection.
  4. Highlight the significance of Christ’s resurrection as a fundamental truth of the gospel.
  5. How does the evidence of Christ’s resurrection and power of His name condemn sceptics?
  6. Why is the great commission not optional for genuinely converted believers?
  7. Mention the four-fold mandate of the great commission and its benefits.

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