John 20:1-10

Evidence of the Resurrection

Here in chapter 20; of John’s Gospel we see clearly that death is not the end.  The Tornado that swiftly passed through Tennessee this week left a devastation trail of death and debris.  Over 50 people were killed.  A 6 month old Baby boy was picked up and blown away some 300 feet from his house.  A rescue worker found the child as if he were taking a nap.  He survived with just small cuts on his face, unfortunately his mother was killed. Death is not the end. Death is the last enemy but it could not hold Jesus. (I Cor. 15:26) He therefore is our hope and destiny.  In Him and Him alone there is a happy (blessed) future beyond this life.  Jesus came that He might give life to every believer and the life we live now is more abundant. (John 10:10)

I. WHAT THE GRAVECLOTHES PROVE

A. The first witnesses were the women – Matt.28:1-7; Mk.16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; Turn To: Matthew 28:5-10

B. Two Disciples, Peter and John

1. Observing the grave clothes – Greek Words

a. saw – blepo “general sight”

b. beheld  - theoreo – “to scrutinize”

c. saw – horao – “to perceive with understanding”

C. What is it that convinced Peter and John that Jesus had been raised from the dead? Answer: “grave clothes”

1. Jewish Burial – (Henry Latham)

2. Scriptural proof – Luke1:11 (The raising of the widow’s son)

D. If we had been there with Peter and John would we have seen what they saw? Would we have seen the aftermath of Jesus struggling to get up because of the linen wrappings? Ans. Not at all!

1. Undisturbed grave clothes – Gk. keimena “to store in place”

2. Raised a spiritual body – I Cor. 15:42-44

3. Comments by (John Stott and Latham)

II. WHAT THE RESURRECTION MEANS TO US

A. The Resurrection of the body of Christ is one of the most central and fundamental doctrines of the Christian Faith – I Cor. 15:14,17

B. The Resurrection demonstrates how Jesus’ own predictions were fulfilled – Turn and Read: John 2:19-22

C. The Resurrection was the main subject included in the gospel message throughout the book of Acts: (Acts 1:22; 2:24, 31,32 ; 3:15,26; 4:2, 10, 33; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33,34, 37; 17:3,18,32; 23:6,8; 24:15,21; 26:23) Turn and Read: Acts 1:22; 2:24,31,32)

D. The Resurrection guarantees our justification – Rom. 4:5; 3:26

E. The Resurrection points to a new mode for all believers – I Cor.15: 20,23

Conclusion:

1. God does not expect us to believe in Christ without evidence  John 10:28; 11:25

2. Our Resurrected bodies will be better than our old physical bodies which are hampered by the fall and sin. I John 3:2

Pastor Nick Iamaio

    Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

 Web Site fultonrpc.org

     2/10/2008