Session Five: I Am the Resurrection
In this session, we’ll explore:
Jesus’ claim to offer eternal life
Why Jesus’ resurrection is the only reasonable explanation of the events of Easter
‘There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived or that Alexander the Great died at the age of thirty-three.’
Billy Graham
1. Reflect
Read John 11:1-16.
What is Jesus doing in this story and what are the risks he is taking?
2. Read
Read John 11:17–27. What expectations does Martha have of Jesus and why? What do you think that she is feeling at this point?
Look at verses 25-27. What does Jesus want us to know and understand? What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
Look at verses 32-44. What do these verses tell us about Jesus’ nature and his relationship with the people and with the Father?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–8. Why does the resurrection of Jesus matter?
What is the evidence that Paul brings in support of the resurrection?
How would you respond to someone who said that the idea of Jesus rising from the grave is just a myth?
Need help? Here are some hints…
1. Think through the emotions that are in play here. It is safe to express our feelings to God and to recognise that often he is feeling them as well.
2. Belief can have a variety of meanings. Belief in Jesus is not just belief in his existence but in who he is and what he wants for us. It is about trust and what that implies for our lives.
3. Jesus’ compassion and love are evident here, as is His divine nature. He not only has the power to raise the dead but is so in tune with the Father and the Holy Spirit, that he has been able to reveal the glory of God in this desperate situation.
‘After death something new begins, over which all powers of the world of death have no more might.’
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
4. Jesus’ resurrection is the key event in scripture. Without this, everything falls apart but with it, everything holds together and can be relied upon as the essential truth of our lives. Forgiveness and new life are possible because Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross and rose again from the dead.
5. Which scriptures are Paul referring to here? Isaiah 53:9-12, Psalm 16:10 Psalm 22 are good candidates.
For further discussion about the evidence for the resurrection, see:
Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
3. Act
Think about people that you are close to who are not yet Christians. How can you speak to them about your faith? What encourages you to do so and what holds you back?
4. Pray
Pray about how to make that happen.
