DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION #2

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 3:1
      1. The crucifixion of Christ had been vividly set forth among
         them. These being Gentiles, had not been eye-witnesses to   
         it, but the story of it had been vividly described to them.
   B. In keeping with these thoughts, we continue with our study of  
      the crucifixion of Christ.
      1. In our last lesson we studied: the agony in the garden; the
         betrayal; the Jewish trials: before Annas, before Caiaphas;
         the Roman trials: before Pilate, before Herod and again
         before Pilate; the scourging.
         a. As we mentioned in our last lesson, the scourging was a
            terrible, painful ordeal wherein a person was beaten with
            whips until almost dead. Many died under scourging.
         b. Jesus did all this for you and me. Isa. 53:5; I Pet. 2:24

I. CRUCIFIXION
   A. Mark 15:15-22; Luke 23:32-33; Matt. 27:35 - Psalm 22:16-18
      1. Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on his cross. John
         19:19-22
   B. Homan's Bible dictionary gives this description of crucifixion:
      1. "The nail would be driven through the wrist rather than the
         palm, since the smaller bones of the hand could not support
         the weight of the body. The beam with the body was then
         lifted and tied to the already affixed upright pole. Pins or
         a small wooden block were placed halfway up to provide a
         seat for the body lest the nails tear open the wounds or the
         ropes force the arms from their sockets. Finally the feet   
         were tied or nailed to the post. Death was caused by the    
         loss of blood circulation and coronary failure. Especially  
         if the victims were tied, it could take days of hideous pain
         as the extremities turned slowly gangrenous; so often the   
         soldiers would break the victims legs with a club, causing  
         massive shock and a quick death. Such deaths were usually   
         done in public places, and the body was left to rot for     
         days, with carrion birds allowed to degrade the corpse      
         further."
      2. Critics of the Bible years ago stated that there was no such
         thing as crucifixion. However, ancient tombs dating to that
         era have been found wherein large rusty nails were still in
         place piercing through the bones.
   C. Jesus made several utterances while on the cross (seven in     
      all).
      1. Luke 23:34 - He said this even as they reviled him. Mark
         15:28-31
      2. Evidently both the thieves railed on him at first, then a   
         very wise one changed his mind, and rebuked the other. Luke
         23:40-43
      3. He made provisions for His mother. John 19:26-27
      4. Matt. 27:46
      5. He said, "I thirst," but he did not drink what they offered
         Him. John 19:28-29
      6. "It is finished." John 19:30
      7. Luke 23:46
   D. This was a day of darkness and gloominess--the darkest day in  
      the history of mankind--the day they crucified our Lord.
      1. Matt. 27:45,51,54

II. BURIAL.
   A. Mark 15:43-47
      1. John added that Nicodemus also helped Joseph in burying
         the body of Jesus. John 19:38-42
         a. It is odd that it is not the open disciples of our Lord, 
            but two secret disciples who courageously do this for    
            Jesus.
         b. The facts that the body was laid in a new tomb, one
            which had been hewn out of the rock, and that a large
            stone (Matt. 27:60) was placed in front it add much to
            the evidences of the resurrection.
      2. Again, all of this fulfilled Scripture. Isa. 53:9a
   B. The evil Jews wanted the tomb guarded. Matt. 27:62-66
      1. Jesus had predicted His resurrection so often that even His
         enemies knew about it.
      2. It is odd that His disciples did not comprehend His
         prediction.

III. RESURRECTION.
   A. Matt. 28:1-4
      1. What was a thing of great terror to some, was a thing of
         great joy to others. Matt. 28:5-10
   B. Two disciples were walking in a saddened condition on the road
      to Emmaus, and Jesus disguised Himself and talked with them as
      they went. Luke 24:17-21
      1. All their hopes were dashed when Jesus died.
      2. Jesus began to explain the Scriptures to them about Himself.
         vss. 25-27
      3. Jesus reveals Himself to them. They return to Jerusalem with
         the news. vss. 32-35
      4. Jesus appears when they were all present. vss. 36-43
   C. Jesus revealed Himself to his disciples when they were fishing 
      in the Sea of Galilee.
      1. John said that this was the third time Jesus had revealed
         Himself to them. John 21:14
   D. The first time Jesus revealed Himself to his disciples, Thomas 
      was not there. He was present on the second appearance. John   
      20:26-29
      1. The Lord made a significant statement regarding all this    
         with reference to us - vs. 29.

Concl.
   A. Thus, the greatest story ever told--the greatest event that has
      ever happened in the history of mankind--the death, burial, and
      resurrection of Christ.
      1. It is the greatest story because it carries with it great   
         and serious consequences.
   B. As we said in our first lesson, Jesus did not die on the cross
      simply that we might feel sorry for Him.
      1. Rom. 4:25; Gal. 1:4; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Pet. 3:18
   C. Do your believe the story? If so, you must confess that He is  
      the Son of God and that He died for your sins, and you must    
      humbly submit your will to His.
      1. If you do not humbly submit to His will, you show a lack of
         appreciation for the atonement sacrifice.
         a. Don't be like Esau who sold his birthright for a mess of
            pottage. Heb. 12:16-17 
            (1) He didn't appreciate the spiritual blessings that
                came with his birthright or he would not have sold
                it. 
            (2) The scriptures declare that this was despising his
                birthright. Gen. 25:34
         b. If you are not willing to submit to the will of Christ,  
            you are showing that you don't appreciate the atonement
            sacrifice of Christ. Yea, you are the same as despising
            what was done for you.
      2. Also, this great story has moving power for those who are
         already Christians.
         a. It prompts us to greater service. 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24;
            Heb. 9:14
   D. If you are subject to the invitation of Christ in any way, let 
      this great story move you to obey.