Introduction: What are the evidences of Jesus Christ’s resurrection? They are numerous. But for today’s devotion we will only mention a few.

He made at least 10 different appearances before His ascension.

1. To the Two on the road to Emmaus! (Luke 24:13f)

“13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.”

That day was a gloomy day for the two. That is until they met Jesus. There gloominess was turned into gladness. 

Why? Because they saw Jesus as the Son of God; they believed the Bible as the Word of God; and they were eventually filled with the Holy Spirit of God. 

Are you going to remain gloomy?

2. To Mary! (John 20:11-14)

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.”

Mary fell at His feet and worshipped. Shouldn’t we do the same?

3. To the Disciples without Thomas! (John 20:19)

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”

The troubled disciples needed PEACE. We need Jesus’s PEACE today!

4. To the Disciples with Thomas! (John 20:24-28)

“24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

Thomas went from doubting to shouting!! When a person sees Jesus with the eye of faith, he or she will shout as well. 

5. To 500 brethren! (1Cor 15:5-6)

“5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

That is a lot of people. Even Paul saw the risen Lord!

“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (1Cor 15:8)

Jesus is alive! Let’s tell the world!!

Conclusion: These different appearances by our Lord give proof that those who saw Him after His resurrection were not hallucinating! Instead, they were worshipping!

So we should do the same.

Introduction: Jesus tells us that He will come in a twinkling of an eye. Are you ready?

What does this mean? What will happen? Where will you be? How soon are we there?

Here are some changes that will take place.

“51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Cor 15:51-52)

1. Our bodies will be changed! (1Cor 15:35-38)

“5But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.”

What about a brand new body?

2. Our belongings will be changed! (1Cor 15:55,56)

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”

Death will once and for all be defeated.

3. Our battlefield will be changed! (1Cor 15:58)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Four words come to mind:

1. Resist –  “be ye stedfast”

2. Retreat – “unmoveable”

3. Reclaim – “always abounding in the work of the Lord,”

4. Rewards –  “forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Conclusion: Since all of these changes will take place are you getting ready?

Introduction: The greatest event in human history was the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Because He lives we can face tomorrow; we have eternal life; our sins are forgiven; and it gives us a guarantee that He will come again. 

Notice the sequence of events.

1. Jesus Christ Crucified! (1Cor 15:3)

“3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”

Without a “cross” there can be no “crown”!

Because Jesus became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil 2:8), we can be forgiven. Through His redeeming blood, we are set free! Furthermore, the cross of Christ is a tool to give us abundant life in this life. 

We, too, have a cross to bear (Matt 10:38,39). But this cross is not the same as Jesus bore. Instead, this cross is for us to take up daily by denying ourselves.

How are you doing?

2. We are Justified! (1Cor 15:4)

“4And that he was buried…”

After literally dying (out came blood and water), Jesus’ body was buried into a tomb. A hurried up procedure was done as He was placed in the borrowed grave. 

But death could not hold Him! The grave could not contain Him!! Herod or Pilate or the Jews, nor the Roman soldiers could not keep Him!!! He was God in the flesh who created all things. 

3. Because of the Resurrection, God was Satisfied! (1Cor 15:3)

“3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Is your God alive?

Jesus has conquered sin, death, hell and the grave.

He lives! Is He living in you?

Conclusion: These truths are paramount to the CHRISTian life. Rejoice, child of God, for a RISEN Savior and soon coming Bridegroom. Then, after 7 years of tribulation, in His second coming He will establish His 1,000 year reign as the King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s.

Hallelujah!

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die, but He would rise from the grave as He said He would. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic  events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial, His awful crucifixion, the burial, and now the resurrection according to the gospel of Mark. 

1. The Women want to finish the Job! (Mark 16:1-4)

“1And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.” 

Due to the hurried up crucifixion and burial (Passover), the women followers of Jesus showed up on the resurrection morning to finish the job of preparing the body. Check out the love and devotion they have for Jesus!

Are we that dedicated to risk our lives for Him who gave His life? 

2. The Angel tells them the Good News! (Mark 16:5-8)

“5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.”

Why mention to tell Peter specifically? [This reveals the angel knew what had happened.] The answer is because the last time Peter had seen Jesus, he had denied His Lord. There is no doubt he was very sorrowful! In fact Peter repented. Then he was restored!!

3. The Women were told to go and tell! (Mark 16:7)

“But go your way, tell his disciples.”

The same message applies to us today. Go and tell. Are you doing it? Why not?

Conclusion: Do you know why the women were the first to hear the news that Jesus Christ arose from the grave? They were seeking Him!

Are we seeking Him?

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial, His awful crucifixion, and now the burial according to the gospel of Mark.

1. The Soldiers (Matt 27:62-64)

“62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”

To be sure that the disciples could not come and steal the body of Jesus from the tomb the chief priests got permission from Pilate to place guards at the grave. These were trained soldiers who would guard it with their life.

2. The Seal & the Stone! (Matt 27:65,66)

“65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

The seal was usually authoritative and authentic including a signature of a public leader; i.e. governor, king. Some scholars suggest it was either signified by clay or another material that only could be broken by its sealer. This seal would be fashioned on each side of the large stone with some sort of band stretching across the stone. Little did the authorities know that Jesus would rise from the grave like He said he would…. another fulfillment of Scripture.

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic  events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial, His awful crucifixion, and now the burial according to the gospel of Mark. 

1. The Pallbearers! (Mark 15:42)

“42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. 44And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. 45And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.”

Evidently, Joseph was wealthy. And yet giving credit where it’s due, he was not afraid to be identified with Jesus. Nicodemus was another helper added by another gospel writer. These two men served as pallbearers. 

2. The Graveseekers! (Mark 15:47)

“47And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.”

This was extremely important that Mary knew the exact location of the tomb. Why? Because there is a theory to try to discredit the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the women went to the “Wrong Tomb.” However, this refutes that preposterous idea! 

Conclusion: Again here is evidence that Jesus literally died. He was placed in a tomb. But the greatest miracle was yet to come.

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic  events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial. Next, we will look at His awful crucifixion all according to the gospel of Mark. 

1. Before the Execution/ Crucifixion! (Mark 15:16 -20)

“16And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 17And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 18And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 20And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”

Having the privilege of being right there in the Praetorian hall a few years ago, I can tell you it was an eerie experience. Cold, dark, and damp describes the place – and demonic. 

2. The Crucifixion! (Mark 14:21-26)

“And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.”

Interestingly enough that Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, then we must take up our cross daily. 

“22And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. 23And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. 24And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. 25And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Beneath the cross the rugged Roman soldiers gambled for His garments. One centurion recognized Jesus as the Som of God. Jesus was portrayed by Matthew’s gospel as the King of the Jews. While they rejected Him in His first appearance, when He comes back to the earth they will look upon Him whom they’ve pierced and mourn….and Israel will be saved in a day. 

3. During the Crucifixion! (Mark 14:27 -32)

“And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. 29And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. 32Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.”

One thief was saved. One thief was lost.

(Mark 15:45-55)

“45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and  appeared unto many. 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. 55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.”

God the Son became sin for us. While no sin was in Him all of our sins were on Him. Therefore, a curtain was dropped from heaven. God the Father could not even look at His Son who became sin that the righteousness of God would be upon all who put their faith and trust in Him. Try to explain that!

Conclusion: While it does the believer good to remember the high and costly price Jesus Christ paid for our sin debt and forgiveness, it doesn’t finish His ultimate purpose for coming to this earth. The next devotion will explain that.

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience. Today we move to the arrest and mock trial according to the gospel of Mark.

1. Jesus was betrayed and arrested! (Mark 14:43-46)

“And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46And they laid their hands on him, and took him.”

A betrayal kiss by the traitor named Judas who the devil had entered became the sign to the others that Jesus would be the one to be arrested.

“And they all forsook him, and fled.” (Mark 14:50)

So much for the brave disciples… wonder how many would stand with Jesus today?

“And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.” (Mark 14:51,52)

Many scholars believe that the young man that fled was the author of this gospel the Holy Spirit used named John Mark.

2. Jesus appeared before the different authorities and false witnesses! (Mark 14:53 -58)

“53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.”

It seems evident that the religious crowd were the main ones who wanted to get rid of Jesus.

“55And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.”

False witnesses lied. The devil will use anybody.

“And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1)

Pilate was a compromiser. He caved into the crowd instead of doing what was right. However, it was all according to God’s plan.

Barabbas released:

“6Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. 7And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.” (Mark 15:6-7)

Barabbas was guilty. Jesus was innocent. But God’s redemptive plan was being fulfilled.

“And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? 13And they cried out again, Crucify him.” (Mark 15:12)

Pilate tried to wash his hands lily white but Jesus reminded him of his accountability to God. Tradition claims he committed suicide.

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen the last week of our Lord was filled with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper. This devotion will explore the next event which was located in the Garden of Gethsemane.

1. The Exercise and Need for Prayer! (Mark 14:32-35)

“32And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.”

What a lesson! If our Lord Jesus, who was God, demonstrated the need to pray, how much more do we need to practice the power of prayer. The key to victory is talking to our Father. Lord teach us to pray.

2. The Exchange of the Will! (Mark 14:36)

“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

Here is the nonnegotiable. God’s will over our will. If we are going to live a life of wisdom and blessing, then our will must be broken. Is your will broken?

3. The Encouragement to stay awake because the flesh is weak but the Spirit is willing! (Mark 14:37-38)

“37And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

The flesh is another enemy to overcoming in this life. But the Spirit can be more powerful. Are you trusting the Spirit over the flesh?

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. Even the mock trial had to happen. Studying the last week of our Lord’s life would be well worth our time. After riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover. But first, His body had to be prepared for the burial. This prophetic insight was recognized by a woman who anointed Him.

1. The Anointing (Mark 14: 3-9)

“3And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Little did the disciples know that this woman would be preparing Jesus’s body for the crucifixion and burial. After some of the disciples criticized her, Jesus spoke up and commended her by saying she had done what she could. I love that! Have we done what we could?

2. The Passover (Mark 14:12-15)

“12And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? 13And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 15And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.”

(Mark 14:22-25)
“22And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

This is what is called the Last Supper. It was a commemoration of the Passover Feast that God instituted after delivering the Israelites out of Egypt. Jesus was instituting a New Covenant through His blood instead of the blood of lambs, which were to be without blemish. To this day, we still remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perhaps by far, these events were the most important in human history.