The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and its Significance to the Christian Faith

SUBJECT : CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS : SS 2

TERM : THIRD TERM

WEEK NINE

TOPIC:    THE RESURRECTION

The Accounts of the Resurrection: (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11)

Hello, students! Today, we will be delving into the biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The resurrection is a central event in Christian faith, and these accounts provide different perspectives on the events that took place. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

1. Matthew 28:1-8: In the Gospel of Matthew, it is narrated that after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning. They found the tomb empty, with an angel appearing to them, declaring that Jesus had risen. The angel instructed them to go and tell the disciples, and as they left the tomb, they were filled with both fear and joy. On their way, Jesus appeared to them, confirming the angel’s message.

Example: To help you understand, imagine you and your friend visiting a cemetery to pay respects to a loved one, and suddenly you see an angel who tells you that your loved one has come back to life. You would feel a mix of fear and joy, just like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary in Matthew’s account.

2. Mark 16:1-8: In the Gospel of Mark, it is recounted that three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, came to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They found the tomb open and a young man clothed in white, who told them that Jesus had risen. The women were astonished and fled from the tomb, afraid and not saying anything to anyone.

Example: To give you an analogy, imagine you and your friends going to a gravesite to offer prayers, and you find the grave open with no body, and a mysterious figure tells you that the deceased has risen. You would be amazed and scared, just like the women in Mark’s account.

3. Luke 24:1-11: In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded that a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb with spices. They found the tomb empty, and two men in shining garments appeared to them, telling them that Jesus had risen. The women went to tell the disciples, but their words seemed like nonsense to the disciples, and they did not believe them.

Example: To help you grasp the concept, imagine you and your friends going to a burial site to offer flowers and prayers, and suddenly two beings dressed in shining clothes appear and tell you that the deceased has risen. You would be excited to share the news with others, but if they don’t believe you, you might feel confused and disappointed, just like the women in Luke’s account.

The accounts of the resurrection in Matthew, Mark, and Luke portray the reactions of the women who witnessed the empty tomb and the news of Jesus’ resurrection. They experienced a range of emotions, including fear, joy, astonishment, and disbelief. These accounts highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus’ resurrection and the significance of spreading the message to others, despite initial doubts or disbelief.

Resurrection is to bring to life someone who has been confirmed dead. Resurrection can be attained only by the power of Almighty God. it has brought the hope of eternal life, which are: the daughter of Jairus, the son of the widow of Nain and Lazarus.

Jesus Christ himself died, buried and three days after he was raised back to like. In the resurrection account of Jesus, women played a vital role. It was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome and other women that were first at the grave of Jesus with spices in their hands to anoint his body without the knowledge that he had resurrected. All the three synoptic gospels, Mathew, Mark and Luke gave the account of the resurrection of Jesus that he was buried and that in the early morning of the day he resurrected, Mary Magdalene and the other women were at his grave where they saw an angel who announced to them that Jesus Christ had resurrected and asked them to go band tell his disciples that he has risen a he had said. He also told them that Jesus had gone before them to Galilee where they would see him. There are little differences in the resurrection account given by all the three synoptic Gospels. Mathew reported that the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the grave of Jesus without announcing what they were there to do. But both Mark and Luke reported that the women were at the grave side of Jesus with spices to anoint his body. It is only Mathew that talked about the guards that were hired to watch the body of Jesus that they were frightened and became ad dead men. Luke added that apart from Mary Magdalene, Joana, and Mary the mother of James, there were other women with them. Only Luke said it was two Angels that the women saw by the grave side of Jesus. Who proclaimed “why seek you the living among the dead” which others did not record.

1. According to the Gospel of Matthew, who went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning after the Sabbath? A. Peter and John B. Mary Magdalene and another Mary C. James and John D. Thomas and Andrew
2. In the Gospel of Mark, who found the tomb open and a young man clothed in white? A. Peter and John B. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome C. James and John D. Thomas and Andrew
3. In the Gospel of Luke, who went to the tomb with spices? A. Peter and John B. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James C. James and John D. Thomas and Andrew
4. Which Gospel account mentions that the women were filled with fear and joy after hearing the angel’s message at the tomb? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. None of the above
5. In which Gospel account did the women flee from the tomb, afraid and not saying anything to anyone? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. All of the above
6. Which Gospel account mentions that the women’s words about the resurrection were initially considered nonsense by the disciples? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. None of the above
7. Which Gospel account includes the presence of two men in shining garments at the tomb? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. All of the above
8. In the Gospel of Matthew, who appeared to the women on their way from the tomb? A. Peter and John B. Mary Magdalene and another Mary C. James and John D. Thomas and Andrew
9. In the Gospel of Mark, what did the young man clothed in white tell the women at the tomb? A. Jesus had risen B. Jesus was still in the tomb C. Jesus had ascended to heaven D. Jesus was not the Messiah
10. In the Gospel of Luke, how did the disciples initially respond to the women’s report about the resurrection? A. They believed immediately B. They rejected it as nonsense C. They were indifferent D. They were confused

Answers:

1. 1. B. Mary Magdalene and another Mary
   2. B. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome
   3. B. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James
   4. A. Matthew
   5. B. Mark
   6. C. Luke
   7. D. All of the above
   8. B. Mary Magdalene and another Mary
   9. A. Jesus had risen
   10. B. They rejected it as nonsense

Significance of Resurrection to the Christian Faith

Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, death and its power have been conquered. Jesus had been victorious over death for the children of God. Thus, when a Christian dies, there is hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God.

1. Concerning Christians, the grip of the fear of death is loosened because they know they will one day resurrect.
2. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead has confirmed that the faith of Christians is genuine.
3. The resurrection of Jesus has brought new life to those who believe and accept him.
4. Through the resurrection of Jesus, God clearly showed the world that Jesus Christ is indeed His only begotten Son. He was the first to rise from the dead.

Evaluate

1. What does the resurrection of Jesus signify for Christians? a) Victory over sin b) Victory over death c) Victory over sickness d) Victory over poverty
2. How does the resurrection of Jesus affect the fear of death among Christians? a) Increases fear of death b) Has no effect on fear of death c) Loosens the grip of fear of death d) Eliminates fear of death
3. What does the resurrection of Jesus confirm about the faith of Christians? a) It confirms their unbelief b) It confirms their hypocrisy c) It confirms their genuineness d) It confirms their doubt
4. How does the resurrection of Jesus bring new life to believers? a) By granting them physical immortality b) By empowering them with wealth and success c) By granting them forgiveness of sins and eternal life d) By granting them superhuman abilities
5. What did the resurrection of Jesus reveal about his identity? a) He was just a human prophet b) He was a divine being c) He was a fraud d) He was an ordinary man
6. What is the significance of Jesus being the first to rise from the dead? a) It shows that he was the last person to be resurrected b) It proves that he was the only one to be resurrected c) It confirms his divine sonship and uniqueness d) It disproves the concept of resurrection
7. How does the resurrection of Jesus give hope to Christians when facing death? a) It guarantees a painless death b) It guarantees immediate entry into heaven c) It assures eternal life in the kingdom of God d) It guarantees resurrection within 24 hours
8. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact the power of death for Christians? a) It increases the power of death b) It has no effect on the power of death c) It weakens the power of death d) It eliminates the power of death
9. What is the significance of Jesus’ victory over death for Christians? a) It proves that death is inevitable for all b) It proves that death is the end of existence c) It proves that death is a temporary state d) It proves that death is an illusion
10. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact the faith of Christians? a) It weakens their faith b) It has no impact on their faith c) It strengthens and confirms their faith d) It destroys their faith

Note: The correct answers are: 1) b, 2) c, 3) c, 4) c, 5) b, 6) c, 7) c, 8) c, 9) c, 10) c.

Assignment

Define resurrection and narrate briefly the resurrection story of Jesus.

Resurrection is the act of being raised from the dead, or coming back to life after death. In Christian theology, the resurrection refers to Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead after his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament of the Bible.

The resurrection story of Jesus begins with his crucifixion, where he was crucified on a cross and died. His body was placed in a tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to seal it. However, on the third day, which is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by his followers.

According to the Gospel accounts, an angel appeared to the women who came to the tomb, telling them that Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel instructed them to go and tell the disciples. The women rushed to inform the disciples, but initially, they did not believe them.

Later, Jesus appeared to his disciples in various instances, showing them his resurrected body. He showed them the wounds on his hands and feet from the crucifixion, and he ate with them to prove that he was not a ghost but a living being. His disciples were overjoyed and confirmed that he had indeed risen from the dead.

The resurrection of Jesus is considered a central event in Christian faith, as it affirms the divinity of Jesus and his victory over death. It is seen as a fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament and serves as the foundation of Christian belief in the hope of eternal life for believers. The resurrection story of Jesus is often celebrated by Christians during the Easter season as a symbol of new life and redemption.

What is the significance of Resurrection to the Christian Faith?

The resurrection of Jesus holds great significance in the Christian faith. Here are some key aspects of its significance:

1. Victory over Death: The resurrection of Jesus is seen as a victory over death and the grave. It demonstrates that death and its power have been conquered, and Jesus has authority over life and death. This gives hope to Christians that they too will experience eternal life in the presence of God after death.
2. Assurance of Salvation: The resurrection of Jesus confirms the truth of Christian faith and validates the claims of Jesus as the Son of God. It assures Christians that their faith is genuine and that Jesus is the promised Messiah who conquered sin and death on their behalf. It gives them confidence in their salvation and a firm foundation for their faith.
3. New Life and Transformation: The resurrection of Jesus brings new life to those who believe in him. It symbolizes a spiritual rebirth and transformation, where Christians are made alive in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of holiness and righteousness. It is a source of hope, joy, and motivation for Christians to live purposeful and meaningful lives.
4. Overcoming Fear of Death: The resurrection of Jesus lessens the fear of death among Christians. It assures them that death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life with God. It gives them comfort and peace in the face of death, knowing that they will be reunited with their loved ones who have died in Christ.
5. Divine Confirmation: The resurrection of Jesus is a clear demonstration of God’s power and confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. It validates his teachings, his sacrifice on the cross, and his authority over all things. It strengthens the faith of believers and affirms the truth of the Christian message.

Overall, the resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Christian faith, providing hope, assurance, and transformation to believers. It signifies victory over death, validates the Christian faith, brings new life, overcomes fear of death, and confirms Jesus’ divinity, making it a central and significant aspect of Christian theology and belief.

Lesson Plan Presentation

Topic: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and its Significance to the Christian Faith

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to define resurrection, narrate the resurrection story of Jesus, and explain the significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith.

Introduction (5 minutes):

• Greet the students and engage them in a brief discussion about their understanding of the term “resurrection.”
• Share a short video clip or image depicting the empty tomb of Jesus to capture the students’ attention and generate interest in the topic.
• Introduce the objectives of the lesson and explain the importance of understanding the resurrection of Jesus in the context of Christian faith.

Body of the Lesson:

1. Define Resurrection (10 minutes):

• Define resurrection as the act of coming back to life after death, or the restoration of life after death.
• Discuss different perspectives on resurrection in various religious and cultural contexts.
• Provide examples of resurrection stories from different religions or mythologies, if relevant, to help students grasp the concept of resurrection.

2. Narrate the Resurrection Story of Jesus (15 minutes):

• Provide a brief overview of the biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus as documented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• Narrate the key events of the resurrection story, including the crucifixion of Jesus, his burial in a tomb, the discovery of the empty tomb by the women, and the appearances of the resurrected Jesus to his disciples.
• Use visual aids such as maps, diagrams, or illustrations to help students visualize the sequence of events and locations mentioned in the story.

3. Significance of Resurrection to the Christian Faith (20 minutes):

• Discuss the significance of the resurrection of Jesus to the Christian faith, emphasizing the following points:
  • Victory over Death: Explain how the resurrection of Jesus symbolizes victory over death and the grave, providing hope and assurance to Christians that they too will experience eternal life.
  • Confirmation of Faith: Discuss how the resurrection of Jesus confirms the truth of Christian faith and validates the claims of Jesus as the Son of God, affirming the Christian belief in his divinity and authority.
  • New Life and Transformation: Explain how the resurrection of Jesus brings new life and transformation to those who believe in him, empowering them to live a life of holiness and righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Overcoming Fear of Death: Discuss how the resurrection of Jesus lessens the fear of death among Christians, giving them comfort and peace in the face of mortality and assuring them of the hope of eternal life.
  • Divine Confirmation: Explain how the resurrection of Jesus is a clear demonstration of God’s power and confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah, strengthening the faith of believers and affirming the truth of the Christian message.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing the definition of resurrection, the narrative of the resurrection story of Jesus, and the significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith.
• Allow for questions and answers, and provide clarifications as needed.
• Conclude the lesson with a brief reflection or discussion on the importance of the resurrection of Jesus in the Christian faith, and encourage students to further explore the topic in their personal study or research.

Assessment:

• Formative assessment can be conducted through class discussions, questioning, and student participation during the lesson.
• Summative assessment can be done through written assignments or quizzes that assess students’ understanding of the definition of resurrection, the narrative of the resurrection story of Jesus, and the significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith.

Resources:

• Bible (Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
• Visual aids such as maps, diagrams, or illustrations depicting the resurrection

Review Questions:

1. What is the definition of resurrection? a. The act of coming back to life after death. b. The act of being reincarnated into a new form. c. The act of ascending to heaven after death. d. The act of being revived from a state of unconsciousness.
2. Who is the central figure in the resurrection story? a. Moses b. Abraham c. David d. Jesus
3. What are the key events in the resurrection story of Jesus? a. The crucifixion, burial, and discovery of the empty tomb. b. The birth, ministry, and miracles of Jesus. c. The Last Supper, betrayal, and trial of Jesus. d. The ascension and glorification of Jesus.
4. How do Christians interpret the significance of the resurrection of Jesus? a. It confirms the truth of other religious beliefs. b. It validates the claims of Jesus as the Son of God. c. It proves the existence of multiple gods. d. It negates the need for faith in any religious doctrine.
5. What does the resurrection of Jesus symbolize to Christians? a. Defeat over sin and evil. b. Defeat over other religions. c. Defeat over secularism. d. Defeat over the laws of nature
6. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope to Christians? a. It guarantees wealth and prosperity in this life. b. It guarantees physical healing and longevity. c. It guarantees eternal life and victory over death. d. It guarantees success and achievement in worldly matters.
7. What does the resurrection of Jesus confirm about his identity? a. He was just a human prophet. b. He was a political leader. c. He was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. d. He was a fictional character created by early Christians.
8. What impact does the resurrection of Jesus have on the fear of death among Christians? a. It increases the fear of death. b. It eliminates the fear of death. c. It has no impact on the fear of death. d. It depends on the individual’s personal beliefs.
9. How does the resurrection of Jesus empower Christians to live a new life? a. It gives them superpowers and abilities. b. It provides them with wealth and material possessions. c. It gives them moral and ethical guidelines to follow. d. It empowers them with the Holy Spirit for a life of holiness and righteousness.
10. What does the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate about the power of God? a. It proves that there are many gods. b. It proves that God is weak and incapable. c. It confirms the power and authority of God. d. It has no impact on the belief in God’s power.