The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Resurrection

  • The Unseen Guest

    “… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

    Matthew 28:20b

    After Jesus resurrected, He revealed Himself many times to His disciples. In Matthew, Jesus appeared to the women who had been at the empty tomb. In Mark, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. “11. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:11-14). Not only did Jesus appear to the women, but two walking along the road, and then the eleven disciples. Initially, they did not believe Jesus could be alive. Notice Jesus “upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart” because they did not believe He was alive. Apparently, they did not understand that they would see Him again: alive.

    When Jesus appeared to people after His resurrection, they did not expect to see Him. He always knew where they were, what they were doing, and even the conversations that were being had. They were always surprised to see Jesus. For the forty days that Jesus showed Himself alive after His resurrection, I think He wanted the Believers to understand something: He would be with them always. Even when they did not know He was there, Jesus would be with them. When they had conversations in private, Jesus would be with them. When they did not understand what was happening at that time, Jesus showed Himself to them and helped them understand.

    Before Jesus went to the cross, He encouraged His disciples. He promised them they would not be alone. “16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16-18). Although Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit that would come, He wanted them to understand that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were One, and that when the Spirit came, Jesus would be with them. During the days that Jesus appeared suddenly and talked with His followers, I think He was trying to help them understand that even when they did not realize it, Jesus was there with them. He would then reveal Himself physically to them to help them understand. Soon, He would return to heaven and leave them with the Spirit. But Jesus would still be there with them. This, He wanted them to recognize this.

    Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He left his followers with these words: “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.Amen.” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus promised that He would be with them always. The same is true for all Believers (Christians) today.

    Paul understood this principle. Remember what he wrote to Timothy after he had to stand before rulers: “16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When no one else stood with Paul, he understood that the Lord (Jesus) stood with him. He was not alone.

    My grandparents had a plaque hung in their house. It said:

    “Christ is the Head of this house

    The unseen Guest at every meal

    The silent listener to every conversation.”

    This was always a constant reminder: Jesus is always there whether one acknowledges His presence or not. If Believers (Christians) would keep this in the forefront of their mind, it would not only encourage us greatly, but be a great reminder to behave Christ-like at all times.

    Do you, as a Believer, understand that Jesus is the unseen Guest, with you always?

  • He Lives

    “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …”

    Matthew 28:6

    Jesus taught his disciples many things as He walked this earth. However, the most important thing He wanted them to grasp, they did not understand. “31. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.32. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him” (Mark 9:31-32). He repeatedly warned them of what was coming, yet they did not comprehend what He said. When the time came for Jesus to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, the disciples were afraid and fled. “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56).

    On the third day after Jesus was crucified and placed into the tomb, the women went to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived, the stone had been removed from the tomb, and it was empty. “4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). They had not understood the saying of Jesus either. They did not understand that Jesus was alive. The two men explained: “6. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8. And they remembered his words” (Luke 24:6-8).

    That same day, two were walking discussing all of the things that had happened, when Jesus began to walk with them – but they did not know it was Him (see Luke 24:13-16). As they explained the events according to their understanding, Jesus began to teach them. “26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:26-27). Jesus had done what He came to do. He paid the penalty of sin for mankind (see Romans 6:23).

    So the Gospel Message is simple. Paul summed it up for us as it was given to him.“3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The most important aspect of Christianity is that we serve a living Saviour, and He is in the world today! Just as He physically walked with His disciples while He lived on this earth, Jesus still walks with any Christian who will read His Word and walk with Him. The words of the following song explain this amazingly well:

    He Lives

    by Alfred H. Ackley

    Verse 1:

    “I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;

    I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

    I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

    And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

    Refrain:

    He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

    He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

    He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

    You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 2:

      In all the world around me I see His loving care,

      And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair.

      I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast,

      The day of His appearing will come at last.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 3:

      Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

      Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

      The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

      None other is so loving, so good and kind.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

      Christians serve a living Saviour. Remember what the angel told the women as they looked in the empty tomb for the dead body of Jesus Christ: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …” (Matthew 28:6).

      Do you serve a living Saviour, who walks with you and talks with you along life’s narrow way?

      Does Jesus live within your heart?

      How to have Jesus in your heart.

    1. The Resurrection and the Life

      “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

      John 11:25

      Most remember reading about Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who was sick and died. When Martha questioned Jesus about Lazarus’ death, Jesus told her that he would rise again. Martha believed in a resurrection, one day. “25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27. She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:25-27). Do you see where her faith fell short? She did not yet believe or understand that Jesus had power over life and death. Mary went to Jesus, and they all went to the tomb. “39. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:39-40).

      When Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, Lazarus rose from the dead. Jesus drew the people’s attention to God, His Father, “that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (see John 11:42). More importantly, we read “many of the Jews which … had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (see John 11:45).

      A short time later, Jesus went to Bethany where Lazarus lived. “There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him” (John 12:2). Mary took a costly ointment (one often used to anoint bodies for burial) and anointed the feet of Jesus. Judas Iscariot asked why the ointment wasn’t sold to give the money to the poor. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). Jesus understood why Mary had done this. “Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7). Although it appeared no one understood, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the final week of His life. But did someone understand?

      This is the same Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus a previous time Jesus came to eat with them, listening to Him teach. Remember that her sister, Martha, complained to Jesus because Mary wasn’t serving with her. “41. And Jesus answered and said unto her,Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus declared that it was good that Mary had chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach. “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39). Take note that Mary “heard his word”. She understood when Jesus taught. No one could ever take away from Mary that which she learned at the feet of Jesus.

      Now, we have remembered that Mary was one who heard Jesus as He taught, and she witnessed Jesus raise her brother from the dead. Remember something that Jesus revealed to His disciples often, although they did not understand. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). Jesus had often declared that He would die and live again (see Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 8:31; 9:31; Luke 9:22; 18:31; etc.). After remembering these things, one can understand why Jesus said, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7b). Jesus knew that Mary understood that He was going to die soon. Jesus knew, and we can understand that Mary knew. She may not have fully understood what all was about to transpire, but we can see she believed. Jesus acknowledged this. She had witnessed the death of her brother, Lazarus. Four days later, she witnessed Jesus raise him from the dead. It was only a short time later that she anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. Something in her heart had obviously clicked, and she understood. She must have remembered what Jesus had said to Martha, her sister: “25. … I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

      Do you know where Mary was obviously absent? “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). (See also Matthew 27:56.) Although there were women named Mary at the foot of the cross, it appears that Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is absent. She understood that even when Jesus died, He would live again.

      Mary believed.

      Have you acknowledged that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and whosoever believes in Jesus, shall live?

      What to do when you belive.

    2. Faith, More Precious than Gold

      “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

      1 Peter 1:7

      Peter was one of the most well known of Jesus’ twelve disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, he became one of the great leaders of the church. We can learn much about that ministry in the first twelve chapters of Acts, where thousands of people were saved, and the church was established.      

      In the book of First Peter, Peter wrote a letter to the Christians who had left their homeland, scattering into the countries around. Remember the persecution that had begun (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). Peter wrote words of encouragement to them along with words teaching them more about the Christian life.  

      Peter began by reminding them of the hope that is only found in Jesus’ resurrection. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

      • Lively means “to live, have life; of things living, lively, active, and enduring opposed to what is dead or inactive.” 
      • Hope means “those who experience the hope of salvation through Christ, eternal life, and blessedness.” 

      It is only through this “lively hope” of eternal life (by salvation only through Christ) that gives Christians the strength to live a life pleasing to Jesus while here on earth. This “hope” is to give Christians a confidence that people of this world do not have. With that hope, Christians (God’s children) have a promise of inheritance. “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Remember the promise that Christians have been given of eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Do you remember that “inheritance incorruptible”? Remember what Romans teaches us. “17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18). We should remember the promise of inheritance with Jesus, in Heaven.

      In addition, recall the promise that God will be with those who belong to Him, and will take care of them. “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Notice that it takes “faith”. One day, Christians (because of their faith unto salvation) will live in Heaven with Jesus, forever. See what Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). Christians are promised eternal salvation.

      With that promise, Christians are to rejoice – no matter what. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).   

      • Manifold means “variegated; many-colored.” 
      • Temptations means “a trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.” 

      Understand that as Christians there will be many trials that will be endured. Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). However, with those trials, the confidence and faith in God will be strengthened.

      Why are trials necessary? They prove a Christian’s faith. “7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9). Fire purifies gold, just as trials purify a Christian’s faith, preparing them to be presented “unto praise and honour and glory” when Jesus returns for His people. It is then that Christians will receive the promised reward of eternal salvation. Remember something else that Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Although no one today has physically seen Jesus, because of the written Word of God (the Bible), we have the ability to hear and believe upon Jesus (see Romans 10:9-10).

      Can your faith withstand the trials, making you more Christ like?

      Or

      Do you need to believe upon the One (Jesus) of which you have not yet seen?

      http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

    3. Are you Bold to Speak of Salvation?

      “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
      Acts 4:12

      In the very early days of the church, there was a boldness of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection). Peter was the first to preach to the crowds, calling the people to a time of repentance and belief in Jesus. When he preached, many people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus. Because it was the early establishment of the church, the Apostles were able to heal and do many great things. One of the first was when Peter and John went to the Temple and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Not only was he healed, but this man also praised God for this healing. When the people heard what happened to the lame man, they came and heard a message from Peter where he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19a). Repent means “to think differently; to feel compunction (a feeling of guilt that follows doing something wrong).” There had to be a change.

      However, read the religious leaders’ reaction to this preaching of Jesus. “2. Being grieved that they taught the people … 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day…” (Acts 4:2-3). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, Peter and John were arrested. Nevertheless, recognize that many other people believed the Gospel message. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).   

      When the religious leaders challenged Peter and John, asking why they taught Jesus, read what Peter said. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12). (Remember that “this man stand here before you whole” was the man who was previously lame that had been sitting at the Temple gate.) When Peter and John spoke this boldly for Jesus, claiming there was no other name by which anyone could be saved, see what the religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus recognized. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The religious leaders were amazed that these men (remember they were fishermen) could speak like this. They recognized that these men had been with Jesus. Moreover, because of the lame man that had been healed, they could not deny the truths these men taught – but they did not want the name of Jesus spread. Therefore, they commanded Peter and John not to speak of Jesus any more. Their response? “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). They were going to continue to preach Jesus and His resurrection. 

      After being released from prison (see Acts 4:23), they returned to the other Believers, praying and rejoicing, thanking God for what He had done. “… And they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31b).

      Take notice that these men were bold as they taught the people of salvation that is only given by Jesus. They remembered what Jesus had taught them. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). After Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended back into heaven, they began to understand. They had witnessed these important events and taught the people because Jesus told them to go and “… be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

      Does anyone share the Gospel message of Jesus’ salvation in our world today? If the message of repentance is shared, does anyone respond? What is a Christian to do in this world today? The Bible message has not changed. The only way to have life is to believe in Jesus for salvation. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

      Why do we not see many people saved? “18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18-19). They do not believe.

      Have you repented and then believed in Jesus for salvation? Have you told anyone about Jesus?

      How to be Saved

    4. Who is Jesus?

      “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
      John 14:6

      One cannot fully explain just who Jesus is in a brief summary. However, the Bible tells who Jesus is from the beginning through to the end. Nevertheless, for a brief sampling, read the following verses.

      1. Jesus is God’s Son
        • “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17).
        • When Jesus asked his disciples: “15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:15-17).
        • Another answer by a disciple: “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:69).
      2. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life to bring us to God
        • “21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22). 
        • “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
      3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save lost mankind
        • “16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).
      4. Jesus is God

      God is “I Am,” and He will be known as that forever. When Jesus declared He was God, He called Himself “I Am,” and the people understood what it was that He was saying (that He was God) – and many rejected Him because of that saying.

      Jesus’ Seven “I Am” Statements: 

      • I Am the Bread of Life: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).    
      • I Am the Light of the World: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).    
      • I Am the Door of the Sheep: “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7).     
      • I Am the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).     
      • I Am the Resurrection, and the Life: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).     
      • I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). 
      • I Am the True Vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (John 15:1).     

      5. Jesus’ Crucifixion: (in Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, and John 19:17-37)

      6. Jesus’ Resurrection: (in Matthew 28:1-15, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-10)

      We can read of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Although the religious leaders thought they were destroying Jesus by His death, it was a fulfillment of God’s plan. Because of the sin of mankind, causing separation between man and God, Jesus came to “… lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Remember how Jesus described friends in that next verse: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). Today, we call one who has faith in God, believing in Jesus, a Christian. Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of mankind – for any one who would believe. As we learn about these scriptures, we find that they are the heart of the promise God made to Adam in the garden (Genesis 3:15), and all generations that would come. It is important to understand just what it was that Jesus did. After living a sinless life, He paid the penalty for sin. By paying for that sin, He is able to give eternal life to those who have faith in Him. If you have never heard, or have never truly understood what it was that Jesus did for you, these verses will help you hear and understand.  

      Do you know Jesus?

      How to be Saved