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A. Early Eyewitnesses

The Bible gives us 12 distinct instances in which Jesus appeared to individuals or groups of people after He rose:

> Mary Magdalene: see John 20:11-18 — saw, heard, touched Jesus
> Women leaving the tomb: see Matthew 28:8-10 — saw, heard, touched Jesus
> Emmaus disciples: see Luke 24:13-19 — talked with Jesus
> Simon Peter: see Luke 24:34 and 1 Corinthians 15:5 — saw, heard Jesus
> Disciples without Thomas: see Luke 24:36-43 — saw, heard, touched, Jesus ate with them
> Disciples with Thomas: see John 20:24-29 — saw, heard, touched, saw wounds of Jesus
> Disciples at the Sea of Galilee: see John 21 — saw, touched, Jesus cooks for them
> Disciples on a mountain in Galilee: see Matthew 28:16-17 — saw, heard Jesus
> Disciples: Luke 24:50-52 — saw, heard Jesus
> 500 believers: 1 Corinthians 15:6 — saw, heard Jesus
> (Jesus’ half-brother James): 1 Corinthians 15:7 — saw, heard Jesus
> Paul: Acts 9:3-6 — saw, heard Jesus

B. Early Non-Christian Witness

Josephus’ “Antiquities”

“At this time there was a wise man called Jesus, and his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. Many people among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have reported wonders. And the tribe of the Christians, so named after him, has not disappeared to this day.”

The Empty Tomb Flips Life Upside Down!

A. Death = Life

B. Weak = Strong

C. First = Last

D. Pain = Gain

Discussion Questions - Re-read our main passage from this week (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and then with your Growth Group, family, friends, etc. thoughtfully answer the following:

1. What is a source of pain in your life right now that it’s hard to imagine how God could turn it around for good?

2. How have you seen God work out good from hard things in your past that strengthens your faith for the future

3. Do you struggle believing in the Resurrection? What evidence is compelling to you, and what makes you doubt?

4. Why is the way of Jesus “upside down” to the way of the world?

5. Is there a disconnect between the way of Jesus we see in the Bible and the way most Christians live? Why is this?

6. What was the most meaningful passage of Scripture in this study and why?

7. What’s your next step in response to this message?

To join our weekly text/email group and get 3 discussion texts and a "going deeper" email text "Journey" to 719-881-8831