Evidence of the resurrection
Luke 24:36-49
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
As followers of Jesus, we must constantly study and examine the Scriptures, so we get to know him better. We started this year with the challenge to wear out your Bible. The first century followers of Jesus were committed to the teachings of Jesus, and we must. We have four accounts on the life of Jesus known as the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Two of these were apostles of Jesus. They each write about Jesus from their own perspectives; they tell us about the life of Jesus, his teaching, his death and resurrection. They all have women as the first witnesses of the empty tomb.
Here is the testimony of someone who was not an apostle of Jesus though later he became an associate of the apostle Paul.
Luke tells us why he wrote. Luke 1:1-4
It seemed good for him to write an orderly account of the things that happened among us. “Having followed all things closely for some time past.”
He wrote to someone named Theophilus so that he may know the truth concerning the things that have been taught.

Luke tells us about the encounter Jesus had with two disciples traveling to a village seven miles from Jerusalem right after the resurrection. These two disciples went to the apostles to report that they two had seen the risen Christ.
Luke 24:36-49
I have mentioned that it wasn’t the empty tomb that changed the disciples of Jesus it was the fact that they saw him alive.
Jesus appeared to them “Peace to you”
Notice that they were startled and afraid and thought they saw a ghost. (v.36-37)
Jesus appeared to them to give them evidence that he was indeed risen from the dead.
Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? It is I myself; come touch me. Jesus showed them his hands and feet.

The apostles were still in disbelief, they could not believe Jesus came back from the dead. Jesus told him to give him something to eat. They were familiar with sharing a meal with Jesus. He ate in front of them to show them it was truly him and not a ghost.

Jesus reminded them of what he had told them concerning himself. (v.44-45)
Jesus’s death and resurrection were the fulfilment of prophecy.
-The law of Moses spoke about it
-The prophets
-The Psalms 22:16-17
16For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—17I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; 18they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Jesus opened their minds so they could understand better what was written about him. (v.45)
The Messiah should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name beginning in Jerusalem.
The apostles filled the city of Jerusalem with the preaching of Jesus. They called people to repent and find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. For salvation is only found in him.
Jesus told them “You are witnesses of these things” They were witnesses of Jesus’ teaching, death and resurrection. Everywhere they traveled they would testify to what they saw and heard about Jesus. The church was born out of the preaching of the apostles, as they presented Jesus risen from the dead.

When the ruling authorities questioned the apostles and threatened them. They said “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Acts 5:29-32
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (NIV)

For nearly two thousand years followers of Jesus have continued to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sin available to those who place their trust in Jesus. This was the mission Jesus gave his followers; it is our mission as well. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Christianity exists today because Jesus is alive. The world could not and will never be able to stop a movement empowered by the risen Christ.