mini_despatch_Apr_9

MINI-DESPATCH. Aprl 9, 1999.

THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AT THE RESURRECTION.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the most momentous event of all events in history! Yet, it has become the
most “bad mouthed” event of all time as well. The liberals and modernists cite the so-called ‘contradictions’ in
the Gospel narratives. Each of the four Gospels has a different story to tell, say the critics. Thus making the
resurrection of Jesus just a fairy tale with not even a consistent story-line. It is a different tale from author to
author. How can any one trust such a ridiculously inconsistent scriptural myth - they challenge.

Do the Gospels actually contradict one another? At first glance they do, at second glance they merely
compliment and enhance each other, and the glorious Truth of the resurrection.That stupendous reality which
happened that first day of the week, nearly two thousand years ago.

Bible-based believers have always known ,of course, of the differences in the Gospel narratives, they read the
Word of God after all! It would be of great benefit for us to understand the recognised order of events which
occurred at the resurrection. So that we can be ready to give an answer to all those unbelievers who might try to
ridicule the resurrection, on the grounds that the Gospels do not agree with one another. The following outline is
one which has stood the test of critics in many churches and in countless situations.

First read carefully the four descriptions of the resurrection, found in

Matthew 28 1-15;
Mark 16 1-18;
Luke 24 1-12;
John 20 1-29.

Note that the narratives seem to be in contradiction. Then study the following outline and compare scriptures.
You will see that there is no discrepancy. There is a period of time and various people taking part, not all is
happening at the same time.

The order of events of the resurrection, combining the four Gospels

Three women, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome come to the tomb of Jesus Christ.
They are being followed by other women bearing anointing spices for the body of Christ.

The three find that the stone at the sepulchre has been rolled away. Mary Magdalene leaves to tell the disciples
(Luke 2355 - 24,9; John 201,2).

Mary, the mother of Joses and James, draws nearer to the sepulchre and sees the angel of the Lord (Matthew
282).

She goes back to meet the other women who are following with the spices.
In the meantime, Peter and John have been alerted by Mary Magdalene, and they arrive at the tomb. They look
in, and then go away (John 203-10).

Mary Magdalene comes back weeping, sees the two angels, and then she sees Jesus Himself (John 2011-18).
He tells her to warn the other disciples, and she does what He tells her to do.

Mary, the mother of James, meanwhile, has met the women with the spices. She returns with them, and they
now see two angels. Another has joined the first angel (Luke 244,5; Mark 165). They also hear the angelic
message, and they are on their way going to meet the disciples, and they are met by Jesus Himself (Matthew
288-10).

You will note, there is a time factor and a number of people involved, there are NO contradictions. To whom did
Jesus Christ appear, and in what order did He appear to them? This is clearly shown in Scripture.

On that glorious day of Christ’s resurrection He appeared to
1. Firstly, Mary Magdalene (John 2014-18).
2. Then to the women returning from the sepulchre to tell the angelic message (Matthew 288-10).
3. Then to Peter, this could have been in the afternoon (Luke 2434; 1 Corinthians 155).
4. Then to the Emmaus disciples toward evening (Luke 2413-31).
5. Then to the apostles, excepting Thomas, eight days afterwards (Luke 24;36-45; John 20 19-24).
6. After that to the apostles, when Thomas was with them (John 2024-29).

We find that Christ Jesus appeared a number of times
again before He finally ascended to His Father in Heaven

To the seven disciples at the Lake of Tiberius (John 21 1-23).
To the apostles and five hundred believers, on a mountain (1 Corinthians 156).
At Jerusalem and Bethany again. To James (1 Corinthians 157).
To the eleven (Matthew 2816-20; Mark 1614-20; Luke 2433-53; Acts 13-12).

Three notable appearances of the Glorified Christ Jesus were
1. To Paul, near Damascus (Acts 93-6; 1 Corinthians 158).
2. In the temple (Acts 22;17-21; 2311).
3. To Stephen, outside Jerusalem (Acts 755).
4. To John on Patmos (Revelation 110-19).

HE LIVES! CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY!
We Christians are greatly blessed, for surely Christ our Lord
“walks with us and talks with us along life’s narrow way.”
He lives with us, every step of the way, and we serve a Risen Saviour!

W. B. Howard ...Editor of Despatch

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Endtime Ministries...Christian Resource Centre Editor of Despatch W. B. Howard Ph. 0754941672 Fac. 0754948617 Mob. 0407636611 P.O. Box 238, Landsborough. Q. 4550. Aust.

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