Chapter 7: Death and Resurrection

 IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:  

• The motivation behind Jesus’ self-sacrifice.

• What Jesus accomplished on the cross.

• The historical evidence for the Resurrection.

• The significance of the Resurrection today.  

AS A RESULT, you will be able to:  

• Appreciate the depth of Jesus’ self-sacrifice.

• Understand the meaning of redemption.

• Affirm the historical validity of the Resurrection.

• Overcome fear through resurrection faith.

Key Scripture: “Here I am, I have come to do your will” (Heb. 10:9).

Audio Streaming Summary: The journey from Bethlehem’s manger to Golgotha’s cross was a long and arduous one. Yet how much more immense was the journey from the perfection of the Godhead to the womb of an obscure Jewish peasant girl! What sacrifice was required for Christ to relinquish heaven? We cannot know, but Hebrews 12:2 tells us that “for the joy set before him [Christ] endured the cross, scorning its shame.” Out of obedience to the Father and His love for us, Christ willingly undertook this unimaginable journey. The only thing more staggering than the magnitude of the Incarnation is the unfathomable divine love that accomplished it.

Christ’s teachings stand alone in their authority and moral excellence. Yet Christ’s “rescue mission” to humanity was not accomplished through His teaching, but through His death. Christ’s execution was not a tragic, unforeseen accident, but rather the spiritual key to the redemption of humanity.

In an intriguing prophetic reference to Numbers 21:8-9, Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). In speaking of being “lifted up,” Jesus clearly foretold the manner in which He would die. Death by crucifixion was especially abhorred by the Jews, because Deuteronomy 21:23 taught that “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” The significance of this was not missed by the apostles. Paul wrote that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” on the cross (Gal. 3:13). Peter declared, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24; cf. Isa. 53:4-5,12).

Jesus’ followers could never live up to the exalted standards of His teachings. Yet by fixing their eyes in faith on the resurrected Christ, they found salvation and healing. As with Moses’ bronze serpent, they had but to “look . . . and live” (Num. 21:8). Jesus’ plan was: “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32).

The tree of life that God planted in Eden was denied to humanity because of Adam’s disobedience. But through Christ’s obedience, the cross — an instrument of death — became a new tree of life (Col. 2:13-14). There is a mysterious and wonderful unity between Eden’s tree of life, the cross of Christ, and the tree of life pictured in the book of Revelation (2:7; 22:2, 14). Together they mark the beginning, the midpoint, and the consummation of the vast epic of salvation presented in the Bible.

Audio Streaming Outline:

I. “He Humbled Himself”

• Christ willingly laid aside His heavenly glory (Phil. 2:7).
• His mission was an act of obedience to the Father (John 6:38).

II. “By Becoming Obedient”

• Christ’s life from birth to death was one of obedience.
• He suffered patiently, according to His Father’s will (Heb. 5:8).
• He never turned aside from devotion to the Father.

III. “To the Point of Death”

• Christ foresaw His sacrificial role (John 12:32).
• He knew that the Scriptures predicted His death (Matt. 16:21).
• He freely and deliberately went to His death (John 10:17-18).

IV. “Even Death on a Cross”

• Crucifixion was the most violent and shameful death known.
• The prospect of death filled Jesus with foreboding (Matt. 26:38).
• Still, He willingly accepted the cross (Matt. 26:42, 53-54).

V. “Therefore God Exalted Him”

• Christ achieved victory on the cross (John 19:30).
• He then assumed the rank of universal sovereign (Phil. 2:9-11).

Textbook Reading: Jesus the Messiah, pp. 288-302.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:1-39; 24:1-25:46; Mark 13:1-4; Luke 21:1-4; 22:1-6.

Textbook Summary: One of Jesus’ most vivid and powerful parables is found in Matthew 25:31-46. In this scenario of the last judgment, the “sheep” who are saved and the “goats” who are destined for destruction are separated, based on the way they have responded to human need during their lives. The key insight is Jesus’ statement: “Whatever you did (or “did not do” [v. 45]) for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40). This is consistent with other sayings of Jesus (Matt. 10:40-42) and with His moral teachings in general (Luke 10:25-37).

The problem with the passage is that it seems to make salvation dependent on works. But, as Guthrie points out, Jesus’ emphasis is probably that “those who failed to be concerned about their brethren were those who never discovered the way and mission of Jesus” (JTM, p. 301). Jesus’ disciples later pointed out that a heart without sacrificial love is likely empty of saving faith as well (James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:14-15).

Some have attempted to water down the urgency of the parable by interpreting “brothers” in verse 40 to refer to the Jewish nation or to Christians only. Both explanations are untrue to the radical breadth of Jesus’ moral vision. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that when we seriously attempt to keep the “greatest commandment” (Matt. 22:36), we become intimately related to all the needy around us. Jesus urged us to be concerned even with our enemies’ welfare (Matt. 5:43-48). He desires that we have hearts that respond spontaneously and selflessly to the needs of others. A world of hurting people is waiting to be transformed by Christians who not only sing about the cross, but also actually bear it.

Key Concepts:

1. Christ’s “rescue mission” to humanity was not accomplished through His teaching, but through His __________. [See above]

2. Crucifixion was especially abhorred by the Jews because “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s __________.” [See above]

3. The tree of life was denied to humanity because of Adam’s disobedience; the _________________ brought life through Christ’s obedience. [See above]

4. _______________________ were hollow tubes worn on the forehead and left hand that contained parchments of Scripture. [289]

5. Like the Pharisees, those who love external detail and forget the priorities of true faith are guilty of ________________. [290]

6. While watching the givers at the treasury, Jesus found true piety in the offering of a ____________. [292]

7. Although the Jews hated ___________, they were proud of the temple he had built for them. [293]

8. In Mark 13 Jesus separated the destruction of the ______________ and the end of the age into two distinct events. [296]

9. The sign that was to precede the destruction of Jerusalem was the “desolating ___________________ ” spoken of by Daniel. [297]

10. The message of the parable of the marriage feast is the need for _______ ___________________. [299]

11. One of the saddest acts of history was the betrayal of Jesus by ____________. [301]

Further Study: Read “Bronze Snake,” p. 175; and “Cross,” pp. 241-42 in the NIDB.

Life Application: Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that Christ did not cling to His deity, but willingly abased Himself to become the servant of all. We are to imitate this attitude (v. 5). Is there some worldly advantage to which you continue to cling? Are you willing to strip yourself of possessions, prestige, power, or pride to perform the task of a servant? Ask God to reveal any vanity that stands in the way of being conformed to His image.

Key Scripture: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them” (2 Cor. 5:19).

Key Words: Redemption, Justification, Imputation, Reconciliation.

Audio Streaming Summary: The centrality of Christ’s death to apostolic preaching can be seen in Paul’s determination to proclaim nothing “except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). John the Baptist’s designation of Jesus as the Lamb of God foreshadowed the pivotal role Jesus’ death would play in accomplishing His earthly mission. Why did Jesus have to die? What is the meaning of the Cross? Over the centuries the greatest Christian minds have wrestled with this question and have put forth several theories that attempt to explain the Atonement.

The “ransom theory” states that since the wages of sin are death (Rom. 3:23) and all have sinned (6:23), Satan rightfully owns all souls. The sinless soul of Christ was accepted by Satan as a substitute for the souls of humanity, but Satan could not hold Christ captive. This theory highlights the biblical concept of redemption and the truth that through His death Jesus defeated the forces of sin and death in a miraculous way (Matt. 20:28; Col. 2:10-15; Heb. 2:14).

The “satisfaction” theory argues that God’s perfect righteousness demands that the debt of sin be paid. Though this debt is owed by humanity, it is beyond our ability to pay it. God graciously chose to pay the debt through the atoning sacrifice of the perfect God-man Jesus. This theory emphasizes the biblical idea of justification. Through the imputation (or transferal) of Christ’s merits, we are declared righteous before God (Rom. 3:25-26; 1 Peter 3:18). We must be careful not to separate Christ and God in our thinking about justification. Jesus did not “change God’s mind” about humanity. He was the token and expression of God’s love for humanity (John 3:16).

The “moral influence” theory states that Christ’s life and death demonstrate God’s willingness to forgive. They are a call to repentance. This theory stresses the biblical idea of reconciliation, the making of peace between two estranged parties. Whereas most religions teach that humanity has to do something to bring about “at-one-ment” with God, Christianity teaches that God Himself acted in Christ to bridge the gap (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

No single theory has finally been accepted as authoritative by the church, because none can fully explain what God wrought in Christ. Each illuminates some important aspect of Christ’s sacrifice. The cross embodies “God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began” (1 Cor. 2:7). Only the life and death of Christ are sufficient to reveal the scope of this mystery (Col. 1:19-20).

Audio Streaming Outline:

I. The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

• Old Testament: Anticipated in offerings, sacrifices, and prophecies.
• Gospels: Over one-third of them centers on Jesus’ last week.
• Epistles: Jesus’ atoning death is Paul’s main theme (1 Cor. 15:3).

II. The Cross as a Stumbling Block (1 Cor. 1:18-31)

• The Jews trusted in the miraculous and the powerful.
• The Greeks trusted in reason and the human intellect.
• Jesus’ death appeared contemptible and foolish.
• Nevertheless, the cross embodies the power and wisdom of God.

III. Why Did Christ Have to Die?

• To prove that God’s love is inexhaustible (Rom. 5:8).
• To set an everlasting example of how to live (1 Peter 2:18-25).
• To take away our sin (1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:5).

IV. What Did Christ’s Death Accomplish?

• Redemption (Gal. 3:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
• Justification (Rom. 4:5; 5:18-19).
• Reconciliation (Rom. 5:9-11).
• Imputation (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

V. Our Response to Christ’s Sacrifice

• To live the new life now possible through Christ (2 Cor. 5:15).
• To spread the good news of salvation (2 Cor. 5:19-20).

Textbook Reading: Jesus the Messiah, pp. 303-16.

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:7-13; John 13:1-16:33.

Textbook Summary: John 13:1 reads: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” The essence of Jesus’ teaching was love. On the eve of His earthly departure, Jesus summarized this teaching in a single commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (13:34). The self-giving love demonstrated on the cross is the pattern that Jesus’ disciples are to follow and the standard by which they are to be recognized (v. 35). Through His gestures of reconciliation to Judas and by the washing of His disciples’ feet, Jesus again exemplified the humility, self-sacrifice, and compassion that are the heart of Christian love.

Jesus emphasized repeatedly that those who really love Him will express that love through obedience (14:15 ff.). Such obedience becomes possible when we fully place our trust in Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God honors and rewards such trust (16:27). As we abide in Christ, His holy presence abides in us, empowering us and uniting us with the Father. In this union we find a joy and security that nothing can take away. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (16:33).

Key Concepts:

1. ____________________________ is the making of peace between two estranged parties. [See above]

2. The Passover commemorated the ancient __________________. [303]

3. During Passover all traces of leaven, which symbolically represented __________, were cleansed from Jewish homes. [303]

4. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was symbolic of the _______________ of their hearts and minds. [307]

5. By offering the _________________ sop first to _____________, Jesus honored him and attempted to soften his heart. [308]

6. Jesus showed His special tenderness for the disciples by calling them “ ____________________________________.” [310]

7. In His Upper Room Discourses, Jesus called the coming Paraclete another “ ______________________.” [311]

8. The mark of a Spirit-led church or individual is the extent to which Christ is _____________________. [312]

9. Like branches attached to a vine, the disciples were to experience spiritualgrowth by ___________________ in Christ. [315]


Further Study: Read “Atonement,” pp. 108-9; “Justification,” pp. 559-60; “Reconciliation,” p. 849; and “Redemption,” pp. 849-50 in the NIDB. Review the scriptures under these headings in the NIVTSB for additional insight. See also “The Upper Room Ministry,” IBC, pp. 1253-57.

Life Application: A popular bumper sticker reads: “Jesus is the answer — What was the question?” Though the message here may be sarcastic, it encourages us to think practically about just what salvation encompasses. In what ways are we saved through Jesus’ life and death? What are some practical obstacles you face in your life today? How can your relationship with Christ be seen as “salvation” in light of these? Remember that through Christ you can receive hope, love, and courage, as well as the answers to your prayers.

  Key Scripture: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Cor. 15:14).  Audio Streaming Summary: Christianity is a historical religion. Paul said bluntly that if the empty tomb is not a reality, our faith is in vain. Yet he also declared that the existence of the risen Christ was a fact observed by himself and many others (1 Cor. 15:3-8). Today even the most skeptical historians admit that the evidence for the resurrection of Christ is logically compelling. Alternate explanations of the Resurrection, such as the “fraud” theory, the “swoon” theory, the “hallucination” theory, and the “mythological” theory, have been discredited and abandoned by modern scholars. What are the key historical evidences for the Resurrection? The eyewitness accounts of the apostles must first be considered. They clearly felt that their encounters with the risen Christ were literal and not subjective “mystical” visions. The tone of the gospel accounts and the details noted by the writers (such as the folded burial cloth described in John 20:6-7) have the mark of realism. Even more impressive is the transformation undergone by the disciples. They changed overnight from being defeated, hopeless men to being confident, fearless missionaries. Some who experienced this unexplainable metamorphosis had previously been hostile to Jesus, such as His brother James and Paul. Paul was an eminent Pharisee (Acts 22:3-4) who had persecuted Christians. After encountering the risen Christ, he spread the gospel across the ancient world, endured terrible suffering, and died a martyr’s death. Perhaps the most visible evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is the existence of the church itself. The Jewish authorities took every precaution to keep the disciples from fabricating a “resurrection” by stealing Jesus’ body (Matt. 27:62-66). Their inability to produce Jesus’ body and their unlikely explanation of His empty tomb must have aroused general suspicion that the Resurrection had actually occurred (28:11-15). This transparent lie and the testimony of over five hundred living witnesses must have made Jesus’ resurrection credible to those in Jerusalem. Otherwise, monotheistic Jews would not have become Christians and worshiped Christ as God (Titus 2:13), or converted from Sabbath-keeping to Sunday worship (Acts 20:7). Had the disciples stolen Jesus’ body they would certainly not have later martyred themselves for a lie. The Christian faith is not only a historical faith but also a reasonable faith. Many who have investigated the Scripture record, intent on discrediting the Resurrection, have come away convinced of its validity. If Jesus did rise from the dead, it was the most significant event in history — one that vitally affects every one of us today.  Audio Streaming Outline:   I. Importance of the Resurrection • The most vital factor in the Christian faith. • The most stupendous fact in history. II. The Necessity of the Resurrection • Since Christ was divine, death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). • An essential part of Christ’s mission (John 10:17-18). III. Evidences for the Resurrection • Jesus’ predictions of His resurrection (Matt. 16:21; 26:32). • Christ’s empty tomb (John 20:6-8). • Appearances of the risen Christ (Acts 1:3). • The transformation of the disciples (Luke 24:21; Acts 2:14-41). • The manner in which the events are reported. • The existence of the Christian church (Acts 3:46-47). • The testimony of Paul (Acts 9:1-19).  Textbook Reading: Jesus the Messiah, pp. 317-32.  Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:26-30; Luke 22:31-46, 63-71; John 17:1-18:27.  Textbook Summary: The scriptures for this lesson detail the dramatic events preceding Jesus’ death on the cross. In studying Jesus’ high-priestly prayer, His travail in Gethsemane, and His mock trial before the Sanhedrin, one cannot avoid being awestruck by Jesus’ dignity and inner resolve. Jesus’ overwhelming consciousness of His messianic calling led Him to obey His Father’s will, even though it meant embracing humiliation and death. The meaning of Jesus’ self-sacrifice was revealed and forever memorialized in the last Passover meal He celebrated with His disciples. As the final, perfect paschal lamb who shed His blood for us, Jesus became the Moses of a new, spiritual exodus. He delivered the people of God from the power of sin. He inaugurated a new covenant in which the law ceased to be an external affair, but became resident within the heart through God’s own Spirit (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:26-27). In the ancient world the covenant relationship meant more than a legal contract. It was more like an engagement. God’s establishment of the covenant with Israel historically preceded the giving of the law. In the same sense, but on a grander scale, God’s love and mercy precede His justice. The God we see in Christ is never neutral. He is always actively seeking fellowship and reconciliation. Thus, the new covenant must be understood not simply as the annulment of the old covenant, but as its continuation and fulfillment. In Jeremiah 32:41 God says, “I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” This is the love that brought Jesus to the cross. The root of the Hebrew word for sacrifice means “to draw near.” Through the sacrificial death of the Lamb of God, God once again drew near to His people to “do them good.”  Key Concepts:  1. Perhaps the most visible evidence of the Resurrection is the existence of the ________________. [See above] 2. The Christian “Passover” commemorates the deliverance of humanity from the slavery of _________. [317] 3. Both the old and new covenants were ratified with _____________. [318] 4. In the Upper Room Jesus prayed for Himself, His ______________, and for the coming church. [320] 5. Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane was revealed by His perspiration, which looked like great drops of __________. [323] 6. Matthew says Jesus hailed Judas His betrayer as “ ____________.” [325] 7. Jesus appeared before Annas, the former high priest, and ____________, the present high priest. [326] 8. The Jews refused to accept Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God and charged Him with _____________________. [329] 9. Pilate was unable to establish a __________ charge against Jesus. [330] 10. Peter was recognized as a Galilean by his distinctive ___________. [331]  Further Study: Read “Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” NIDB, pp. 855-58; also review the scriptures under “Covenant,” NIVTSB, pp. 33-35, especially C.6. “The new covenant.”  Life Application: Guthrie describes the cowardly Peter on the eve of the Crucifixion as one who “chose the role of observer rather than participant” (p. 330). Christ did not call us to be observers. It is easy to stand for Christ when truth is “on your side.” It is another thing to stand on the side of truth when you must put yourself at risk to do so. Is there an area of your life in which you are refusing to stand for Christ because it is inconvenient? Pray for God’s wisdom and courage to stand up for Christ.

Key Scripture: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

Audio Streaming Summary: Dr. Horner has noted, “What is historically false cannot be spiritually true.” Given the historical truth of the Resurrection, what spiritual implications follow for us as Christians?

In studying Jesus the Messiah, we have seen how His unique character, ethical vision, and miracles cannot be understood apart from His divine nature. This is doubly true regarding the Resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection was a divine validation of His messianic claims. It was also proof of the objective existence of the God of Abraham, the Father of Jesus Christ. In addition to proving the existence of God, the Resurrection was a disclosure of God’s character. It revealed that the living God is a God of love. He cares in a profound and eternal way about the welfare of humanity and about each individual. Without the conviction that God exists to supply meaning and values, life is absurd. The Resurrection is thus the basis for a vital, life-affirming confidence for Christians.

The Resurrection also establishes the preeminence of Christianity among the world’s religions. Other religious systems contain philosophical, ethical, and psychological principles similar in many ways to Christianity. Christianity, however, is unique in that the tomb of its founder is empty.

Perhaps the clearest significance of the Resurrection is that it liberates us from the fear of death. This fear is one of the most disruptive forces at work in the human mind. Goaded by it, we spend our lives in the vain pursuit of pleasure, material possessions, and the illusory security they afford. But none of these strategies of avoidance can outrace the cruel shadow of death (Eccl. 2:1-11). Only the knowledge that we can share in Jesus’ victory over death sets us free. Jesus promised that He would prepare a place for us with the Father and come again to take us to Himself (John 14:2-3). The Resurrection is proof that Jesus can and will keep His promise.

Finally, the Resurrection is proof that Christ successfully accomplished His mission of redemption. Because He has paid the price for sin, we can be released from guilt and condemnation. The Resurrection is the visible sign that every wounded, broken aspect of human life will eventually be healed and made whole, “swallowed up by life” (2 Cor. 5:4).

Audio Streaming Outline:

I. The Existence and Nature of God

• Proves that Jesus was God’s spokesman (Matt. 12:39-41).
• Validates Jesus’ claim to be divine (Rom. 1:4).
• Shows that God is love (John 3:16).

II. The Superiority of Christianity

• The supernatural authority of its founder confirmed historically.
• Presents a God who lived, died, and rose for humanity.

III. Life After Death

• Christ rose from the dead and conquered death (Rom. 6:9).
• He can grant eternal life to His followers (John 11:25-26).

IV. The Practical Significance of the Resurrection Today

• Freedom from guilt (Rom. 8:33-39).
• Freedom from depression (John 14:23; Heb. 13:5-6).

Textbook Reading: Jesus the Messiah, pp. 333-46.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:3-10, 15-31; Mark 15:1-5; Luke 23:6-12, 26-31; John 19:1-16.

Textbook Summary: Much of the drama surrounding Jesus’ trial comes from the conflict between Jesus and His “judges,” one of whom was Pontius Pilate. Pilate was intelligent, ruthless, and troubled. When Jesus appeared before him, his career was already hanging by a thread. His tenure as Roman procurator depended on keeping the local populace subdued and pacified. But Pilate and the Jewish leaders openly held each other in contempt. Pilate deliberately provoked the Jews by parading about Jerusalem with the insignia of the emperor, who was considered by the Romans to be a god. The Jews regarded these insignia as blasphemous graven images. He also took money from the temple treasury to build an aqueduct. Jews who demonstrated in protest against this act were ambushed and killed by Pilate’s militia.

Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing. He was impressed by Jesus’ bearing, and regarded him with a fearful, superstitious awe. He could sense that Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God was not mere pretense. Pilate, at first, tried to avoid responsibility for judging Jesus. But the Jews would not allow this; they themselves could not impose the death penalty. He repeatedly attempted to release Jesus, but he underestimated the intensity of the religious leaders’ hatred and their ability to manipulate the crowds.

Pilate’s exchange with Jesus in John 18 is chilling and ironic. Jesus’ statement, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (v. 37), was an implicit invitation for Pilate to hear the gospel. Pilate’s response, “What is truth?” (v. 38), was the reply of a cynic who had ceased to believe in or desire truth. For Pilate, truth was simply expediency. He represents the tendency in us all to silence the voice of conscience for the sake of ambition or greed. When the Jews threatened, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar” (19:12), Pilate became afraid. The Jews had already appealed once to Tiberius and had one of Pilate’s decisions reversed. So he handed Jesus over to be crucified. Whereas Jesus was prepared to sacrifice Himself for all, Pilate chose to sacrifice all — even the Son of God — for himself.

Key Concepts:

1. The Resurrection was a disclosure of God’s reality and ________________. [See above]

2. For Peter, remorse led to ______________________; for Judas to self-destruction. [333]

3. Thirty pieces of silver was commonly the price of a _____________. [333]

4. The Jews need Pilate because they lacked power to impose a __________ sentence — the death penalty. [335]

5. To bring a political charge against Jesus, the Jews accused him of claiming to be a __________. [335]

6. Because of His Galilean heritage, Pilate sent Jesus to ___________. [337]

7. _______________________ was an insurrectionist and a murderer. [339]

8. Pilate was frightened by the Jews’ threat to appeal to _______________. [340-41]

9. ______________ the Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. [345]

10. Jesus’ route through Jerusalem on His way to the cross is known in Latin as the ______________________________. [345]

Further Study: Review the scriptures under “Resurrection, A.6. The significance of Christ’s resurrection,” NIVTSB, pp. 140-41; also read “Pilate,” pp. 789-90; and “Via Dolorosa,” pp. 1049-50 in the NIDB.

Life Application: The Resurrection is a fact of history. According to Paul, the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is resident in every Christian (Rom. 8:11). Do you need to experience resurrection power today? Have you been enslaved or oppressed by some habit or depression? The fact of the Resurrection stands as a sign that God can indeed raise you up by providing the miracle you need.