1. The Resurrection Predicted (Mark 10:32-34)

Begin by pointing out that Jesus on many occasions foretold his own death and rising again

2. The Facts of the Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8)

Read Mark's account of the resurrection — chapter 16:1-8, the briefest of all the Gospel accounts. In the Bible there are recorded at least ten occasions when the risen Jesus appeared to his followers. He spoke to them, ate with them, was touched by them (e.g. Luke 24:36-43).

3. The Meaning of the Resurrection (Acts 10:39-43)

Ask: As a child did you ever try to imagine what the world would be like without you? (i.e. If you died?) Comment that the question of death and life after death has haunted people in all ages. What happens after death? Is there a heaven, a hell, or nothingness? In the Bible the answers to these questions are found in the resurrection of Jesus. Read Acts 10:39-43.

Point out that Peter has been speaking to Cornelius, a non-Christian man. Notice what Peter is saying. These are the things Jesus has commanded to be taught (verse 42).

a) All People will be Raised

Verse 42 refers to 'the living and the dead'. The Bible looks to a day when all people living and dead from all ages will be raised. This sounds good, but it may not be.

b) All People will be Judged

Jesus has been appointed to be 'judge of the living and the dead' (verse 42). We are not free agents. We all must give account one day - on the day of judgment - to the God who gave us life.

c) The Risen Jesus will be the Judge

Jesus is 'the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead' (verse 42). That is why the resurrection of Jesus is so vital. It not only guarantees our resurrection, it also guarantees our judgement. It is to Jesus we are accountable!

d) All will be Divided Into Two Groups

The positive side 

Those who believe in Jesus — now

are forgiven — now

are accepted by Jesus — then on Judgement Day (Heaven).

The negative side: Read Mark 8:38

Those who reject Jesus — now

will be rejected by Jesus — then on Judgment Day (Hell).

Many of Jesus' parables speak of this division. He talked simply about dividing between wheat and weeds, sheep and goats, good and worthless fish.

e) This Division is Forever

In the Bible there is no concept of a second chance after death. This life, now, is our one and only opportunity.

Summary

We would sum up by saying:

Your attitude to Jesus in this life is the same as his attitude to you in the next. If you accept him now, he will accept you then. If you go on rejecting him now, he will reject you then. (see also 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10) 

Explain that we have now seen the three fundamental concepts which are at the heart of Christianity

Conclusion:

Jesus' attitude to me on the Day of Judgment is the same as my attitude to him now, in this life.

If I accept him now, he will accept me then. If I reject him now, he will reject me then.

There are three basic concepts which you must believe to be a Christian. These are:

• Jesus' Sonship
• Jesus' Death on the cross
• Jesus' Resurrection

Homework

Read Mark chapters 11-16. Note any passages which they do not understand or would like to discuss. There will be a time for discussing these queries at the beginning of next week's study.