Class 21 – Jesus Christ, The Spirit World and Resurrection
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
This class will focus on several episodes including those that took place at the time Christ died and shortly after his resurrection.
Christ in the Spirit World: Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:1-37. What question arose in President Joseph F. Smith’s mind as he pondered the words of Peter? What was the answer revealed to him?
Christ on Resurrection morning: Read John 20:1-18. According to John (it’s different in each account) who was the first person to see the resurrected Lord?
The Road to Emmaus: Read Luke 24:13-35. What did Jesus teach the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
Jesus and Thomas: Read John 20:19-31. Personal thought question: what message does this account have for you?
The Great Commission: Read Matthew 28:16-20. According to Matthew, what is Christ’s final commission to his disciples?
Jesus at the Sea of Galilee: Read John 21:1-25. Personal thought question: what message does this account have for you?
Paul’s teachings on the Resurrection: Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-22. According to Paul, what is the core of gospel (this is what he delivered “first of all”). What witnesses does Paul provide of the resurrection?
Questions to focus on
Who owned the tomb in which Jesus was laid? What can we learn from this individual? (note Mark 15:43).
Where did Christ’s disciples (both male and female) go after Christ’s death? What lesson can we learn from this?
Where did Christ go after his death? What lesson can we learn from this?
If which miracle is true, then all other miracles cease to be improbable?
What lesson do we learn from Mary Magdalene?
What was Christ’s first post-resurrection question in John? His first post-resurrection teaching in John? What can we learn from these?
We often connect Thomas with the adjective “doubting.” What might another appropriate adjective be?
What was the three-fold question the resurrected Christ asked Peter?
What was Christ’s Great Commission?
What is an “inclusio” and what is the meaning of the inclusio in the Book of Matthew?
Optional Post-Class Readings
For a comprehensive, scholarly treatment of Christ’s resurrection, you might like N.T. Wright’s book, The Resurrection of the Son of God.
This video depicts what the four Gospel accounts teach regarding what happened on the morning Jesus was resurrected.
Acknowledgements
Insights from, discussions with, and resources authored by Dr. Raymond Brown, Dr. N.T. Wright, Dr. Matthew Grey, Dr. Gail R. O’Day, Dr. Tyler Griffin, Dr. Hank Smith, James Martin, SJ, Max Lucado, and Michelle Wilson were used in the creation of this video.