TEACHING NOTES ‌ Introduction In the last session, we covered the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. John moves on from the burial directly to the resurrection. John does not tell us what happened while Jesus’ body was in the tomb. However, other passages in the New Testament do tell us what was going on. In this session, we’ll begin with the other passages and then continue with John’s account of the resurrection. ‌ Two Resurrections in John 5: ‌ Jesus has already said, John 5:25–26 “25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” ‌ John 5:28–29 “28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” ‌ There was an “hour now here” and an “hour is coming.” Jesus is saying that there would be a resurrection during His day and another resurrection in the future. This is exactly what the New Testament describes. Matthew describes a resurrection of the dead at Jesus’ resurrection (Matt. 27:51-53) and Revelation 20 describes two resurrections. ‌ What was Jesus doing in the tomb? Before we answer that question, we need to understand death and the afterlife before Christ’s death and resurrection. In the Old Testament, no one died and went to heaven. Only Enoch, Elijah, and Moses are said to have went directly to God. Everyone else died and their spirit/soul went to Sheol (Hebrew), which is called Hades in Greek. Sheol/Hades was the place of the dead. It was a kind of waiting room for all the dead. ‌ Note: Sheol/Hades is often translated “hell” in the older english Bibles. In the King James Version Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna were all translated “hell.” Over time this led people to think that Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and the lake of fire are all the same place. This is incorrect. The New Testament uses the terms “Gehenna” and “lake of fire” for the place of eternal fire. No one goes to the lake of fire until after the final resurrection and judgment. ‌ Therefore, all of the dead (righteous and unrighteous) were waiting in Sheol/Hades up to the time of Christ. This means that they were under the power of death, because they could not leave. Since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), and “death spread to all men because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12), all people were enslaved to sin and death. Since the serpent (satan) was responsible for leading humanity to sin and death, the author of Hebrews says that the devil is “the one who has the power of death” (Heb. 2:14). ‌ Matthew 27:51–53 ESV 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. ‌ The earth shook = At Jesus’ death there was an earthquake. This not only split the curtain in the temple, but also opened the tombs around Jerusalem. ‌ Bodies of the saints = Notice that these are not spirits or ghosts, but they have physical bodies. These saints who died before Jesus were resurrected. ‌ After his resurrection = While the tombs were opened at Jesus’ death, the saints were not raised until after Jesus’ resurrection. ‌ Appeared to many = Matthew says that there were “many” eyewitnesses who saw these resurrected saints. Paul tells us that there were more than 500 eyewitnesses to the risen Jesus (1 Cor. 15:6). There may have been even more eyewitnesses to these risen saints. This may help to explain why so many people became Christians shortly after these events, even under persecution. ‌ 1 Peter 3:18–20 ESV 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. ‌ Put to death in the flesh, but alive in the spirit = Jesus did not cease to exist while His body was in the tomb. Nor was Jesus simply sleeping. Jesus was still alive in spirit, which means that His spirit went somewhere. ‌ He went and proclaimed = Jesus, while in spirit, went to Sheol/Hades and literally “preached” to the other spirits there. Scholars debate whether these are human spirits or rebellious angels (sons of God, demons, etc). However, the “spirits in prison” can easily refer to both human and angelic spirits. The most ancient view is that Christ was revealing Himself as the Messiah to the human spirits, while also preaching judgment on the evil spirits. ‌ They formerly did not obey in the days of Noah = In the context of Noah’s flood (Gen. 6-8), the earth was full of violence because of rebellious spirits and rebellious humans. Since both humans and rebellious spirits (the sons of God) are blamed for the corruption of the earth in Gen. 6, the “they” here is likely referring to humans and evil spirits. The intertestamental writings say that in Sheol/Hades there were separate sections for the righteous and unrighteous, and there was also another section for rebellious spiritual beings (sons of God, demons, etc). ‌ 1 Peter 4:6 ESV 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. ‌ The gospel preached to the dead = Here, Peter is clear that Jesus preached to the spirits of dead humans in Sheol/Hades. Jesus went to preach Good News to the human spirits. This was bad news for the rebellious spirits who have been trying to destroy humanity since Gen. 3. ‌ Ephesians 4:8–10 ESV 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ‌ He led a host of captives = Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18, which is about God rising up, defeating His enemies, and bringing out the captives. ‌ Descended to the lower regions of the earth = Some English translations (like the ESV) add a comma to make it seem like Paul is referring to Jesus coming down to earth. However, the original text is referring to the lower regions of the earth. The “lower regions of the earth” refers to Sheol/Hades. ‌ Why don’t the Gospels describe Christ’s descent into Sheol/Hades? It’s normal to wonder why the four Gospels do not describe what Jesus was doing while His body laid in the tomb. However, we must remember that the Gospels are written from the disciples point of view. They are describing what Jesus said and did here on earth. We could say that the Gospels are “the Acts of Jesus on the Ground” while other New Testament passages describe what Jesus is now doing in heaven. ‌ Note: If you’d like to read an ancient document that describes Jesus’ actions in Sheol/Hades, read the Gospel of Nicodemus. This document was read, copied, and preserved by ancient Christians as far back as the 200s AD. The document claims to have been originally written in Hebrews by Nicodemus and found among the public records in Jerusalem in the hall of Pontius Pilate by the emperor Theodosius. The Gospel of Nicodemus should not be considered Scripture, but is a window into what many ancient Christians believed. ‌ What Jesus accomplished: ‌- In the OT, the spirits of the dead waited in Sheol/Hades to be resurrected. ‌- At Jesus’ death He descended to Sheol/Hades, took ”the keys” and announced the defeat of the devil. ‌- At Jesus’ resurrection, the spirits of OT saints were resurrected and followed Jesus into heaven at His ascension. ‌- Now believers bypass Sheol/Hades and go to be with Christ upon their death. ‌ John 20:1–2 ESV 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ‌ First day of the week = This would be Sunday. ‌ Mary Magdalene came to the tomb = Why? One humorous answer is that a group of men had buried Jesus in a hurry. Perhaps Mary Magdalene is checking to see if they did it right. A more serious answer is that two members of the Sanhedrin had buried Jesus and His followers may not have trusted them. The most simple answer is that Mary is going visit the tomb much we visit the grave of our loved ones. Many Jews believed that the spirit remained around the body for three days after a person died. If Mary believed this tradition, she may have been going to mourn and even speak/pray to Jesus’ spirit. ‌ It was still dark = John wants us to feel the emotion of the moment, which is sorrow and doubt. Darkness or night is a symbol of unbelief in John’s Gospel. ‌ The stone had been taken away = Mary knew that the grave had been guarded by soldiers. This would have been a shocking scene for her. Anyone would have immediately thought that Jesus’ grave had been robbed. ‌ Simon Peter = Simon is the Hebrew name and Peter is Greek. Many Jews back then had both a Hebrew and Greek name (Saul/Paul, Thomas/Didymus, etc). ‌ The other disciple = This is John, the author. ‌ They have taken the Lord = After all that the Jewish leaders had done against Jesus, it made sense that they would have also removed His body so that no one could honor His grave. They may have also wondered if the Romans removed His body, because usually crucified people were not allowed to be buried. ‌ John 20:3–5 ESV 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. ‌ The other disciple outran Peter = John makes sure to let the reader know that he outran Peter. ‌ Saw the linen cloths = John is going to mention the linen cloths a few times, which means that this is an important detail. We’re meant to contrast this story with the last story where John mentioned linen cloths, which is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11). ‌ John 20:6–7 ESV 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. ‌ Peter went into the tomb = While John arrived first, he did not go into the tomb. Peter, however, arrived and proceeds to barge into the tomb. This is normal for Peter is usually portrayed as impulsive. ‌ Face cloth = Grk. soudarion - In a Jewish burial, the entire was wrapped in a large cloth sheet. The face cloth was wrapped around the head in such a way to keep the mouth closed. ‌ Linen cloths folded up = John is showing the contrast between the resurrection of Lazarus and of Jesus. When Jesus raised Lazarus, they had to loose him or take off the face cloths and linen sheet. No one had to loose Jesus, for the Father raised Him. Jesus unbound Himself and neatly folded His graves clothes. Jesus left the shroud behind to show that no one had stolen His body. Robbers would not have left the grave clothes and definitely would not have folded them. ‌ John 20:8–10 ESV 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. ‌ Saw and believed = While it’s difficult to see in the text, John is trying to tell us that he believed Jesus was raised before Peter believed. John may not have fully understood everything about it, but the text clearly states that he believed. ‌ The Scripture = John mentions that they did not understand “the Scripture” but does not tell which passage(s). Most likely, John is referring to Psalm 16:10 “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” ‌ The disciples went back home = After seeing that Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb, they went back their homes. Had they stayed, they may have had the same experience as Mary is about to have. ‌ John 20:11–12 ESV 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. ‌ Mary stayed = Notice that Mary Magdalene is the first one to the tomb and the last to leave. In that culture, if you wanted to make sure that people believed your story, you would never have women as the witnesses. Even in Jewish culture, the testimony of women was not respected. This is evidence that the apostles were not making up the story. If they were making this up, they would not have women as the first witnesses. ‌ She saw two angels = Remember, in the Bible angels always look like humans. Mary likely did not realize that these beings are angels. If she knew they were angels, usually shock or fear would be mentioned. ‌ John 20:13–14 ESV 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ‌ They have taken my Lord = Mary still believes that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. She still thinks that someone has taken Him somewhere else. Both here in this verse and in verse 15, Mary’s main concern is to find out “where” Jesus’ body has been taken. ‌ She did not know it was Jesus = This is common in the resurrection appearances in the Gospels. For some reason, the disciples don’t recognize Jesus at first (John 21:4-7; Luke 24:16, 31). In the Gospels, the disciples don’t recognize Jesus until He does something specific to help them recognize Him. ‌ John 20:15–16 ESV 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). ‌ Woman = We’re meant to have the Eden story in mind here. In Gen. 3 God is talking to “the woman” and asking her questions. Jesus is in a garden asking Mary questions, but calls her “woman” instead of by name at first. ‌ The gardener = The first man in Eden was Adam, who was commissioned to work and keep the garden. Adam was the first gardener. John is presenting Jesus as the new Adam, who defeated death and is cultivating a new Eden. ‌ Jesus said to her “Mary” = In Gen. 2-3 Eve is only called “woman” until after the fall where she is given a name. Here in John 20, Mary is first called “woman” but now Jesus calls her by name. This opened her eyes to recognize Jesus. ‌ John 20:17–18 ESV 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. ‌ Do not cling to me = Literally, “stop holding on to me.” There has been much debate about why Jesus did not want Mary to cling to Him. Some think it is because Jesus is in His resurrected or “glorified” body and should not be touched by sinful humans. However, several verses later Jesus asks Thomas to touch Him. The most plausible explanation is that Mary is trying to hold on to Jesus and Jesus wants her to let go and go tell the disciples that He is risen. Jesus will be ascending to heaven soon, and there is no time to stand around hugging. Also, Jesus does not intend to remain with the disciples in bodily form. He intended to give them His Spirit. Mary is trying to hold on to Jesus as if to try to keep Him here. ‌ My Father and your Father = Jesus is clear that now His Father is also our Father. Humanity had formerly become orphans because of sin. But now we have the opportunity to be adopted into the family of God. ‌ Mary went and announced = The Greek word for “announced” here is angellousa or angello, which means to deliver a message. This is also the same word for “angel” in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene was the first one to the tomb, the last one to leave, and is the first person to announce the resurrection of Christ. Mary tells the disciples and the disciples go on tell everyone else who will listen. ‌ Homework: Read John 20:19-31