In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Paul lists the eye witnesses of the resurrection, up to his own testimony in V.9, which we will deal with next Sunday. The order of the witnesses is important, because he begins with Peter, and ends with James, and then the apostles. We saw the list in Acts 1:1-14 today.
James, the half brother of the Lord, did not believe him to be the Messiah while he was alive and offering the kingdom to the nation. This is the very reason that Jesus appeared to him after his resurrection. James, and the rest of the Lord’s brothers believed and joined the apostles!
Matthew 12:46-50: While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Matthew 13:53-58: And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
We will go over the 4 gospel accounts of the resurrection next Sunday. Explaining the days and events leading up to the resurrection, fulfilling the prophecy of our Lord in Matthew 12:38-40, today, should only strengthen our faith in the authority of God’s Word! Understanding that everything Jesus said proved out to be true reinforces the power of the resurrection for all who believe!