The Mystery of Manner & Nature of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection

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Short Summary
The discourse explores the nature and manner of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, emphasizing that He was raised by God the Father to a divine, immortal spirit nature rather than a mere human form. It explains the significance of different Greek terms for resurrection to clarify that Jesus’ resurrection was unique and perfect, unlike temporary awakenings of others. The appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples were veiled to gradually teach them His spiritual transformation, while His full glory was revealed to Saul (Paul) for a special purpose. The study highlights Jesus’ ongoing invisible presence, His heavenly priestly work, and the connection of His resurrection to the future resurrection and glorification of the faithful Church, calling believers to faithfulness, sacrifice, and consecration in following Christ’s example.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on the Manner and Nature of Our Lord’s Resurrection

Introduction and Significance of the Topic
– Gathering as one family in Christ to study God’s Word is a privilege and joy.
– The subject: the manner and nature of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, described as a revealed mystery through Scriptures and the ministry of the Seventh Messenger.
– The resurrection is the greatest demonstration of God’s power and the ultimate hope for humanity, proving that death is not the end.

Who Raised Jesus from the Dead?
– Mark 16:6 confirms Jesus was raised by the Heavenly Father:
*”He is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”* (Mark 16:6)
– No doubt: it was God the Father who raised Jesus.

Resurrection of the Saints at Jesus’ Death
– Matthew 27:52 records graves opening and saints arising, but this resurrection was different from Christ’s true resurrection.
– Early doubts existed about this passage’s authenticity; however, Brother Russell affirms its reliability based on Greek manuscripts.
– Understanding the Greek terms for resurrection is crucial:
Egiro (1453): to rise or awaken (e.g., Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, Matthew 27:52 saints).
Anisthemi (450): to arise or stand up (e.g., Ephesians 5:14, Acts 9:6).
Anastasis (386): true resurrection to eternal life (used for Christ and the full resurrection hope).
– The saints who arose at Jesus’ death were “awakened” (egiro), not fully resurrected. They died again later.
– Christ alone experienced *anastasis*, becoming the first fruits of those resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Nature of Christ’s Resurrection
– Christ was raised not as a mere man but in divine nature, perfected beyond flesh (Reprints 4637; Tabernacle Shadows, p. 58).
– Immortality was originally possessed only by God and Jesus since His resurrection (Tabernacle Shadows, p. 28; 5th Volume, pp. 392-393).
– No gradual change or progression occurred post-resurrection; Jesus instantly possessed divine nature.
– The 40 days between resurrection and ascension reflect the L and K planes in the “Chart of the Ages,” representing spirit and divine natures.
– Brother Russell explains the spiritual body was glorious at resurrection and remained so (Reprints 3374).
– The distinction in planes also illustrates future inheritance differences between the Great Company and the Little Flock.

Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances
– How could Jesus, as a spiritual divine being, be seen and touched?
– Scripture shows spiritual beings can manifest visibly (e.g., angels).
– Jesus veiled His glory, appearing in a fleshly form to teach and strengthen disciples (Reprints 1416).
– John 3:8 compares spirit beings to wind: invisible but with real effects.
– Jesus appeared selectively and then vanished, even passing through closed doors.
– This teaches that spirit beings are not bound by physical limitations but can appear in forms understandable to humans.

Mary Magdalene’s Encounter (John 20:17)
– Mary’s grief turned to joy when Jesus appeared.
– Jesus said, “Touch me not” (Greek *aptomai* means to cling or embrace), not because He couldn’t be touched but to redirect her mission to go tell the disciples.
– This moment emphasized faith and obedience over clinging to Jesus’ physical presence (John 20:17).

Why Different Appearances?
– Jesus appeared in different forms during 40 days to gradually teach the disciples He was alive but now a spirit being (Reprints 5588).
– The disciples were unprepared for full glory; a gradual approach prevented confusion and strengthened faith (Reprints 3374).
– The appearances were purposeful: to prove life, build faith, and prepare disciples for worldwide ministry.

Appearance to Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul)
– Unlike disciples, Saul saw a direct glimpse of Jesus’ glory (Acts 22:6-8; Acts 26).
– Saul’s dramatic conversion required a powerful revelation.
– Paul was blinded temporarily, showing the overwhelming nature of full glory (Reprints 1416; Overland Monthly 355).
– This contrast demonstrates divine wisdom in revealing glory according to the recipient’s needs.

Jesus’ Presence During the 40 Days
– Jesus was present invisibly with the disciples even when not seen.
– Matthew 28:20: *“I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”*
– Invisible presence like the wind, observing and guiding (Reprints 2422).
– Visible appearances were strategically timed for instruction and encouragement.

Ascension and Heavenly Ministry
– Jesus ascended to the Father, entering the Most Holy place as the antitypical High Priest (Hebrews 9:24).
– He presents His sacrifice’s merit on behalf of the “household of faith” (Little Flock and Great Company).
– His heavenly work opened the way for humans to approach God and receive the Holy Spirit.

The Church’s Resurrection and Divine Nature
– Jesus’ human life rights are not used for the Church’s resurrection; the Church receives divine nature at resurrection (Convention Reports 132; Question Book 114).
– Resurrection involves a transformation: “sown in corruption, raised in incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:42).
– Romans 6:5 teaches believers share in Christ’s resurrection through faith and baptism.
– Believers are called to follow Jesus’ example of sacrifice and obedience (6th Volume, p. 158).

Conclusion and Application
– The resurrection reveals God’s power, the glory of Jesus, and the hope for believers.
– Jesus’ varied appearances were wise measures to strengthen faith and prepare for ministry.
– He continues invisibly guiding His followers and leading the harvest work.
– The resurrection hope calls for consecration, faithfulness, and sacrifice.
– Philippians 3:10 expresses the desire to know Christ and His resurrection power.
– 2 Timothy 2:11-12: *“If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.”*
– Revelation 2:10: *“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”*
– May the resurrection power inspire, encourage, and strengthen believers until they receive their reward.

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Key Bible Verses Mentioned:

– Mark 16:6 — Jesus is risen.
– Matthew 27:52 — Saints arose at Jesus’ death.
– 1 Corinthians 15:20 — Christ as first fruits of resurrection.
– John 20:17 — Jesus to Mary Magdalene: “Touch me not.”
– John 3:8 — Wind analogy for the spirit.
– Matthew 28:20 — Jesus with us always.
– Hebrews 9:24 — Jesus entered the Most Holy place.
– Romans 6:5 — Sharing in Christ’s resurrection.
– Philippians 3:10 — Knowing Christ and resurrection power.
– 2 Timothy 2:11-12 — Living and reigning with Christ.
– Revelation 2:10 — Faithfulness rewarded with the crown of life.

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This discourse richly expounds on the resurrection’s profound theological, spiritual, and practical implications, emphasizing Christ’s divine nature post-resurrection, the purpose behind His post-resurrection appearances, and the hope and calling extended to believers.

Transcript

It is a great privilege and a joy together to gather as one family in Christ, to encourage one another, and to open the pages of God’s precious Word. May our time together be richly blessed by our Heavenly Father, and may our hearts be drawn closer to him through the meditation of His Word. For this hour we are going to consider a wonderful subject, one that the Scriptures describes, a mystery that has been revealed to us through Scriptures and the ministry of our Seventh messenger under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our title of our discourse is the manner and nature of our Lord’s Resurrection. A mystery Brethren, when we think about our Lord’s resurrection, we cannot help but stand in awe.

It is the greatest manifestation of God’s power and the greatest source of hope for a hopeless mankind. Because Christ lives, we know that death is not the end of God’s plan for mankind. Let us begin with what may seem like a simple question, but one that establishes the foundation for everything that follows.

Who raised our Jesus from the dead? We read in Mark 16:6 and he said unto them, be not a frighter ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified. He is risen. He is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.

The Scriptures leave no room for any doubt. It was our Heavenly Father himself who raised our Lord from the dead.

Now, brethren, during the very time of our Lord’s death there are many incidents happened. But something rather remarkable had done had happened also, which we can’t Ignore In Matthew 27, verses 52 tells us and the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose. At first glance, someone might wonder whether these individuals experienced the same resurrection as our Lord.

Long time ago there were many doubts among the brethren about this verse.

Brother Russell assures us that this is not a spurious passage, for a portion of it at least appears in the old Greek manuscripts yet discovered. Reprints number 1509, paragraph number three. To properly understand the resurrection accounts, we need to appreciate the meaning of the different Greek words used for resurrection in the New Testament.

Although our English Bibles often translate them similarly, each carries a distinct thought. There are three words used for this. First one is egiro. Egiro generally means to rise or to awaken. Then second one is Anishtami, means to rise or arise.

Anastasis refers to a true resurrection. Why is this distinction important? Because it helps us understand passages like Matthew 27:52. The word translated arose. There is a ghetto, brother Russell explains in question book 289 and reprints 2811, paragraph 5.

The very most that could have taken place at that time would have been that some might have been awakened in just the same sense that Lazarus was awakened. In other words, this was not a full resurrection unto perfection. Notice how these words are used throughout the Scriptures. According to reprints number 1512, Brother Russell distinguishes that the first word egiro I.e. 1453 is used regarding Matthew 27:52 and in Jairus Daughter’s case and also in the case of Lazarus.

Second one is Anisthemi. Greek number 450 appears in the passages such as Ephesians 5:14 and Acts 9:6, which I am not reading at this time, but you can note it down and read it in the house. Third one is the Anastasis. The Greek number 3 8, 6 is used in connection with the Christ resurrection and the true resurrection hope. The distinction of these three words removes much confusion.

The Apostle Paul beautifully explains, christ has risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slipped First Corinthians 15:20. Others, such as Jairus Daughter, the widow’s son, and Lazarus were indeed awakened temporarily. But none of these are counted as Anastasia a full resurrection unto perfection. So they eventually died again these persons, but only Christ became the first fruits in the full scriptural sense. Having established this distinction, another question naturally presents itself.

If Christ experienced a true resurrection, what was the nature of that resurrection? In what nature he was resurrected? This is the main point or main theme in our subject. The Scriptures, the types, and the harvest truths are all harmoniously testify to one conclusion, that our Lord was raised to Divine nature at the time of his resurrection. Notice the testimony Brother Russell Quotes Reprints 4637 we read after our Lord had manifested his obedience and even unto death, the Father raised him from the dead, not in the same condition a man, but in the glorious condition of Divine nature.

When our Lord Jesus was raised from the dead by the Father to this glorious nature which he now possesses in another place. He quotes from Tabernacle shadows, page number 58 the then he arose in perfection of Divine nature beyond the flesh, beyond the veil. We are also reminded that immortality in Tabernacle shadows, page number 28 originally possessed only by Jehovah God, and by our Lord Jesus Christ since his resurrection and Again in the fifth volume, page number 392 and 393 Our Lord Jesus received immortality at his resurrection. So in our Lord’s resurrection there is no gradual progression after his resurrection from the very moment the Father raised Him. Our Lord possessed the divine nature.

If he possessed the Divine Nature immediately after his resurrection. What do we understand regarding the 40 days before his ascension to Heaven?

What do we understand regarding the 40 days before his ascension to heaven? Was he present on the L plane during those 40 days and after the ascension elevated to K plane as in the Chart of the Ages? This question has sometimes caused confusion because of the way the Chart of the Ages represents the planes of existence. Brother Rizzel addresses this directly in the question book what Pastor Rizal said, question number 5831. He explains that the distinction between the plane L and plane K on the chart exists primarily because the Great Company on the Little Flock ultimately receive different positions of nature.

The Great Company reaches the Spirit plane, that is L plain. The Little Flock, however, receives the additional glory, honor, power, dominion, authority, and the divine nature represented by plane K. He Further explains in volume one, page number 227. The entrance upon plane L is called birth, I.e. birth in the Spirit nature. The entire church will enter on this plane when gathered out both Divine nature and the Spirit nature, the individuals or the resurrected ones are in the Spirit nature.

Divine nature is also a spirit nature. Spirit nature is as Spirit nature.

However, when specifically about Our Lord Jesus, Brother Russell makes another very important statement in Reprints Number 3374 this spiritual body of our Lord was just as glorious in the moment of his resurrection as it was at any time afterward or is now. That statement beautifully harmonizes the subject. Our Lord did not gradually become glorious after 40 days. His resurrection itself brought him into that glorious divine condition. The distinction shown on the chart serves another purpose in illustrating the future inheritance of the Church, particularly the distinction between the Great Company and the Little Flock.

Now that we understand the glorious nature of his resurrection, another fascinating question naturally arises.

If Jesus was no longer a human being, but a glorious spiritual being, how was it possible for his disciples to see him, speak with him, and even touch him after his resurrection?

The Scriptures reveals that spiritual beings have the ability to manifest themselves in forms visible to human beings. We see examples of this throughout the Bible. Angels appeared in human form where there was a purpose to communicate God’s message. Likewise, after his resurrection, our Lord had the ability to appear in a form that his disciples could understand gradually. The purpose of the appearances Brother Russell explains in Reprints Number 1416 the Glorified Jesus who was raised from death a spirit being first Corinthians 15:40,44 but who concealed or veiled the glories of that body from his disciples, he concealed the glories of that Spirit body from his disciples under the bodies of flesh, in order that he might teach them the things pertaining to the kingdom.

This is very important point. The disciples were not seeing the actual glory of his spiritual or divine body. Rather, the glory of that body was concealed, and he appeared to them through a body of flesh for the purpose of teaching and strengthening their faith and to establish the fact that he is alive. Our Lord Himself gave us an illustration of the nature of spirit beings.

In John 3:8, he said, the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell when it cometh and where it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the spirit. Notice the comparison. The spirit being on the wind. The wind is real, powerful and active, yet invisible to human eyes.

In a similar way, those born of the spirit possess a nature beyond human sight and limitation. After his resurrection, our Lord appeared only on certain occasions. He was not continuously visible to the disciples. He appeared, delivered the necessary lessons, and then disappeared from their sight, even passed through the closed doors. This teaches us something important about the future kingdom Class.

Those possessing spirit nature will not be restricted by the limitations of the flesh. If there is a necessity to appear in the human form, such a manifestation is possible. So yes, the spiritual being of divine nature can appear in a form of flesh, but without affecting those who are in flesh in any way in the kingdom.

Let us now consider one of the most touching moments of our Lord’s resurrection. Dear brethren, I very humbly to say that this subject is very big subject.

When I prepared this subject it was 26 pages. But now it is. I have to finish it within 40 minutes. So I shorten the points, maximum points. If anyone needs the copy of this, I can mail or I can send them whoever wants this.

So let us consider now the most touching moment after our Lord’s resurrection. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning and discovered that the body of Jesus was no longer there. Her grief was overwhelming. Then Jesus appeared to her. Imagine the emotions of that moment.

The ones she loved, the ones she had been she had seen crucified. The one she believed was gone forever now was standing before her again. Her natural response was to hold on to him. But Jesus said, touch me not, for I am not ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.

In John 20:17. At first glance, this statement may seem unusual. Why would Jesus not allow Mary to touch him? Was he saying that His Resurrected body could not be touched, no, because he let Apostle Thomas to check his wounds of his body. The explanation is found in understanding the meaning of the word touch.

The Greek word is aptomai, meaning to embrace or to cling. Brother Russell explains in second volume, page number 113. Her first impulse was to embrace him and to tarry in his presence. Mary’s thought was understandable. Perhaps she thought, my Lord is restored to me.

I must hold Him. I must not lose him again. So that her joy could complete.

But Jesus gently redirected her. There was a great purpose at the moment. She had a mission. She was to go and tell the disciples that he is alive. Brother Russell explains again in second volume, page number 113.

Do not tarry for further demonstration of your affection now, but go to my brethren and say unto them. The lesson was Mary was not to hold on and staying with the Lord rather was about moving forward in faith and obedience. The risen Lord had appeared for a purpose, not simply to comfort individuals, but to establish the truth of his resurrection and prepare his disciples for the tremendous work to be done all over the world. As we continue examining the resurrection appearances of our Lord, why did Jesus simply appear in one consistent form so that everyone would immediately recognize Him? The answer reveals great wisdom in in divine arrangement, the 40 days is enough.

Following his resurrection, where a period of instruction and preparation. There are so many 40s in the Bible. The disciples had experienced a deep disappointment and completely frustrated. They had believed Jesus would immediately establish the kingdom, but instead they witnessed his crucifixion. Their faith needed to be rebuilt.

Brother Russell explains in reprints number 5588. The disciples had lost their first bewilderment created by the crucifixion of the one whom they supposed was about to take the throne to rule Israel and and the world. Our Lord therefore revealed Himself. Gradually, one by one, he appeared in different forms so that they would learn an important lesson. Jesus was alive, but he was no longer the same human Jesus who had walked with them, who had ate with them, who had slept with them, who had lived with them before his death.

But he was now a spirit being. Brother ezel continues in reprints 5588. Gradually they learned that their Lord was no longer dead but alive, and that he was no longer a human being, but now a spirit being. This was the lesson they could not have learned if Jesus had simply appeared in his single or former human body. The manner of his appearances helped them understand the great change that occurred.

The answer is beautiful. It was not because he lacked power to do so. Rather, it was because they were not yet prepared to receive such a manifestation. Brother Russell explains in the reprints number 3374. How could these followers, who were not then begotten of the Holy Spirit and consequently were unable to understand spiritual things, how could they understood that a person or a being shining like an angel was the Lord Jesus they had seen crucified three days before?

The disciples were still viewing the matters from the human perspective. If Jesus had appeared in the brightness of spiritual glory, they would have been overwhelmed and confused. Rather than strengthened. Therefore, in his wisdom and love, our Lord veiled or concealed his glory. He appeared in a manner that accomplished the divine purpose.

One is to prove that he was alive and no longer a human being. Second one is to strengthen their faith that the Lord is with them and to prepare them as the messengers of the Gospel throughout the world.

Automatically the next question then why did he appear in a glimpse of glory to Saul? Saul became Apostle Paul not in full glory. A glimpse of a glory. Now, after considering why our Lord did not reveal his glory to his disciples, another question naturally arises. If revealing his glory would have been too overwhelming for the disciples, why did Jesus appear in such glory to Saul of Tarsus?

This event is recorded in Acts 22 and Acts 26. Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was traveling to Damascus with the intention of persecuting the followers of Christ. But on that journey everything changed. So acts in Acts 22, verse 6 to 8 suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. In some other translations, the great light is translated as lightning.

Notice the difference? The disciples saw Jesus after his resurrection through veiled appearances. Saul, however, received a direct manifestation of glimpse of glory of the risen Christ. Why? Because the purpose was different.

The disciples needed comfort, instruction and assurance that their Lord is alive. Saul needed a powerful revelation than the disciples, than the apostles that would completely transform his understanding and prepare him for his unique ministry as an apostle. Brother Russell explains this in reprints number 1416. It was the same resurrected Jesus, no longer flesh and bones, but a quickening spirit who appeared also to Saul of Tarsus, but without any veiling or hiding of the spirit body under a flesh one and gave him a glimpse of a glory of that spirit being. What was the result?

Paul was humbled. The experience was so overwhelming that he was stuck down and temporarily lost his sight. Only a glimpse, not full glory. If so, he would die. Brother Russell explained further in Overland Monthly 355- paragraph number three.

Matters were different with Saul. He needed something to arouse him thoroughly and to teach him for all time and others through him that the Lord is not a man, but that spirit. So Paul has to do the tremendous work than the other disciples. The same Lord who appeared gently and patiently to his disciples, revealed his glory to Saul. Because each situation required a different approach, this demonstrates the great wisdom of our Heavenly Father and perfect judgment of our risen Lord.

Having considered the various appearances of our Lord, another question arises. During those 40 days between his resurrection and and ascension, was Jesus present only when the disciples could see Him? The answer is no. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of understanding the nature of our Lord’s resurrection. He was present with them throughout those 40 days, but much of that presence was invisible.

He was with them only. He gave the promise to his disciples in Matthew 28:20 I am with you always, even unto the end of this age. Even now also the Lord is present with us. We believe, strongly believe. The Scriptures tells us that he appeared only on certain occasions.

But his presence was not limited to those moments. Reprints number 58 8. Again. The 40 days which followed our Lord’s resurrection were sufficient time for the divine purpose. Those 40 days were carefully designed by the Divine wisdom.

They were not merely a period of repeated appearances. There were a time of instruction, strengthening and preparation the disciples. But the disciples had returned to their original work, original activities. Peter even expressed his intention to return to fishing. Our Lord was observing their needs.

He understood their questions. He knew their doubts. At the proper moments, he appeared to provide exactly what was necessary for them. In reprints number 2422. Invisible as the wind, he was present with them, taking note of all their affairs during all those 40 days and merely appearing at the proper times to give the needed counsels and directions and assistance.

What a comforting thought, dear brethren. The disciples could not always see him, but he was still present, and this teaches us something about the nature of the spiritual beings. Visibility does not determine the presence always. Just as the wind may be unseen, but its effects are clearly experienced.

So our Lord’s presence was real even when he was not visibly manifested. After completing his 40 days of instruction, our Lord ascended to the Father.

The Scriptures reveal that he entered into the very presence of God to perform the work pictured by the Grand Antity typical High priest. As Brother Russell states in reference 5815, he passed beyond the second veil and entered the Most Holy, just as the High Priest entered the Most Holy with the Blood of sacrifice. On the Day of Atonement, Our Lord appeared before the Father on behalf of his people in Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself. Now to appear in the presence of God for us, for us is the the important expression reminds us that his work at the time was specifically on behalf of the household of faith. The antitypical priests and Levites represent two classes among the consecrated followers of Christ.

One is the little flock, another is the great company. Because of this heavenly work the the way was opened for us to approach God. Because we are sinners, we cannot approach God at any time. But now it is possible to approach God, to become disciples of Christ and to receive the begetting of the Holy Spirit.

Then open the way for the resurrection hope of the church. In reprints 5041 Brother Russell states that he made satisfaction for us. What a wonderful blessing is before us now, brethren. The resurrection account does not end at empty tomb. It continues through our Lord’s appearances, His ascension and his presentation of the merit of his sacrifice before the Father, each step revealing the wisdom and beauty of God’s plan.

With that foundation before us, let us consider how our lost resurrection is intimately connected with the resurrection and glorification of of the Church. Will the Church Will Jesus life rites be used in resurrection of the Church? No. If the merit of Jesus life right human life rites is used for the Church, then the Church will not get the divine nature but human nature. His human life rites he is given only for the old mankind in the visible kingdom, but for us he imputes his merit.

Imputes means it is temporary, but give is a permanent one. Now he imputes the merit to the Church so that the imperfect human beings may offer an acceptable sacrifice. This is a very important point. Otherwise our sacrifices cannot be accepted by God. To which plane will the Church be resurrected first?

The L plane or the K plane and receive the divine nature? This question naturally follows. But the Church will get the divine nature at the time of their resurrection, especially the feet members. In a twinkling of an eye they will get the spiritual body, that is divine nature. In convention reports 132 paragraph number one.

They are to experience the glorious change of the first resurrection and be perfected on the new plane of the divine nature. He further clarifies in question book 114 that the resurrection moment is the moment when the Church receives glory, honour, immortality and the divine nature. It is sown in corruption, but it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in natural body. It is raised as spiritual Body.

We do not know the glory of the Divine nature. Now we are in the imperfect human flesh. But when we given a chance. But when we experience the divine nature, how it could be very thrilling moment. It would be.

It will be so. Apostle Peter says that partakers of the divine nature how does the church attain the spiritual resurrection? Romans 6:5 says, for if we have planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. In 6th volume 158 God’s Word does not anywhere call upon us to sacrifice sins, but the voluntary surrender of those things which are right, lawful and proper, that we may better serve the Lord and His cause. This is the very path our Lord walked.

He willingly laid down his perfect human life and he invite each of us to faithfully follow his footsteps. Surely it is a mystery. The subject is not merely a study of events that took place nearly 2,000 years ago. It reveals the greatness of our fathers power, the glory of the risen Lord, and the hope that lies before those who faithfully walk in his footsteps. His different appearances were not signs of uncertainty or confusion.

They demonstrated his wisdom and love in strengthening the faith of his disciples and preparing them for their future worldwide ministry. Unto the end of the Gospel age He was and is invisibly present, guiding, teaching and preparing, and he is the chief reaper in the harvest work. The resurrection hope before us of calls for more than admiration. It calls for consecration.

It calls for faithfulness. It calls for complete sacrifice. Apostle Paul’s desire was revealed in Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ. Yes. To know the power of his resurrection and participation of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

In 2 Timothy it says, if he die with him, we also live with Him. If we suffer with him, we will also reign with Him. Dear brethren, may this study deepen our appreciation for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. May it strengthen our faith in the promises of God. May it remind us the pathway of glory is the pathway of sacrifice, humility, obedience and faithfulness.

And may we continue to walk faithfully in the footsteps of our Master. Remembering the promise. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee crown of life. Revelation 2:10 May the resurrection power displayed in our Lord Jesus continue to inspire us, encourage us and strengthen us until our earthly course is finished and we receive the promised reward. May the Lord add His rich blessing to the study of His Word.

Amen.

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