Barton's Bible Study Notes

Life of Christ: Unit 56 - Sections 215-234

Read Matthew 27:62-66, 28:11-15 and Luke 23:56. Following the rapid burial on Friday, the women rested according to the Sabbath laws and traditions. Our Lord’s enemies, however, were still trying to ensure the success of their efforts.

1. What did the religious leaders request of Pilate and why?

2. What did Pilate give them?

3. Why did the religious leaders have to bribe the soldiers with a large sum of money and promise to talk to Pilate on their behalf?

4. Given the testimony first presented by the soldiers, who guarded the tomb to these religious leaders as to what had taken place, do you think their decision to bribe these soldiers into giving another version was strange? Why or why not?

Read Matthew 28:2-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, 34 and John 20:1-18. The accounts of the resurrection are often played one against another by those who choose not to believe.

5. The synoptic gospels state that the women came to the tomb and entered it, while John states Mary Magdalene saw the tomb opened did not enter but ran to tell Peter and John. Is this a contradiction that discredits the Gospel accounts? Explain.

6. After entering the tomb and hearing the announcement of the angels, Mark states they left and said nothing to anyone, but the other Gospels state they went and told the disciples. Who is correct?

7. When Jesus told Mary, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father...” what was he telling her?

Read Luke 24:13-32. After appearing to the women, Jesus appears to two disciples who are traveling to the village of Emmaus, which was located about 8 to 9 miles northwest of Jerusalem. One of them was named Cleopas.

8. Why do you think Jesus singled these two men out from the rest of our Lord’s followers?

9. Cleopas and the other disciple report that the Lord had appeared to Peter. When did this appearance take place?

10. Why do you think the text records that Jesus asked for something to eat when He appeared to the disciples?

The Applications:

What are the applications of these passages to our lives today? Identify as many as you are able.