The Ressurection of Jesus (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
The Resurrection of Jesus
Introduction
The Resurrection of Jesus stands as the central event in Christianity. After Jesus died on the cross, the Gospels record that he rose from the dead three days later. This extraordinary event completely transformed his followers and shaped the foundation of the Christian faith.
The Gospel evidence
The Gospel writers provide accounts of Jesus' resurrection, though they vary in their details. The key pieces of evidence include:
- Empty tomb - Jesus' burial place was found empty by his followers
- Appearances of Jesus - Multiple accounts describe Jesus appearing to his disciples in a changed but recognisable form
It's important to understand that belief in the Resurrection cannot be based solely on historical evidence. Rather, it represents a statement of faith. While few people today would accept the Gospel accounts as sufficient proof, Christians believe that something extraordinary occurred after Jesus' death that transformed his followers completely.
The promise Jesus made to his disciples about his continued presence was fulfilled through the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2.
Impact on the disciples' understanding of Jesus
Before the resurrection
The disciples had been devastated by Jesus' death. They felt deeply shocked and overwhelmed with grief, possibly unsure how to continue without their teacher.
After the resurrection
The resurrection appearances reassured the disciples and gave them clear instructions about how to carry forwards Jesus' work. This led to several major changes in their understanding:
- Jesus as the Messiah - Peter declared "God has made him both Lord and Messiah" (Acts 2:36)
- Divine nature revealed - The disciples now understood Jesus as the Son of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies
- Second person of the Trinity - Jesus was recognised as both divine and human, taking his place at God's right hand in heaven
Impact on their sense of mission
The resurrection gave the disciples a clear purpose and mission. Jesus' final command, known as the Great Commission, instructed them:
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19)
"Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you, and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age"
This mission became reality when:
- The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost
- Peter preached to over 3,000 people who became believers
- The Gospel message spread to both Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile) communities
- The message emphasised that the world could find peace and joy through Jesus
Impact on their awareness of community
The resurrection led to the formation of a new type of Christian community. This community represented equality and equity that arose naturally from their resurrection faith.
Example: The Early Christian Community (Acts 2)
The early believers demonstrated their faith through radical community living:
- Shared all their possessions and goods
- Sold their belongings to help those in need
- Spent time together in the temple
- Broke bread in their homes with generous hearts
- Praised God and enjoyed favour with all people
- Grew daily as more people were saved
Key characteristics of these communities included:
- Inclusivity - Jews and Gentiles worshipped together
- Equality - Women took leadership roles in these communities
- Love and acceptance - Jesus' message of love and redemption became central
- Regular fellowship - Meeting for breaking bread, prayers, teaching and sharing
Impact on their understanding of Jesus as mediator of salvation
The resurrection helped disciples understand Jesus' role as the bridge between God and humanity. St. Paul wrote to Timothy:
"God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a redemption for all" (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
Key aspects of this understanding include:
- Salvation for all mankind - Jesus' death and resurrection made salvation available to everyone
- Jesus as the one mediator - He serves as the sole intermediary between God and people
- Redemptive sacrifice - His death was understood as atonement for human sins
- Divine will - This salvation plan originated in God's desire to save all people
The Colossians passage describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" and explains that "in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" and through him God reconciled "all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross."
Key transformation
The resurrection completely transformed Jesus' followers from a group of confused, grieving disciples into confident missionaries who established thriving communities of faith. They moved from despair to hope, from hiding to bold proclamation, and from uncertainty to absolute conviction about Jesus' divine identity and saving work.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Gospel accounts provide the primary evidence for the resurrection through the empty tomb and Jesus' appearances to his followers
- The resurrection transformed the disciples' understanding of Jesus from teacher to Son of God, Messiah and Saviour
- It gave them a clear mission to spread the Gospel message to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles through the Great Commission
- It created a new model of community based on sharing, equality, love and regular fellowship
- It established Jesus as the mediator of salvation - the one bridge between God and humanity who made redemption possible for all people