The resurrection is arguably the most unique and yet, critical, doctrine of the Christian faith. The resurrection changes our understanding of our future. It alters how we perceive our value and purpose. The resurrection validates the truth of Christianity’s teachings and claims, as it motivates and moves each step we take.
Even though all four gospels tell the resurrection story, each writer approaches the event from a unique perspective. For example, only Matthew describes the events of nature at the time of the resurrection. As the women approached the tomb, the ground suddenly begins shaking under each step – the result of an earthquake. These tremors are followed by a blaze of lightning, which actually turned out to be an angel. This unique combination put the Roman soldiers so filled with fear they could not even move.
This Easter season, let’s look at five ways being “raised with Jesus” touched the lives of the gospel writers even before the resurrection.
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Perhaps you would like a quick reference all of the stories of the resurrection in one place. The chart below will give you a peek of each gospel writer’s perspective, written from several translations. The chart is followed by the resurrection perspective given later by the Apostle Paul.
Gospel Accounts of Resurrection Morning
| Matthew | Mark | Luke | John | |
| NIV | Matthew 28:1-10 NIV | Mark 16:1-8 NIV | Luke 24:1-12 NIV | John 20:1-18 NIV |
| NASB | Matthew 28:1-10 NASB | Mark 16:1-8 NASB | Luke 24:1-12 NASB | John 20:1-18 NASB |
| ESV | Matthew 28:1-10 ESV | Mark 16:1-8 ESV | Luke 24:1-12 ESV | John 20:1-18 ESV |
| NLT | Matthew 28:1-10 NLT | Mark 16:1-8 NLT | Luke 24:1-12 NLT | John 20:1-18 NLT |
| MESSAGE |
Matthew 28:1-10 MESSAGE | Mark 16:1-8 MESSAGE | Luke 24:1-12 MESSAGE | John 20:1-18 MESSAGE |
| Paul – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NIV |
Our thoughts are certainly “hybrid” during this Easter celebration. The first four lessons will be taught at the Eastside Christian Church building in Jeffersonville at 10:00am on Sunday mornings. The classroom has been set up taking precautions because of the COVID conditions. Each lesson will also be presented here on the Friday before Sunday’s class. There will be thoughts and interaction to lead you to think about the subject, as well as give you content should your circumstances keep you from attending the class. There will be no class meeting at the building on Easter Sunday morning, but an Easter lesson will take shape here each day of Holy Week.