1. In this verse Jesus gave a beautiful description of His words by saying "they are spirit, and they are life." 2. Shortly after this in John 6:68 Peter acknowledged how special the Lord's words are by saying, "thou hast the words of eternal life." 3. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "Jesus spoke about His resurrection."
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE LORD'S ACTUAL WORDS
A. In addition to being betrayed and killed, Jesus said He would be raised again on the third day (Matthew 17:22-23). B. (Matthew 20:17-19) While Jesus gave more details concerning His betrayal and death, He repeated that He would rise again on the third day. C. As Jesus delivered words that are spirit and life, He spoke about His resurrection by saying He would be raised on the third day after His crucifixion.
II. THE WORDS THAT JESUS SPOKE ABOUT HIS RESURRECTION CAME TO PASS
A. The Jewish leaders convinced Pilate to secure the Lord's tomb to prevent any possibility of His body being removed (Matthew 27:62-66). B. On the third day [the first day of the week] Jesus was raised (Matthew 28:1-8). C. The Jews bribed the soldiers who guarded the tomb (Matthew 28:11-15). D. Despite this effort to deny that Jesus was raised, many witnesses saw Him after His resurrection. 1. Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-10; John 20:11-18). 2. Jesus appeared to Cleopas and a companion (Luke 24:13-32). 3. Jesus appeared numerous times to the apostles (Acts 1:1-3). 4. In addition to the apostles, many others saw Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). E. The words that Jesus spoke about His resurrection came to pass.
III. THE SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN WHY WE MUST PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WORDS THAT JESUS SPOKE ABOUT HIS RESURRECTION
A. The Lord's resurrection is a proof that He is God's divine Son (Romans 1:1-4). B. The Lord's resurrection is an essential part of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). C. If Jesus was not resurrected, we have no hope (1 Corinthians 15:13-19). D. The good news is presented in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord's words "are spirit, and they are life." 2. As He delivered His words "Jesus spoke about His resurrection." 3. Have you been raised with Him? (Romans 6:3-4)
