1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter[c] and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers[d] at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.
Jesus really died. He was really buried. And He really rose again.
Outside of the witnesses, historical claims, insights and writings, the most powerful idea ad proof of The resurrection of Jesus, is Paul’s statement, “I also Saw Him.”
There’s a difference between hearing about something and experiencing it for yourself.
The power of Easter is that it’s not just history—it’s personal.
It’s transformational.
“Easter isn’t about a myth. It’s about a moment that broke history wide open. And the proof? The people who saw it—who lived to tell it. And I’m one of them. I’ve witnessed it.”
The Power of a Witness: It’s more than recounting an event. More than truth telling, or reporting. It’s sharing the impact it had on you.
“Easter isn’t just a story to hear—it’s a truth to witness.”
John 20:11–18
Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for? ”She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.
We don’t witness resurrection until we get personal with Jesus.
Romans. 6:4,
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
The resurrection isn’t just about Jesus walking out of the tomb, or forgiving sins. It’s about you walking into a brand-new life, a new identity. The old is gone, the new has come.
Romans 5:8-9
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.
As we witness the power of Jesus’ resurrection, we are called to live in that newness.
“The same Jesus who walked out of the tomb is still walking into broken places today.” And I’ve witnessed it.
Mary ran from the tomb shouting, “I have seen the Lord!”
What about you? What have you seen Him do?
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be a “witness” to the resurrection today?
Paul and Mary both shared their personal encounters with the risen Jesus. How can we recognize and share our own encounters with Him in everyday life?
How does Paul’s statement, “I also saw Him,” make the resurrection more real or personal to you?
What impact does it have that Paul didn’t just believe based on others’ stories—he had his own moment?
Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first—have you ever realized God was at work only in hindsight?
What helps you recognize Jesus in the middle of confusion, grief, or doubt?
How has the resurrection changed your life—not just your beliefs, but your identity and direction?
Romans 6:4 talks about walking into a new life. What does that look like for you?
What’s one thing you’ve witnessed Jesus do that you could boldly share with someone else?
Mary ran and told the disciples. Paul boldly wrote to the churches. What’s your story of “I’ve seen the Lord”?