ABRAHAM & RESURRECTION – Hebrews 11: 8-20

There were many living witnesses to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ assembled during the course of the Messiah's earthly ministry... We recount the “widow of Nain” and all who attended the funeral of her only son in (Luke 7:11-17). Then there was Jarius' daughter raised again to the amazement of the onlookers in (Luke 8:49-56). Who can forget the account of Lazarus and the life-changing events surrounding this beloved man who was raised again by Jesus after 4 days in the tomb (Jn 11:1-44)? Perhaps the most incredible witnesses of all were the saints of old who had long since “fallen asleep” awakening at the moment of Jesus' death coming out of their tombs and appearing to many in the 'Holy City' (Mat 27:52-53). In our last sermon, we noted how Jesus “summoned” witnesses to testify against the unbelieving hearers of His day during His preaching ministry. These included Isaiah who saw His glory long before the incarnation (Jn 12: 37-41), Jonah, the men of Nineveh, and the queen of the South, (Mat 12: 40-42). His point was that the people of His day were without excuse for remaining skeptical and unrepentant because One greater than Jonah or Solomon was here. These witnesses joined the voice of Abraham who rejoiced to see Jesus' day as well (Jn 8:58). Abraham likewise witnessed aspects of Jesus' coming 100's of years before the incarnation. After Jesus rises from the dead, He continues to call witnesses in revealing the power and plan of the Gospel to those who still remain uncertain. Yet interestingly enough, He does not call on the living witnesses, but again opens the scriptures to the two on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). The very day our Lord rose form the grave, He reveals Himself to the distraught disciples who do not recognize Him at first. Along the way He explains the Gospel events they have witnessed beginning with Moses and all the prophets. “He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Hebrews 11 lists Abraham as a chief witness among the “cloud” that surrounds us throughout covenant history (Heb 12:1). What testimony would Abraham have provided Jesus of His resurrection power for His Bible study lesson on the road to Emmaus? Hebrews 11:8-20 answers..