SEEN BY 500

He was seen by over 500 brothers and sisters

   GOD has made JESUS both LORD and MESSIAH/CHRIST.

   “The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.  Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.  Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said."  John 18:19-21

   “Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."  John 18:37

   "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acts 2:36

   Many infallible proofs that He Lives!

   “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”  Acts 1:1-3

   The Bible tells us that when Jesus raised from death, He was seen first by Mary Magdalene and then by the other women.

   “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.”  Mark 16:9

 “So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.  And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.  Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me."  Matt 28:8-10

   “After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.”  1 Cor. 15:6

   The four Gospels show us Jesus the Human One.  He is one of us and knows our weaknesses and strengths (Hebrews 4:14-16).  John leans on His breast at the Last Supper.

   “And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.”  Rev. 5:6-7

   Rev. ch 1 shows a towering, terrifying vision of The Risen Christ huge and blazing in His Holiness!  Not only is Jesus fully Man - He is fully God!  He is The Boss over the Universe!  [compare Col. 1:15-20]

     "I saw a gold menorah candlestick with seven branches, And in the center, the Son of Man, in a robe that reached to His feet with a gold breastplate, hair a blizzard of white, Eyes pouring fire-blaze, both feet furnace-fired bronze, His voice like a roaring waterfall, His right hand holding the Seven Stars, His mouth a sharp-biting sword, His face bright like the midday sun!"  [Rev. 1:12-16]

     This vision seen through Jewish eyes: Jesus the Son of Man is wearing the robe of the High Priest with the gold band of a king around His chest.  His hair is white, not with age, but with heavenly glory.  The fire-blaze of His eyes, the feet of polished brass, and the voice of command, show great power and authority.  He has authority over even death and the Hadean world of the dead.  “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Phil. 2:10-11

    Wow!  That's really all you can say when you enter the Throne-room of Heaven (Rev. 4&5).  You shield your eyes from dazzling light!  You drop to your knees in fear and wonder!  Incense fills your nostrils!  A vast angelic host shakes the very foundation of the sky with their praise!  The countless thundering voices reverberate in your chest!  Amid all this, you are drawn irresistibly to the Figure on the Throne.  HE is more glorious, more holy, more powerful, more beautiful than you ever imagined!

   “And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation...”  Rev 5:9