301. The Centurion Believed
All Christians believe that a centurion believed after witnessing events at the crucifixion. “Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:54 cf. Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47)
302. Women
All Christians understand that there were many women who also followed Jesus, served Him in His ministry and witnessed His crucifixion. “There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.” (Mark 15:40-41 cf. Matthew 27:55-56; Luke 23:48-49)
303. No Bones Broken
All Christians believe that a prophecy reenacted year after year in the preparation of the Passover lamb, was fulfilled that “A bone of him will not be broken.“ (John 19:36 cf. Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20)
304. Pierced
All Christians believe that another prophecy was fulfilled at the crucifixion, “They will look on him whom they pierced.” (John 19:37 cf. Zechariah 12:10)
305. A Rich Man’s Tomb
All Christians believe that another prophecy was fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathaea, a secret disciple. “They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:38-42; Isaiah 53:9)
306. Guard on the Tomb
All Christians believe that because Jesus had said He would rise again after three days, Pilate set a guard. “Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.” (Matthew 27:65-66) “Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:2-4)
307. Sunday Morning
All Christians believe that Jesus arose early Sunday morning. “Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.” (Matthew 28:1 cf. Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1) Mark records a third woman, “and Salome” (Mark 16:1) An angel told them, “he has risen.” (Matthew 28:6 cf. Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6) Then they “ran to bring his disciples word.” (Matthew 28:8)
308. Peter and John
All Christians believe that Peter and John then ran to the tomb to see what had happened. “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying… So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. For as yet they didn't know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” (John 20:6-9)
309. Mary
All Christians believe that Jesus appeared first to Mary, who stood outside the tomb weeping. Two angels asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (John 20:13) And she turned around and did not recognize Jesus who was also there even when “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’" (John 20:15) Only when “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary’" (vs 16) did she recognize Him.
310. Soldiers Bribed
All Christians believe that the soldiers who had witnessed the resurrection were bribed to lie about it. “Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, saying, ‘Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.’” (Matthew 28:11-13)
