There's this assumption in much of the church that the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was something new - introduced by Jesus.
Yes, He was the firstfruits of those who have been "raised from the dead".
Jesus became the "Lamb of God" that would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He was the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.
But the doctrine of the "resurrection" wasn't new. This doctrine was so well established in Scripture that even Martha knew of it:
When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home.
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.”
“Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
John 11:17-24
There are many places in pre-Christian Scripture that make reference to a future resurrection of the dead. But probably none so clear as these two.
From the prophet Daniel:
“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
Dan 12:1-2
And from Enoch:
And in those days shall the earth also give back that which has been entrusted to it, And Sheol also shall give back that which it has received, And hell shall give back that which it owes.
And he shall choose the righteous and holy from among them: For the day has drawn nigh that they should be saved.
Enoch 51:1-2
