Luke 24:1-12
Today's Passage: Luke 24:1-12
The whole Christian faith hinges on the Resurrection. How can we prove Jesus rose from the dead?
Let’s start with the critics. There have been many people who have tried to disprove the Resurrection. Here is what they say:
1. Jesus’ enemies stole His body. If this were true, they would have used His body to disprove the early belief that Jesus rose from the dead.
2. Jesus’ disciples stole His body. This is very, very unlikely since the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers. It would have been fishermen and tax collectors versus soldier who were trained to kill (I think we all know who would win).
3. Swoon Theory. It says, Jesus didn’t really die, He just passed out. Very unlikely since Romans were masters of killing people by way of crucifixion.
None of these arguments can stand up. The only logical thing to happen is that God raised Jesus from the dead. How do we prove that?
1. Jesus told us it was going to happen. Matthew 11:39-40 is one example but there are many others.
2. Eyewitness accounts. The disciples went from fearful men to bold missionaries. Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the crucifixion, but in Acts 2 he preached a beautiful sermon and 5,000 people became followers of Jesus. Doubting Thomas didn’t believe in the resurrection until Jesus appeared to him (John 20:24-29). In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul tells us Jesus appeared to 500 people after the resurrection.
3. Paul’s conversion in Acts 9. He went from a murder of Christians to having Jesus appear to him. Paul received the Gospel not from men, but from Jesus Himself (Galatians 1:11-17).
There are many more ways to prove the authenticity of the resurrection. The important thing is that we believe it and share this truth with others. Jesus really did rise from the dead!
Written By: Brice Stockton
The whole Christian faith hinges on the Resurrection. How can we prove Jesus rose from the dead?
Let’s start with the critics. There have been many people who have tried to disprove the Resurrection. Here is what they say:
1. Jesus’ enemies stole His body. If this were true, they would have used His body to disprove the early belief that Jesus rose from the dead.
2. Jesus’ disciples stole His body. This is very, very unlikely since the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers. It would have been fishermen and tax collectors versus soldier who were trained to kill (I think we all know who would win).
3. Swoon Theory. It says, Jesus didn’t really die, He just passed out. Very unlikely since Romans were masters of killing people by way of crucifixion.
None of these arguments can stand up. The only logical thing to happen is that God raised Jesus from the dead. How do we prove that?
1. Jesus told us it was going to happen. Matthew 11:39-40 is one example but there are many others.
2. Eyewitness accounts. The disciples went from fearful men to bold missionaries. Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the crucifixion, but in Acts 2 he preached a beautiful sermon and 5,000 people became followers of Jesus. Doubting Thomas didn’t believe in the resurrection until Jesus appeared to him (John 20:24-29). In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul tells us Jesus appeared to 500 people after the resurrection.
3. Paul’s conversion in Acts 9. He went from a murder of Christians to having Jesus appear to him. Paul received the Gospel not from men, but from Jesus Himself (Galatians 1:11-17).
There are many more ways to prove the authenticity of the resurrection. The important thing is that we believe it and share this truth with others. Jesus really did rise from the dead!
Written By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
YES He did! What peace and joy that gives me today. Thank you, Brice!