REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION
Single events can change the course of your entire life. From devastating breakups to college acceptance letters, little moments have big impacts. This is true in our lives, but it's also true in human history. At the center of universe-shifting moments, there is one supreme event.
The resurrection of Jesus reigns as the most extravagant and significant event ever to happen. All of history hinges on that single Sunday morning in ancient Jerusalem. Faith movements were sparked. Kingdoms began to crumble. All of humanity was gifted a direct connection to God.
Reinforcing this truth, Paul cuts right to the chase when he explains, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection isn't just a significant event. It's the central event. Our entire faith firmly holds to this foundation. Without it, we have nothing.
Let's be honest. A dead person coming back to life is difficult to comprehend or even believe. I agree. I have been there and processed that. However, the Bible authors basically dare people to disprove the resurrection. This wasn't something that happened thousands of years ago to their audience. It was trending news. Thus, it would have been relatively easy for Rome to disprove the resurrection. So why didn't they?
This brings us to our discussion today. Here are three reasons to trust the validity of the greatest moment of human history - the resurrection.
Jesus Definitely Died & Was Buried
The Romans bragged about their ability to torture and execute their criminals. They didn't just invent crucifixion, they perfected it. After his brutal beating and crucifixion, which was enough to kill anyone, they plunged a spear into his ribcage. The Bible explains that water poured out, which modern doctors attribute to fatal blood loss. There is no way someone
could have survived such suffering and trauma.
After Christ was pronounced dead, soldiers lugged his lifeless body to a little tomb on the outskirts of town. They didn't just shut the door; they built a fortress. Public officials were warned that the body might go missing because His followers predicted a supernatural resurrection. Thus, dozens of skilled centurions rolled a massive boulder over the entrance of the cave. Twenty-four hours a day, a squad of battle-ready soldiers guarded the tomb with shields and weapons. Rome didn't just want Jesus dead. They wanted Jesus' corpse protected by immovable boulders and military force.
Some people try to claim that the body was stolen by the disciples. But how on earth could they pull off this mission-impossible-level heist? It's impossible to comprehend how a few fishermen from the suburbs could successfully steal a 160-pound human body being protected by the strongest military in the world.
The Tomb was Definitely Empty
We can be assured that Jesus publicly died before a highly-protected burial. However, we can also affirm that His body went missing. When rumors of resurrection swept through the city, Rome wanted to shut it down.
There was one simple solution -- show people Jesus’ dead body. Rome was notorious for putting deceased criminals on display in public courtyards. This gruesome practice was designed to intimidate criminals and prevent further rebellion. If Jesus was still buried, they would have simply drug his body through the street or put it on display downtown. They didn't do this because His body was nowhere to be found.
Jesus grew in popularity after his execution. The resurrection was the big news story in the Roman Republic. Hundreds of people shared supernatural stories of Christ encounters in the following days. Christianity spread to thousands of people in just about two months after the resurrection. The world-changing reality of the resurrection initiated this explosion of faith. If Rome could have proved it false, they would have. The only logical explanation is that the tomb was empty, and Jesus was alive.
If It Was a Lie, Why Did They Die?
If Jesus' resurrection was a hoax, then the disciples must have been involved. Why would they all sacrifice their lives for a scam? History tells us that Peter was crucified upside down. He wouldn't be willing to die if He didn't speak to Jesus after His resurrection. Thomas was stabbed to death in Syria. He wouldn't have preached the gospel to a hostile crowd if He hadn't touched the wounds of his risen friend, Jesus (John 20:28). John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos during the rule of the Dominion. He went for months without food or clean water. He could have easily denied Jesus to be sent home, but He didn't. This is because He sat at the foot of the cross while Jesus died, then He had breakfast on the beach with Him a few days later (John 21:2).
So many of these early followers went all the way to their deaths to defend Jesus' life, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Their experiences with Jesus were so real that execution was the least of their concerns. Not a single person would die for a sham they fabricated — let alone dozens of people.
Doubt is inevitable. However, doubting the resurrection takes more faith than believing in it.
The resurrection of Jesus reigns as the most extravagant and significant event ever to happen. All of history hinges on that single Sunday morning in ancient Jerusalem. Faith movements were sparked. Kingdoms began to crumble. All of humanity was gifted a direct connection to God.
Reinforcing this truth, Paul cuts right to the chase when he explains, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection isn't just a significant event. It's the central event. Our entire faith firmly holds to this foundation. Without it, we have nothing.
Let's be honest. A dead person coming back to life is difficult to comprehend or even believe. I agree. I have been there and processed that. However, the Bible authors basically dare people to disprove the resurrection. This wasn't something that happened thousands of years ago to their audience. It was trending news. Thus, it would have been relatively easy for Rome to disprove the resurrection. So why didn't they?
This brings us to our discussion today. Here are three reasons to trust the validity of the greatest moment of human history - the resurrection.
Jesus Definitely Died & Was Buried
The Romans bragged about their ability to torture and execute their criminals. They didn't just invent crucifixion, they perfected it. After his brutal beating and crucifixion, which was enough to kill anyone, they plunged a spear into his ribcage. The Bible explains that water poured out, which modern doctors attribute to fatal blood loss. There is no way someone
could have survived such suffering and trauma.
After Christ was pronounced dead, soldiers lugged his lifeless body to a little tomb on the outskirts of town. They didn't just shut the door; they built a fortress. Public officials were warned that the body might go missing because His followers predicted a supernatural resurrection. Thus, dozens of skilled centurions rolled a massive boulder over the entrance of the cave. Twenty-four hours a day, a squad of battle-ready soldiers guarded the tomb with shields and weapons. Rome didn't just want Jesus dead. They wanted Jesus' corpse protected by immovable boulders and military force.
Some people try to claim that the body was stolen by the disciples. But how on earth could they pull off this mission-impossible-level heist? It's impossible to comprehend how a few fishermen from the suburbs could successfully steal a 160-pound human body being protected by the strongest military in the world.
The Tomb was Definitely Empty
We can be assured that Jesus publicly died before a highly-protected burial. However, we can also affirm that His body went missing. When rumors of resurrection swept through the city, Rome wanted to shut it down.
There was one simple solution -- show people Jesus’ dead body. Rome was notorious for putting deceased criminals on display in public courtyards. This gruesome practice was designed to intimidate criminals and prevent further rebellion. If Jesus was still buried, they would have simply drug his body through the street or put it on display downtown. They didn't do this because His body was nowhere to be found.
Jesus grew in popularity after his execution. The resurrection was the big news story in the Roman Republic. Hundreds of people shared supernatural stories of Christ encounters in the following days. Christianity spread to thousands of people in just about two months after the resurrection. The world-changing reality of the resurrection initiated this explosion of faith. If Rome could have proved it false, they would have. The only logical explanation is that the tomb was empty, and Jesus was alive.
If It Was a Lie, Why Did They Die?
If Jesus' resurrection was a hoax, then the disciples must have been involved. Why would they all sacrifice their lives for a scam? History tells us that Peter was crucified upside down. He wouldn't be willing to die if He didn't speak to Jesus after His resurrection. Thomas was stabbed to death in Syria. He wouldn't have preached the gospel to a hostile crowd if He hadn't touched the wounds of his risen friend, Jesus (John 20:28). John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos during the rule of the Dominion. He went for months without food or clean water. He could have easily denied Jesus to be sent home, but He didn't. This is because He sat at the foot of the cross while Jesus died, then He had breakfast on the beach with Him a few days later (John 21:2).
So many of these early followers went all the way to their deaths to defend Jesus' life, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Their experiences with Jesus were so real that execution was the least of their concerns. Not a single person would die for a sham they fabricated — let alone dozens of people.
Doubt is inevitable. However, doubting the resurrection takes more faith than believing in it.
READING PLAN
READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY
Do the following with each passage:
ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.
READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.
REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?
RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.
READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY
- 1 Samuel 17:1-18
- Psalm 4:8
- Daniel 1:3-7
- Luke 24:1-12
- 2 Corinthians 5:3-7
- Hebrews 11:1-4
- Hebrews 11:39-40
Do the following with each passage:
ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.
READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.
REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?
RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.
Posted in Discipleship