Gospel Journey

Did Jesus really raise from the dead?

During the week, we'll be looking at the suffering and resurrection of Christ for our devotional. If you haven't checked it out today, go there first. Then, come back here and take a look at some questions people ask:

Ever since the Resurrection, people have formulated theories that Jesus didn't really raise from the dead. How are we to be able to prove otherwise, 2000 years removed from the event? Here are some options:

1. Heavy resistance. Matthew 27:66 says they tightly secured the tomb. It would have been quite difficult to steal the body of Christ and claim He arose. You would have to get around the guards.
2. Leaky Testimony Matthew 28:11-15 tells us the guards were paid to give false testimony. We know their testimony is flawed because it can't add up. If they were asleep, how can they give explanation what happened?
3. Empty Tomb. No one wanted a risen Messiah. The Jewish Council didn't want it (for it would mean they killed their Annointed One) and the Romans didn't want it (for fear He would then overthrow their government). If the disciples either accidently or purposefully pointed to the wrong tomb, guards, the Council and countless others would have been very quick to prove them wrong.
4. Disciples deaths. Each of the eleven remaining disciples (Judas hung himself) faced immense persecution (each was martyred, except John, who was only boiled in oil). What happened to these cowards who hid in a room while Jesus lay in the tomb? Would they really proclaim a lie to their death, or did they see something that made them willing to die to proclaim Jesus is alive and Lord.

You may be 2000 years removed from the event, but this one doesn't take the CSI staff to figure out. The evidence is overwhelming that Jesus did raise from the dead!

posted by danny2 @ 12:48 PM