During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. – Acts 1:3 NLT
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not universally accepted as historical fact.
For some, it is viewed as a fabricated story or an embellishment in an attempt to make Jesus, who is considered to have been merely a man or at most a prophet, into something they surmise he could not be. Yet Scripture states that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead marked him “Son of God with power” (Romans 1:3-4).
How would you respond if a friend told you their deceased loved one had risen from their grave? Would you think they’ve watched too many movies about dead people walking? If they were insistent, might you express some concern about their mental health?
What if someone flat out told you they actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead, how would you respond? Would you be convinced because they believed it, or might you communicate something like, “that’s good you believe in something?” Or would you suggest they find what you’d consider a more worthwhile subject to talk about?
It is interesting, yet understandable, how Mary Magdalene and those with her were perceived by the apostles after communicating their experience at the empty tomb of Jesus.
They were possibly perceived as mentally disturbed or experiencing delirium, for their recounting of the events was an incredible story – the stone that secured the tomb’s entrance was rolled away, Jesus’ body wasn’t found in the tomb, an angel held a conversation with them declaring, “He (Jesus) is not here, but is risen.”
Then the clincher, Mary saw and talked with Jesus. Needless to say, their story wasn’t believed – being dismissed as nonsense, an idle tale, and skeptical (Luke 24:11). Yet, the initial disbelief of these fellow disciples didn’t dismiss the reality of the resurrection.
The distinguishing claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb and afterward rose from the dead, historically emptying that tomb of its content, supernaturally defying death and the grip of the grave. The climatic highlight of all four gospels is the empty tomb and accounts of post-resurrection appearances.
The perseverance and unwavering confident preaching of the apostles in the first century insisted on the certainty that the crucified man Jesus was also risen as Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-24, 32, 36). The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the pivotal point, central claim, and decisive determinant that set Christianity apart from every world religion.
Christianity stands firmly or shamefully crumbles on whether or not Jesus rose from the grave. The writer Luke, having carefully investigated and interviewed eyewitnesses to accurately report about Jesus (Luke 1:3), informs us that Jesus showed himself alive to people for 40 days after his resurrection by “many proofs”-plenty of unquestionable evidence (Acts 1:3).
Thus, those fellow disciples who didn’t believe initially did later based on observable, undeniable evidence (Luke 24:33-43). The reality of the resurrection validates the Christian faith.
Several elements offer credibility in establishing the reliability of an assertion – actual experience, personal testimony, eyewitness accounts, and/or substantial evidence. Thusly, the same should be counted acceptable in corroborating and confirming the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
The thought of a human rising from the dead does seem like nonsense, but after genuinely considering the corroborating evidence about Jesus’ resurrection it makes sense to believe he rose from the grave and is alive today.
Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look – I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. – Revelation 1:17-18 NLT
Rev. Johnson A. Beaven III is pastor of Citadel of Faith Church of God in Christ, 7676 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, Ind., 46226. Contact him at jbeaveniii@aol.com or visit www.johnsonbeaven.com.
