The Resurrection of Jesus Is it the Central Event in Human History? -Or- Is it a fraud?

Resurrection for us? Romans 6:1-10

Is Jesus just one of the many religious leaders? Confucius Joseph Smith

Is Jesus a Guru? -or- Great Prophet? Baha’u’llah Buddha Moses Muhammad?

The Ultimate Miracle: The Resurrection of Jesus

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof”--David Hume

Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem Fact #1 Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem

Fact #2 From the very beginning, the church unanimously claimed that Jesus was resurrected.

Fact #3 The tomb was empty

Fact #1: Josephus AD 38-100 About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him. The prophets of God had prophesied these and countless other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared. Antiquities 18:3:3

Fact #1: Cornelius Tacitus (AD 114) To squelch the rumor [that he had started the Great fire in Rome], Nero created scapegoats and subjected to the most refined tortures those whom the common people called ‘Christians,’ [a group] hated for their abominable crimes. Their name comes from Christ, who, during the reign of Tiberius, had been executed by the procurator Pontius Pilate. Annals 15.44

Fact #1: Talmud (1st Century AD) “On the eve of Passover they hung Yeshu…” --Babylonian Sanhedrin 43 AD

Empty Tomb: Thallus (52 AD) Wrote attempting to explain the darkness that covered the land on the day Jesus was crucified. -He did NOT deny Christ’s death but mentioned it as a fact and reference point.

Fact #2 From the very beginning, the church unanimously claimed that Jesus was resurrected Acts 2:24 “But God raised him from the dead…” This explains the rapid growth of the early church.

Why is Fact #2 Important? Getting a large group to be fully unified can be very difficult. The fact that the early church expanded rapidly and yet maintained this belief as the pillar of its faith speaks to how deeply they were convinced. The fact that they faced severe persecution, loss of possesions, imprisonment, abuse and even loss of life and yet the church grew speaks volumes to how deeply they beleived in Christ’s resurrection.

Fact #3 The tomb was empty

What is the most reasonable explanation of the facts? Jesus’ body was taken from the tomb. Jesus did not actually die (“swoon theory”). Jesus was bodily resurrected from the dead.

#1-The Stolen Body Theory Who would have stolen the body? The Jews? (very unlikely) The Romans? (very unlikely) The disciples? (very difficult)

Matthew 27:62-66 Quite a coordinated undertaking for a fearful group who had scattered in fear. Quite a contradictory undertaking for a group convinced of TRUTH as a virtue.

#2- The “Jesus Never Died” Theory Beaten to the point of near death. No food or water for more than two days. Crucified (a historically recorded fact). Pierced with a sword. Roman “crucifixion efficiency” was high. Many witnesses saw these things(most were NOT Christian/unbiased). Chances of a person’s survival?

#3—Jesus Rose!

The Resurrection of Jesus We should have known it was coming…

The Resurrection of the Messiah was Foreshadowed Jonah 1:7--Jonah was raised from the dead on the third day. (Matthew 11:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights….) Genesis 22:1-12--Abraham received Isaac back from the dead on the third day (Hebrews 11:17-19).

Prophecies of the Resurrection Psalm 16:10… “You will not let your holy one see decay”. Psalm 22:16-24… Pierced yet delivered Isaiah 53:8-11… Killed yet would live Matthew 16,17,20 and 26 John 2, 10 and 11

What’s the Big Deal? If you’re a true Christian than you too, will rise from the dead. John 11:25-26 If you are not than you can repent and join! Acts 17:30-31

Implications of the Resurrection: Validates the claims of Jesus/Scripture: John 11 “I am the resurrection and the life.” It confirms that we, too, will be resurrected. 1 Peter 1:3-4 It confirms that there will be a judgment day. Acts 17:31. Our trials are given perspective. “What about….” Jesus was raised from the dead!

What Is a Reasonable Response to this? John 11:45-48 Put your faith in Jesus. -or- Reject him and all he stood for. Challenge: Have Resurrection Faith—SHOW IT

Easter Week: Am I living a life that points to resurrection?