The So-called

Discovered 1980 South of Jerusalem

“Jesus, Son of Joseph”?

I. What Was Found? 10 Empty Ossuaries with 6 Inscriptions 1. "Jesus son of Joseph." 2. "Maria." 3. "Matthew." 4. "Joseph." 5. "Mariamene e Mara" 6. “Judah son of Jesus." 10 Empty Ossuaries with 6 Inscriptions 1. "Jesus son of Joseph." 2. "Maria." 3. "Matthew." 4. "Joseph." 5. "Mariamene e Mara" 6. “Judah son of Jesus."

I. What Do They Claim About This? The odds are 600 to one that this is Jesus’ family tomb and— 1. Jesus was married to Mary Magdaline. 2. They had a son named Judah 3. Jesus did not rise bodily from the dead. In short, Christianity is a hoax! The odds are 600 to one that this is Jesus’ family tomb and— 1. Jesus was married to Mary Magdaline. 2. They had a son named Judah 3. Jesus did not rise bodily from the dead. In short, Christianity is a hoax!

II. What Do Scholars Say to This? 1.There is no evidence Jesus was married. 2.“Jesus” was a common name (9%). 3.“Joseph” was a common name (14%). 4.“Mary” was a very common name (25%). 5.A 1 st cent. text had 3 men named “Jesus.” 6.It may not be “Jesus” but “Hanum.”. 7.Odds are much lower if all names are included (They leave out “Matthew”). 8.Odds are trumped by facts. 1.There is no evidence Jesus was married. 2.“Jesus” was a common name (9%). 3.“Joseph” was a common name (14%). 4.“Mary” was a very common name (25%). 5.A 1 st cent. text had 3 men named “Jesus.” 6.It may not be “Jesus” but “Hanum.”. 7.Odds are much lower if all names are included (They leave out “Matthew”). 8.Odds are trumped by facts.

The Odds are 216 to 1 against it But it in fact it does happen! The Odds are 216 to 1 against it But it in fact it does happen! 1296 to 1 against it—for four dice!

Chances for a Perfect Hand 1 in 635 billion plus!

Facts Trump Odd! The Facts Are there Are-- 1. More manuscripts (5700 vs. 10 to 20) 2. Earlier manuscripts (25+ yrs. vs yrs.) 3. More accurately copied (99%+ vs %) 4. Earlier writers (first century contemporaries) 5. More writers (9 writers and 27 books) 6. More accurate writers -- for the NT than for any other book from the ancient world! The Facts Are there Are-- 1. More manuscripts (5700 vs. 10 to 20) 2. Earlier manuscripts (25+ yrs. vs yrs.) 3. More accurately copied (99%+ vs %) 4. Earlier writers (first century contemporaries) 5. More writers (9 writers and 27 books) 6. More accurate writers -- for the NT than for any other book from the ancient world!

Bible Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “…The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” ( The Bible and Archaeology, 288). “…The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” ( The Bible and Archaeology, 288).

Alexander the Great Sources Available Contemporary--none 100 years later--only fragments years later-- several histories Sources Available Contemporary--none 100 years later--only fragments years later-- several histories

Evidence That Jesus Claimed to be God Matthew 16:16-17: Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Mark 14:61-61: The High Priest asked: “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Mark 2:5, 7: Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” The Scribes replied, “Why does this man blaspheme like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone.” John 8:58: Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I AM” cf. Ex. 3:14). John 10:30-31: Jesus said, “‘I and the Father are one.’ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.” Matthew 16:16-17: Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Mark 14:61-61: The High Priest asked: “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Mark 2:5, 7: Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” The Scribes replied, “Why does this man blaspheme like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone.” John 8:58: Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I AM” cf. Ex. 3:14). John 10:30-31: Jesus said, “‘I and the Father are one.’ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.”

Evidence His Disciples Said He was God John 20:28: “Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” Romans 9:5: “Christ who is over all, the eternally blessed God.” Colossians 1: 16: “For by Him were all things created: things in heaven and things on earth.” Colossians 2:9: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Titus 2:13: “Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Heb 1:8: “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne O God, is forever and ever.’” John 20:28: “Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” Romans 9:5: “Christ who is over all, the eternally blessed God.” Colossians 1: 16: “For by Him were all things created: things in heaven and things on earth.” Colossians 2:9: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Titus 2:13: “Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Heb 1:8: “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne O God, is forever and ever.’”

Evidence That Jesus Was God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this! a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this!

Human Race Woman, Gen 3:15 Human Race Woman, Gen 3:15 Ethnic Group Abraham, Gen 12:1 Ethnic Group Abraham, Gen 12:1 Tribe Judah, Gen 49:10 Tribe Judah, Gen 49:10 Dynasty David, 2 Sam 7:12 Dynasty David, 2 Sam 7:12 How Virgin, Isa 7:14 How Virgin, Isa 7:14 Where Bethlehem, Mic 5:2 Where Bethlehem, Mic 5:2 When 33 A.D., Dan 9:24 When 33 A.D., Dan 9:24

Jesus did Many Miracles Walked on water Healed one born blind Restored lepers to health Turned water to wine Multiplied loaves Raised the dead Walked on water Healed one born blind Restored lepers to health Turned water to wine Multiplied loaves Raised the dead

Evidence Jesus Rose for the Dead 1.The tomb was empty with grave clothes in it 2.Over 500 witnesses saw Him 12 times 3.They touched His physical body 4.They saw His crucifixion scars 5.They ate with Him four times 6.He taught them for 40 days 7.He did miracles for them 8.He transformed them From cowards to martyrs overnight! 1.The tomb was empty with grave clothes in it 2.Over 500 witnesses saw Him 12 times 3.They touched His physical body 4.They saw His crucifixion scars 5.They ate with Him four times 6.He taught them for 40 days 7.He did miracles for them 8.He transformed them From cowards to martyrs overnight!

The Passion It’s Not Just a Movie: It’s History!

Easter: It’s Not Just a Holiday: Its Reality Easter: It’s Not Just a Holiday: Its Reality

Why is Jesus the Only Way? God Man Because only the God-Man can bridge between God and Man Because only the God-Man can bridge between God and Man God-Man

“I am the way …. No one comes to the Father but by Me.”