How can we prove the resurrection of Jesus?
The Devotional Answer
This is not just a question; it’s THE question for anyone exploring Christianity! If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then our faith is pointless. But if He did, it changes absolutely everything. Let's look at the powerful evidence.
The Simple Answer
We can "prove" (or, show strong historical evidence for) the resurrection of Jesus through three main points: the empty tomb, the many eyewitness accounts of Him alive, and the incredible transformation of His followers.
The Deeper Dive: Three Undeniable Proofs
Imagine trying to explain why a dead person suddenly walked out of a locked room. That’s what people were faced with in Jerusalem after Jesus’ death!
The Empty Tomb – The Missing Body:
On the third day after Jesus was crucified, women went to His tomb and found the huge stone rolled away. The tomb was empty!
Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV) tells us the angel’s message: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
Even Jesus’ enemies admitted His body was gone (they spread a false rumor that His disciples stole it, as Matthew 28:13 tells us!). If they had His body, they could have just shown it to stop Christianity. But they couldn't, because it wasn't there.
The grave clothes were found neatly folded or collapsed, suggesting a miraculous departure, not a theft or hurried escape.
Eyewitness Accounts – Seeing Him Alive:
Jesus didn't just disappear; He appeared to many people after His resurrection over 40 days. He was seen, heard, and even ate with them!
The Apostle Paul lists these appearances in 1 Corinthians 15:5-6 (NIV), saying, "He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living..."
These weren’t just a few friends; hundreds saw Him, including people who were originally doubters (like His own brother, James). People don't hallucinate the same person at the same time for weeks.
Transformed Lives – From Fear to Fire:
After Jesus died, His followers were terrified, hiding in fear for their lives. They were utterly broken and without hope.
Yet, just a few weeks later, these same fearful people were boldly preaching Jesus's resurrection in the very city where He was killed, facing prison and death for their message.
Acts 2:32 (NIV) records Peter’s brave sermon: "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it."
No one willingly dies for a lie they know to be false. The disciples’ willingness to suffer and die for the truth of the Resurrection is powerful evidence that something truly monumental happened to them.
God’s Assurance
The resurrection isn't just a historical fact; it's God's ultimate guarantee that Jesus paid for our sins and that we, too, can have eternal life.
"If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."
— 1 Corinthians 15:14 (NIV)
Your Takeaway Thought
The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is stronger than for many other ancient historical events we accept without question. It’s the ultimate proof of God’s power and love, and the foundation of all hope for believers today!
