With Easter steadily approaching, it is good for the Christian to think about the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is alive and well, and there is much to say concerning the matter of the resurrection. One could speak of Jesus conquering the grave. Another could talk about the believer’s union with the risen Lord. Still, another could talk about how each member of the Trinity played Their part in the resurrection of Jesus.
However, one of the most remarkable studies is the many proofs that Jesus rose from the dead. A careful look at Scripture will show many good reasons to believe that Jesus has risen.
Jesus walks on the road
The dead do not walk, but Jesus was seen walking on the Road to Emmaus. Two people were walking on the Road to Emmaus. As they walked, they talked about the events surrounding Jesus’ death. Amid their conversation, the Bible attests to Jesus drawing near them and asking, “…What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another as ye walked, and are sad?” (KJV, Luke 24:17). One of them responded as though stunned by the response and questioned Jesus about the events which recently took place in Jerusalem.
Thus, the people walked and talked with Jesus. But later, it is said that Jesus taught them about Himself. In other words, Jesus taught the people that He was to come and die and thus fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. Finally, the Bible declares that their eyes were eventually opened, and they knew it was Jesus.
Later they sought out the eleven disciples, the twelve minus Judas, and said, “…The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread” (Luke 24:34-35). They told of the events that happened along the way. Thus, the people witnessed Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
Jesus has flesh and bone
Not only did the people see Jesus walking they also heard the words of Christ declare, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). The verse recently cited is startling. Jesus focused on the areas in which He was pierced. Thus, when Jesus rose from the grave, His feet and hands remained scarred.
The Christian must realize what is at stake. When the Christian goes to be with Jesus, Jesus will have His glorified body. However, even the glorified body of Christ will be scarred. Therefore, for all eternity, the Christian will gaze upon the wounds of Christ and remember the price His Savior paid.
But as it relates to proof of the resurrection, one can see Jesus willingly showing His wounds to the two He encountered along the way. For someone to bear the marks of the cross and live to tell about it, undoubtedly, Jesus was in their midst.
Jesus breaks bread
The people along the road witnessed Jesus’ hands and feet. They heard the voice of Christ and were with Him along the way. Nonetheless, they also ate with the resurrected Messiah. Scripture says, “And while yet they believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye hear any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it and did eat before them” (Luke 24:43). The reality of Jesus Christ’s resurrection continued to increase. Proof upon proof was laid before them as it is for anyone who looks upon the words of Scripture.
The disciples see Him
Some may think that appealing to Scripture to establish proof for the resurrection should not be done. If anyone thinks this way, he is seriously misguided in his approach to truth. Not even atheist historians believe that someone should not look at the Bible to determine historical events.
For instance, numerous accounts inside and outside Scripture attest to Jesus dying on the cross. Both the accounts in and outside of the Bible are taken into consideration by historians in determining historical events. As a result, most historians, including non-Christian historians, would believe that Jesus died on the cross.
Either way, what non-believing historians believe is not that important anyway. What is essential is that the Christian believes the Bible and rejoices in Jesus’ many appearances found within.
Another instance of Jesus appearing to people is when He appeared to the disciples. Luke wrote the first historical document referenced in this article. But then John also attested to the resurrection of Christ. He said, “And when he had said so, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20). The disciples all share the unanimous testimony that Jesus has risen.
It is important to realize that their lived lives attest to their belief that Jesus has risen. For instance, they were all persecuted for their faith and message. The Roman Empire sought to stifle the movement. According to church history, all but the Apostle John were martyred for their faith and message. They preached Christ has risen unto their dying breath. Why would these men die for what they knew was a lie?
They said that they saw Jesus after His death. If they did not really see Jesus, would they all have had the courage to die for their claims? Assuredly not! The proof is there in the lives of the disciples and the Word of God.
Thomas touches Jesus
Among the eleven remaining disciples, there was a doubter. He has forever been named Doubting Thomas. Nevertheless, even Thomas eventually believed because Christ would not quit until Thomas’ faith was bolstered. Scripture says, “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). What patience Christ displayed in Thomas’ life!
Thomas wanted unshakable proof of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus did not need to give Thomas what he required. However, Jesus met Thomas where he was, Thomas touched Christ’s side, and then Thomas responded, “…My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Jesus is Lord and God. He has risen from the dead.
Many occurrences
The Bible attests to Jesus appearing many times and to many people. He was not secretive in one sense of the word, but instead, He made it known that the grave could not hold Him. Jesus defeated death, rose from the dead, and appeared to many. Referencing Jesus’ work among the disciples, Luke says, “To whom also he shewed himself alive after many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). The proofs by which Jesus made Himself known were infallible. Thus, the proofs were dependable and reliable.
Jesus referred to Himself as the temple when He spoke of the temple being destroyed. Nevertheless, He also stated that in three days, He would raise it up again. Jesus foretold of His death and said that although He would die, He would rise in precisely three days. Not only did Jesus appear to speak to some, but He did so for forty days.
The testimony of Scripture is overwhelming that Jesus has risen and that many would have attested to it. Elsewhere the Bible says, “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also…” (1 Cor. 15:4-8). What a list!
It is as though the people of the early church were saying during their ministry, “If you do not believe He has risen, go and ask James or the twelve. Then, go and ask Paul or one of the five hundred of whom many are still alive to tell about it.”
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for the resurrection of Jesus. You have given me many reasons to believe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.