Is there Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection?

Bernis needed to know one more vital thing to be convinced that Jesus is the true Messiah. He asks,

“Did Yeshua rise from the dead? For all of us, and most especially for Jews, the answer to this question makes all the difference.” [35]

He read the Old Testament prophecy where David refers to the Messiah as “Your holy one who would not undergo decay.”

“For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.”[36]

Toward the end of Jesus’ three-year ministry, he told his disciples he would be condemned and killed in Jerusalem.[37]

This was devastating news! The disciples’ hopes and dreams of a conquering Messiah suddenly came to a screeching halt. They were stunned!

However, Jesus told them something else they didn’t fully understand. He said that after his death he would rise again.

If Jesus defeated death, it would mean that everything he told us about God, himself, and our purpose is true.

Bible scholar Wilbur Smith explains, 

“When he said He would rise again from the dead, the third day after He was crucified, He said something that only a fool would dare say if He expected the devotion of any disciples – unless He was sure He was going to rise.”[38]

As Jesus predicted, he was taken prisoner, condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, and crucified on a Roman cross.

After hanging on the cross for six tortuous hours, Jesus died. A Roman guard pierced his side to make sure he was dead. Then, Jesus was buried in the well-known tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Jewish council. Pilate ordered trained guards to maintain a 24-hour watch at the tomb.

Jesus’ disciples had gone into hiding, fearing they, too, would be arrested and possibly executed like Jesus.

But on the third day, Mary Magdalene and other women hurried to the disciples claiming they had seen Jesus alive! Shortly afterwards the eyewitnesses tell us that Jesus appeared alive to Peter, John, and over 500 others. The disciples were suddenly transformed.

Many people have difficulty believing Jesus really rose from the dead, including English journalist and skeptic, Frank Morison. 

Morison began research for a book to prove that Jesus’ resurrection was a myth. However, as he examined the evidence, Morison’s views changed as well as the theme of his book. What was it that changed Morison’s mind as well as his book?

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