Proclaiming the Truth: The Reality of Resurrection

 

Summary

In my sermon on Resurrection Sunday, I began by greeting the congregation and expressing the joy of proclaiming the truth that Jesus is risen. I invited everyone to consider the historical evidence of Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing that this event is the most significant in history and in my personal life. I addressed the phenomenon of the Mandela Effect, where collective memory can fail us, leading to widely held but false beliefs. I used this as a springboard to discuss the reliability of our memory and the importance of establishing the truth about the resurrection.

I then presented three historical facts: the empty tomb, the numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, and the existence of the church. I explained that these facts require an explanation and that the best explanation is the actual resurrection of Jesus. I recounted the Gospel of John's account of the empty tomb and the disciples' initial disbelief and confusion, highlighting that their surprise and shock support the authenticity of the resurrection narrative.

I discussed the early arguments against Christianity, which inadvertently confirmed the empty tomb, and the implausibility of the disciples stealing Jesus' body. I pointed out that the Jewish and Roman authorities had every reason to produce Jesus' body to quash the resurrection claim but could not do so because the tomb was indeed empty.

I explored the possibility that the disciples lied about the resurrection, asking why they would die for a known lie. I argued that their lack of motive, their fear and confusion after Jesus' death, and their subsequent transformation into bold proclaimers of the resurrection make it unreasonable to believe they concocted such a lie.

I addressed the suggestion that the disciples hallucinated Jesus' resurrection, noting that group hallucinations are psychologically implausible and that Jesus appeared to many individuals and groups, including skeptics like Thomas and Paul, who became a fervent apostle after his encounter with the risen Christ.

I also tackled the claim that Christianity borrowed resurrection ideas from pagan religions, showing that serious scholars have rejected this theory. I explained that the mystery religions that supposedly influenced Christianity did not have a significant presence in first-century Palestine, that the parallels with these religions postdate Christianity, and that Jewish disciples would not have borrowed from other faiths, as they had no expectation of an individual resurrection before the end of times.

I concluded by inviting the congregation to consider who Jesus is to them, sharing the story of John the Baptist's question from prison about whether Jesus was the expected Messiah. I emphasized that Jesus' response, highlighting his miracles and good news for the poor, and his blessing for those not offended by him, is central to understanding his identity. I encouraged those deciding to follow Jesus to participate in upcoming baptisms and invited everyone to return for the new series on Jesus' claims about himself.

Key Takeaways:

1. The empty tomb is a historical fact that even early critics of Christianity did not dispute. The inability of the Jewish and Roman authorities to produce Jesus' body speaks volumes about the truth of the resurrection. ([32:31])

2. The transformation of the disciples from fearful, confused followers into bold proclaimers of the resurrection is a powerful testament to the reality of their experiences with the risen Jesus. Their willingness to suffer and die for their belief underscores their sincerity and the truth of their message. ([43:11])

3. The claim that the disciples hallucinated Jesus' resurrection is untenable, given the varied and communal nature of the post-resurrection appearances. Jesus' physical interactions with his followers and his appearance to skeptics provide strong evidence against the hallucination hypothesis. ([46:17])

4. The suggestion that Christianity borrowed the concept of resurrection from pagan religions is not supported by historical evidence. The uniqueness of the Jewish faith and the timing of the supposed parallels make this theory highly improbable. ([51:30])

5. The personal encounters with Jesus that continue to this day are the greatest evidence for the resurrection. The changed lives of millions over the centuries bear witness to the ongoing reality of Jesus' presence and power. ([01:04:42])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:1-11 - The account of the empty tomb.
2. Matthew 28:11-15 - The guards' report and the bribery of the soldiers.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - Paul's summary of the resurrection appearances.

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Mary Magdalene find when she arrived at the tomb early on the first day of the week? (John 20:1-2)
2. How did the chief priests and elders respond to the news of the empty tomb according to Matthew 28:11-15? ([30:53])
3. Who were some of the individuals and groups that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8? ([40:29])
4. What was the initial reaction of the disciples when they found the empty tomb? ([29:46])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the empty tomb considered a significant piece of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus? ([27:36])
2. How does the transformation of the disciples from fearful followers to bold proclaimers support the truth of the resurrection? ([38:02])
3. What are the implications of the resurrection for the claims of Jesus being the Messiah and God? ([54:01])
4. How does Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus add credibility to the resurrection accounts? ([41:10])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the historical evidence presented for the resurrection. How does this evidence impact your personal faith in Jesus? ([26:04])
2. The disciples were transformed by their encounters with the risen Jesus. In what ways has your faith in the resurrection transformed your life? ([38:02])
3. Considering the claim that the resurrection was a hallucination, how do you respond to doubts or skepticism about your faith? ([46:17])
4. The sermon mentioned that the resurrection gives hope to millions. How does the resurrection give you hope in your daily life? ([01:04:42])
5. Jesus' resurrection is central to the Christian faith. How can you share the significance of the resurrection with someone who is curious about Christianity? ([01:04:42])
6. The sermon concluded with an invitation to consider who Jesus is to you. Who is Jesus to you, and how does this understanding influence your actions and decisions? ([01:22:24])
7. The resurrection is described as the most important event in history. How can you live out the truth of the resurrection in your community and church? ([25:02])

Devotional

Day 1: The Empty Tomb Affirms Faith
The empty tomb stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief, a historical fact that even the earliest critics of Christianity did not dispute. The inability of Jewish and Roman authorities to produce the body of Jesus is a profound testament to the resurrection's reality. This fact alone challenges skeptics and believers alike to consider the implications of an event that defies natural explanation. The empty tomb is not just an absence of a body; it is the presence of hope, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the beginning of a new era in human history. It invites reflection on the power of God to triumph over death and offers a foundation upon which faith can stand securely.

[32:31]

"And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid." - Mark 16:8 ESV

Reflection: How does the historical fact of the empty tomb challenge or reinforce your personal beliefs about the resurrection of Jesus?

Day 2: Disciples' Transformation as Evidence
The dramatic transformation of Jesus' disciples from a state of fear and confusion to becoming bold proclaimers of the resurrection is a powerful testament to the truth of their experiences. Their willingness to suffer and even die for their belief is not the mark of delusion or deceit but of profound conviction and encounter with the risen Christ. This change is inexplicable if the resurrection were a lie. The disciples' lives, their sacrifices, and their unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Jesus offer compelling evidence that they truly encountered the resurrected Lord.

[43:11]

"For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:20 ESV

Reflection: How does the transformation of the disciples inspire you to live out your faith more boldly?

Day 3: Post-Resurrection Appearances Defy Hallucination
The suggestion that the disciples hallucinated Jesus' resurrection is untenable when considering the varied and communal nature of the post-resurrection appearances. Jesus did not just appear to individuals in isolation but to groups, offering them tangible experiences, such as touching his wounds and eating with him. These appearances included skeptics like Thomas and Paul, whose radical transformations further validate the reality of these encounters. The resurrection appearances break through the barriers of doubt and offer a solid foundation for belief in the risen Christ.

[46:17]

"As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, 'Peace to you!' But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit." - Luke 24:36-37 ESV

Reflection: How do the varied and communal post-resurrection appearances of Jesus influence your understanding of the resurrection?

Day 4: Resurrection Uniqueness in Christian Faith
The claim that Christianity borrowed the concept of resurrection from pagan religions is not supported by historical evidence. The uniqueness of the Jewish faith and the timing of the supposed parallels make this theory highly improbable. The resurrection of Jesus stands apart from other religious narratives, rooted in the historical context of first-century Palestine and the Jewish expectation of a messianic figure. The early Christians' belief in the resurrection was a radical departure from the surrounding culture, pointing to a genuine and unprecedented event that shaped their faith and the world.

[51:30]

"Why should it be thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?" - Acts 26:8 ESV

Reflection: In what ways does the uniqueness of the resurrection challenge common cultural narratives about life after death?

Day 5: Personal Encounters with Jesus Today
The ongoing personal encounters with Jesus that individuals experience today are a profound testament to the resurrection's continuing impact. The changed lives of countless people over the centuries bear witness to the reality of Jesus' presence and transformative power. These encounters are as varied as the individuals themselves, yet they all point to a living, active relationship with a Savior who transcends time and culture. The resurrection is not merely a historical event but a present reality that invites each person to experience the risen Christ in their own life.

[01:04:42]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15 ESV

Reflection: How have personal encounters with Jesus shaped your life, and how can you share this experience with others?

Quotes

1. "The tomb was empty on that Sunday morning, thousands of years ago. Three people went to the tomb, the Gospel of John records, expecting to find Jesus. And instead, they found an empty tomb." [29:00]( | | )

2. "The disciples were not looking to start a religion. They were not educated men. They were not influential. They were not powerful. They didn't get it. Even their own records say, yeah, after Jesus died we didn't get it. We didn't recognize him. We still had a lot of questions." [43:42]( | | )

3. "The early disciples were Jews. Part of the problem that many of the conquering armies had with the Jewish faith was their refusal to assimilate. They refused to worship the gods of the Romans. They did not borrow and say, you know, yeah, we can all get along." [52:02]( | | )

4. "The greatest evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is the hope and life that people have found in him for thousands of years. Millions still claim to know him, see him, hear him, experience him. I'm one of them." [01:04:42]( | | )

5. "The tomb was empty. This is a historical, undisputed fact that critical scholars agree on. On Sunday morning. The tomb was empty. Now you don't have to ascribe any sort of meaning or faith or belief to that fact. But we do have to attempt to explain it." [27:51]( | | )

6. "The Jewish leaders agree. The Roman authorities agree, so much so that they're actually concerned that Jesus' followers might come and steal the body. There was no expectation of a resurrection in them." [37:36]( | | )

7. "The disciples knew that Jesus, there's only three ways to explain that fact. And it's this. The disciples know that Jesus is in fact not alive, and yet they chose to lie and say that he was." [42:40]( | | )

8. "If Jesus did not rise, the disciples knew it. Fact. The disciples knew that he did not rise from the dead if he did not in fact do so. Here's the question. Why would they lie? Why would they die for what they knew was a lie?" [43:11]( | | )

9. "The earliest arguments against Christianity admit that the tomb was empty. This is what Matthew chapter 28 records in verse 11 through 15." [30:53]( | | )

10. "The disciples were afraid for their lives. They were in hiding. These are not the kind of people that are going to come out and boldly make a lie." [38:36]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?