Wrestling with the Unreasonable: The Power of Resurrection
Summary
Easter is a day that invites us to wrestle with the most central and challenging claim of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus. This is not a community of people who have everything figured out, but a gathering of those who recognize that everyone has a next step to take, and that following Jesus is often difficult and full of questions. The resurrection stands as the most unreasonable, even bizarre, event at the heart of Christianity—one that forces every thoughtful person to ask: what do reasonable people do with an unreasonable event?
Throughout history, people have admired Jesus for his teachings on love, justice, and compassion, but the resurrection is often a stumbling block. If we try to keep Jesus without the resurrection, we are left with a figure who is either delusional or deceptive, and whose teachings lose their credibility. On the other hand, many today are drawn to spirituality but are wary of organized religion, seeking a connection with the divine that makes no demands. Yet, Jesus is not a vague spiritual force; he is a person with definition and shape, who calls us to something more than just “do your own thing.”
Doubt is a universal response when we encounter something that doesn’t fit our understanding of reality. Even Jesus’ closest followers—those who saw his miracles and heard his predictions—were filled with doubt and disbelief when faced with the resurrection. They were not gullible or easily convinced; they expected a dead Messiah to stay dead, just as every other would-be Messiah had before. The fact that the Jesus movement gained momentum after his crucifixion, rather than fading away, is historically unique and demands an explanation.
The resurrection is not just a claim to be believed or dismissed; it is an invitation to wrestle with the possibility that God has acted in history in a way that changes everything. If the resurrection happened, then everything Jesus said about life, forgiveness, love, and purpose must be taken seriously. And the promise is not just for Jesus, but for us: the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is offered to dwell in us, bringing new life now and hope for the future. The challenge is not whether we will wrestle with this miracle, but how we will do so—bringing our doubts, our questions, and our longing for meaning to the God who meets us in them.
Key Takeaways
- Doubt is Not the Enemy of Faith, but Its Companion
The first reaction to the resurrection—even among Jesus’ closest friends—was not faith, but doubt. They had heard his promises, seen his miracles, and still could not bring themselves to believe until they could no longer deny what was before them. This shows that doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but a natural part of encountering a God who acts beyond our expectations. Wrestling with doubt honestly is often the path to deeper trust. [47:41]
- The Resurrection Demands a Response, Not Just Admiration
Many people admire Jesus’ teachings but stumble over the resurrection, preferring a version of spirituality that makes no demands. Yet, if the resurrection is true, it validates everything Jesus said and did, and calls us to take his words seriously. We cannot separate the person of Jesus from the reality of his resurrection without losing the heart of his message. [43:37]
- The Early Disciples Were Not Gullible, but Reluctant Believers
The disciples did not expect the resurrection; they were skeptical, afraid, and slow to believe, even when confronted with the risen Jesus. Their transformation from doubters to bold witnesses is not explained by wishful thinking, but by an encounter they could not deny. This historical shift is one of the most compelling evidences for the resurrection’s reality. [56:16]
- A Spiritual Longing That Refuses Definition Misses the Person of Jesus
Our culture is hungry for spiritual connection but often resists any shape or definition to that longing. Jesus is not a vague force, but a person who calls us to a life that is both deeply spiritual and concretely lived. True spirituality is not about doing whatever we want, but about being transformed by the one who conquered death. [46:18]
- The Resurrection Offers Not Just Hope for the Future, but Power for Today
The promise of Easter is not only that Jesus was raised, but that the same Spirit who raised him is offered to us. This means resurrection is not just a past event or a future hope, but a present reality that can bring new life, healing, and purpose in the midst of our darkness and despair. The invitation is to experience a piece of that resurrection now, even as we wait for its fullness. [01:04:36]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Everyone Has a Next Step
[04:10] - “Are You Serious?” Moments in Life
[08:45] - Believing When You Can’t Deny
[13:00] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[16:30] - Jesus Without the Resurrection?
[19:00] - Spiritual but Not Religious
[22:00] - The Longing for Spiritual Connection
[25:00] - Doubt and the Disciples
[29:00] - The First Easter Morning
[33:00] - The Disciples’ Reluctance and Doubt
[36:00] - The Uniqueness of the Jesus Movement
[40:00] - If the Resurrection Happened, Everything Changes
[44:00] - Resurrection Power for Us
[47:00] - Blessing and Closing Tradition
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Wrestling with the Resurrection
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### Bible Reading
1. Luke 24:1-12
The women visit the empty tomb and report to the disciples, who doubt their story.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 14
Paul summarizes the core of the gospel: Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to many. He insists that if Christ has not been raised, faith is useless.
3. Romans 8:11
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers, giving life now and hope for the future.
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### Observation Questions
1. When the women went to Jesus’ tomb, what did they expect to find, and what did they actually find? (Luke 24:1-3)
2. How did the disciples respond when the women told them about the empty tomb and the angels’ message? (Luke 24:9-11)
3. According to 1 Corinthians 15, what does Paul say is of “first importance” in the Christian faith? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
4. In Romans 8:11, what does Paul say about the Spirit who raised Jesus and what that means for believers? (Romans 8:11)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon pointed out that even Jesus’ closest followers doubted the resurrection at first, despite hearing his predictions and seeing his miracles ([52:45]). What does this suggest about the nature of faith and doubt in the Christian life?
2. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, “our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Why is the resurrection so central to Christian belief, according to both Paul and the sermon? ([43:37])
3. The sermon described how the early disciples were not gullible, but actually reluctant to believe in the resurrection ([56:16]). How does this historical detail affect the credibility of their testimony?
4. Romans 8:11 says the Spirit who raised Jesus is offered to us. What does it mean for believers to experience “resurrection power” in their lives today? ([01:04:36])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Doubt is not the enemy of faith, but its companion.” When have you experienced doubt in your faith journey? How did you handle it? Did you feel free to talk about it, or did you feel pressure to hide it? ([47:41])
2. The resurrection is described as an “unreasonable event” that demands a response, not just admiration. What is your honest response to the resurrection? Do you find it hard to believe, and if so, what would help you wrestle with it honestly? ([41:52])
3. The disciples were not waiting at the tomb or in Galilee for Jesus, even though he told them he would rise. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust Jesus’ promises? What would it look like to take him at his word, even when it seems unlikely? ([54:45])
4. The sermon mentioned that many people today want a spiritual connection without any demands or definition, but Jesus calls us to something more concrete ([46:18]). In what ways do you find yourself wanting a “vague spirituality” rather than a relationship with the real Jesus? How might you move toward a more defined faith?
5. Romans 8:11 says the same Spirit who raised Jesus is available to us. Where in your life do you need to experience “resurrection power”—new life, hope, or healing? What would it look like to invite God into that area this week? ([01:04:36])
6. The sermon challenged us to consider: “If the resurrection happened, then everything Jesus said about life, forgiveness, love, and purpose must be taken seriously.” Is there a teaching of Jesus you tend to ignore or resist? What would change if you took it seriously? ([01:03:48])
7. The early disciples’ transformation from doubters to bold witnesses was not explained by wishful thinking, but by an encounter they could not deny ([56:16]). Have you ever had an experience with God that changed your perspective or gave you courage? Would you be willing to share it with the group?
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to bring their doubts and questions honestly to God, and to experience the hope and power of the resurrection in their lives this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection Is Central to Christian Faith
The resurrection of Jesus stands at the very heart of Christianity, not as a peripheral or optional belief, but as the core event upon which everything else depends. Without the resurrection, Jesus’ teachings and claims would be rendered meaningless, and his followers would have no reason to trust in his promises. The early Christians, including the apostle Paul, insisted that the resurrection was of “first importance,” and that it validated everything Jesus said and did. This event is not presented as something easy to believe—even those closest to Jesus struggled with it—but it is the foundation upon which Christian faith is built. [41:52]
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
Reflection: What difference does it make in your life today to know that the resurrection is not just a story, but the central truth of Christian faith? How might this shape the way you approach Jesus’ teachings and promises?
Day 2: Even the Closest Followers of Jesus Doubted
Doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but a natural response when reality challenges our expectations—just as it did for Jesus’ own disciples. Despite hearing Jesus predict his resurrection multiple times, his followers still went to the tomb expecting to find his body, and even when confronted with the empty tomb and angelic messages, they struggled to believe. The Bible does not hide their confusion or skepticism; instead, it shows that doubt is part of the journey, and that Jesus meets people right in the midst of their uncertainty. [53:41]
Luke 24:1-6 (ESV)
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee…’”
Reflection: Where are you experiencing doubt or confusion in your faith journey right now? Can you bring those questions honestly to God, trusting that He meets you in your uncertainty?
Day 3: The Resurrection Transformed the Disciples’ Lives
The disciples were not predisposed to believe in the resurrection; in fact, they were skeptical and afraid, hiding after Jesus’ death. Yet something happened that changed them from fearful doubters into bold witnesses who proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection even at great personal risk. The resurrection was not just a private experience, but a public event witnessed by many, and it became the driving force behind the explosive growth of the early church. This transformation points to the reality that the resurrection is not just a belief, but a power that changes lives. [57:39]
Acts 5:38-39 (ESV)
“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the courage and transformation that only the resurrection power of Jesus can bring? What step of faith could you take today, trusting in that power?
Day 4: The Resurrection Means Jesus’ Words Must Be Taken Seriously
If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then everything he said about life, love, forgiveness, and purpose must be taken seriously. The resurrection validates his authority and compels us to wrestle with his teachings, even when they challenge our preferences or desires. It’s not always easy to follow Jesus’ way, but if the resurrection is true, then his words are not just good advice—they are the path to real life. [01:02:04]
John 10:10 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Reflection: What is one teaching of Jesus that you tend to resist or ignore? How might believing in the resurrection help you trust and obey him in that area today?
Day 5: The Resurrection Offers Us New Life Now and Forever
The resurrection is not just about what happened to Jesus, but about what can happen in us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is offered to all who trust in him, bringing new life, hope, and transformation both now and in the future. This is the promise that, even in the midst of darkness, despair, or loneliness, God’s resurrection power is available to us, giving us strength and hope for today and the promise of eternal life. [01:04:36]
Romans 8:11 (ESV)
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
Reflection: Where do you most need to experience the resurrection power of Jesus in your life right now? Ask God to bring new life and hope into that area today.
Quotes
I'm not going to believe it because you say it. I'm going to believe it when I can no longer deny it. Now, this idea right here, this idea of I'll believe it when I can't deny it. That's the experience of people with, with Jesus in the Bible all the time. In fact, that may be a lot of your own experience too. People see Jesus doing things that are beyond explanation, but that they also can't deny. [00:39:53] (20 seconds)
It is one of those things. That's like, I'll believe it when I can't deny it, but it is at the center of the faith of people who follow Jesus. Look, here's the apostle Paul writing first Corinthians chapter 15. He says this, for what I received, I pass on to you as a first importance, meaning what I'm about to tell you. The next thing after this colon in this sentence is the number one most important thing. First importance. Here's what he says, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. That's like the number one thing. [00:40:40] (28 seconds)
So he's either a crazy person or he's trying to trick everybody into believing something that he knew wasn't going to happen. And if those things are true, Jesus without the resurrection, it means that every other thing he said, all other teaching that he gave would have to be suspect because he's no longer trustworthy. He's either crazy or he's trying to deceive everybody, which means you have to hold everything else. Like, I don't know what else, what else we should do with this. We can't trust it. [00:43:48] (24 seconds)
The problem is that Jesus is not just a force. He has a shape and a definition, which means Jesus isn't just however I want him to be. He is however he actually is. You see, the resurrection is hard for people on either side of that equation because it's hard for people. Anytime we encounter anything like a resurrection or anything else like it, that's because it's the reality that's outside of our expected understanding of reality. [00:47:14] (27 seconds)
Which means the people who followed Jesus around most closely, who heard him say all these things and watched him do all of the things that would have defied their belief, everything that they said, look, I'll believe it when I can't deny it any longer. They were with Jesus. He told them and he, like, I'm not going to be there. And they went to the tomb anyway, which means they had doubt. [00:53:02] (20 seconds)
It wasn't easy for them to believe it either. Like I said before, the crazy thing is that this resurrection that these guys weren't trying to believe, didn't believe it when they saw it, when Jesus is standing right in front of them, they're still like, we don't know. It's crazy that the resurrection then becomes the central pillar of the Christian faith. [00:56:47] (19 seconds)
One of the things that's one of the most historically inexplicable, but also historically observable things is that the Jesus movement gained momentum after his crucifixion. Unique among all of the other kind of revolutionary kind of movements is that the Jesus movement curiously began to gain momentum after his, after his crucifixion. Jesus is publicly executed and historians cannot deny that there was something that must have happened that's different. [01:01:35] (25 seconds)
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