Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
We live in an age in which we are bombarded by information. We have access to whatever we want to know in the palm of our hands. Sometimes, however, differentiating between fact and opinion can be a challenge. Biases eclipse what is true more often than we care to admit.
Nevertheless, our need for validity is unchanged. Gratefully, the greatest truth ever told comes backed with eyewitness testimony.
First, we know Jesus was crucified. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) all record the details of this event. This is the very death that was supposed to be ours as a result of our sin. Jesus took that death in our place. Without resurrection, however, the truth of the gospel is incomplete. Jesus died, but Jesus also lives!
The idea that someone who was once dead would come back to life can be hard to wrap our minds around. However, God, in His kindness, did not leave us without proof. After He rose, He appeared to several individuals and groups. He appeared to a group of 500 people and each of the apostles. He also appeared to Paul even though Paul’s conversion happened later.
Disputing the statements from over 500 people proves to be more difficult.
The resurrection actually happened! It is not just a rumor or a myth. It is not some symbolic story that leads us to overlook the miraculous. Jesus literally and physically rose from the dead … and people saw Him! This should fill us with joy as we see that Christ has overcome our greatest enemy: death!