Slideshow image

Reason #18: Jesus Rose From The Dead To Give Us Confidence In His Resurrection

The account of Jesus' resurrection (the way the story is told and the details) is meant to fill us with confidence that he really rose from the dead.

It is not just modern people who are sceptical of a resurrection story. People through history Both us are initially hesitant to believe someone has been resurrected from the dead.

Such news is not immediately believed. Again, this is also true 2,000 years ago. Listen to these parts of the story from the gospel of Luke:

"When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense" (Luke 24:9-11).

"And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:41)

Those who hear the news and even those who see Jesus resurrected do not right away believe.

But it is in the details of the resurrection story that we gain confidence that the telling of the story is true:

1. Account of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus fits with 1st century customs and practices--the accounts are telling us about a real event in history

2. The tomb was empty--if it had not been the religious leaders of soldiers would have pointed that out.

3. The disciples are initially sceptical to the news of Jesus' resurrection--they are real human beings. This would not be included if the intention of the Story was mere propaganda.

4. Women as the first witnesses--this would not have been included in the story if it were not true.

Giving thanks today for the Story's amazing details that are meant to give us confidence that Jesus really did rise from the dead!