Famed author and journalist Peter Hitchens once said ‘if the resurrection of Jesus Christ is real, then there is nothing in human existence that isn’t profoundly affected by it’. Due to the significance of the very first Easter Sunday, let’s briefly examine the evidence for this world changing event.
The most significant evidence is the eyewitness accounts, as recorded in the New Testament. Historians tell us the Bible is a historical document, which cannot be dismissed without a weight of evidence. Since historians have no such evidence, other than it contains things they may not believe, the Bible remains highly credible.
The empty tomb is ‘Exhibit B’. The Roman and Jewish leaders had every reason to prove Jesus’ resurrection was a hoax; for their reputation and power was at stake. Yet even with their considerable resources, they could not produce a body.
The resurrection makes even less sense given the Roman Guards placed at the tomb. Leaving one’s post meant execution for Roman soldiers. Therefore something significant must have happened to cause them to run.
The most likely explanation is offered in Matt 28:13; that the disciples stole the body. Yet almost every disciple died a martyr’s death for this supposed ‘ruse’. Not one of them, under persecution or execution, ever admitted to stealing the body.
The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus more than stands up under scrutiny. An event of this proportion therefore demands a response. The question is, will you ignore the man who actually came back from the dead; or will you receive him as Lord and Saviour?
