Typically my post includes jokes, trivia and various humor. Given the subject of today's post, I will not be including those, but of course they will return in my next post. In today's post I want to share something I read recently during my morning quiet time.
I have a Life Application Bible (New Living Translation). I love this Bible for many reasons. It's written in a way in which I can understand. The footnotes are great for digging deeper into the verses as far as understanding the context. They also provide insights into Ancient history, Geography and Hebrew & Greek language. I was recently reading the book of Mark and came upon a sidebar section about evidence to support Jesus' resurrection. I thought I'd share it today. A good read with Easter so close upon us. Personally, I believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again and don't require this evidence, but for those with doubts, maybe this will help.
Proposed explanation for Empty Tomb - Jesus was only unconscious and later revived.
Evidence #1 against this explanation - A Roman soldier told Pilate that Jesus was dead.
Mark 15: 44-45
"Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body."
Evidence #2 against this explanation - The Roman solders did not break Jesus' legs because He had already died. Also one of them pierced his side with a spear.
John 19: 32-34
"So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that He was dead already, so they didn't break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out."
Evidence #3 against this explanation - Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus body and placed it in the tomb.
John 19: 38-40
"Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared Jewish leaders) asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came back and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes."
Proposed explanation for Empty Tomb - The women made a mistake and went to the wrong tomb
Evidence against this explanation - Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw Jesus placed in the tomb
Mark 15: 47
"Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid."
Luke 24: 55
"As His body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where they placed the body."
Matthew 27: 59 - 61
"Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance as he left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting nearby watching."
Proposed explanation for Empty Tomb - Unknown thieves stole the body
Evidence against this explanation - On Sunday morning Peter and John also went to the same tomb
John 20: 3 - 9
"Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead."
**NOTE: Upon reading this I didn't see where this would be proof. I researched further into the commentary and read that the linen wrappings were left as if Jesus has passed right through them. The cloth that covered Jesus' head was still rolled up in the shape of a head about the right distance from the wrappings that covered Jesus' body. A grave robber couldn't possibly have made off with Jesus' body and left the linens as if they were still shaped around it.
Proposed explanation for Empty Tomb - The disciples stole Jesus' body
Evidence #1 against this explanation - The tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers.
Reference
Matthew 27: 65-66
"Pilate replied, 'Take guards and secure it the best you can.' So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it."
Evidence #2 against this explanation - The disciples were ready to die for their faith. Stealing Jesus' body would have been admitting that their faith was meaningless.
**Many of the disciples died gruesome deaths because of their faith. In a future post I will go into detail on the martyrdom of the disciples."
Proposed explanation for Empty Tomb - The religious leaders stole Jesus' body to produce it later
Evidence against this explanation - If the religious leaders had taken Jesus' body, they would have produced it to stop the rumors of his resurrection.
I personally believe the Bible is God's Inspired Word, but I realize there are many who do not and would not view scripture as proof that Jesus is God's Son. However, maybe it will help those who do not with some questions or doubts. I pray they will research further by picking up the the Bible and giving it a read. May all who read the Scriptures be touched and inspired by what they find.
He is Risen!
