LifeWay Bible Studies for Life Series for April 8: Jesus rose from the dead

My wife and I are fans of the popular television program CSI. While there are now three programs with that name distinguished only by the city in which the story unfolds, we still favor the original that has Las Vegas as its setting.

Each episode focuses on at least one murder case that is difficult to solve. The CSIs must sort through all the aspects of the crime to determine the cause of death and who committed the murder.

One line of dialogue has been spoken numerous times throughout the many episodes: “Follow the evidence.” That one phrase is good counsel for all of us who encounter events that appear most difficult to explain.  

From the time of Jesus’ death on a cross and his resurrection on the third day, opponents of Christianity have offered explanations as to why Jesus did not rise from the dead. Early naysayers voiced that the followers of Jesus broke into the tomb and stole his body to give the appearance he had risen. Others held Jesus still was in a tomb, and those who said the tomb was empty simply had gone to the wrong tomb.

In times closer to our age, critics have said Jesus really did not die on the cross. Certainly, he was weakened from the severe beating he endured prior to the cross. They would not deny the cross itself was a time of extreme pain and suffering. However, they would state Jesus grew faint and weak. He passed out and observers mistakenly believed he was dead. In the coolness of the tomb away from the heckling crowd, he revived and regained enough strength to exit the tomb.

Because we cannot list multiple cases of resurrection, and because we have not personally witnessed a resurrection, we must admit the resurrection is difficult to explain by common understanding or even by medical intrigue. But we might do well for ourselves and others if we just “follow the evidence.”

The evidence declares the tomb in which Jesus was buried was guarded (Matthew 27:62-66). Matthew wrote that the chief priests and the Pharisees made a direct appeal to Pilate that the tomb of Jesus be secured until after three days had passed. Pilate agreed to this and allowed the posting of guards at the tomb and the sealing of the tomb. While we don’t have details about the sealing process, we know a large rock had been rolled across the opening of the tomb to prevent animals or people from disturbing the body. The sealing would have given a very visible sign if anyone tried to tamper with the stone by moving it.

It should be noted that no one really was concerned about Jesus not being dead. Professional soldiers had declared him dead. The Pharisees had watched carefully as he died. The guards and the seal were not aimed at keeping Jesus in the tomb but rather to keep others from trying to get into the tomb and steal his body.

For thought: Given the situation, what do you think was the alertness level of the guards assigned to the tomb of Jesus? Based on the attitude of the chief priests and Pharisees, what was the quality level of these guards?

The evidence reveals an empty tomb (Matthew 28:5-8). On the third day, women came to see the tomb of Jesus. Matthew records it was at this time that there was an earthquake, an angel moved the stone, sat on it and frightened the guards. He then told the women to look inside the tomb and see that Jesus had risen.

After they confirmed Jesus was not there, the angel instructed them to tell the disciples Jesus would see them in Galilee just as he had promised.

One point we often overlook is the angel didn’t roll the stone back from the opening of the tomb so that Jesus could get out. God already had raised his Son from the dead when the stone was rolled away. The angel moved the stone so everyone else could see the tomb was empty.

For thought: The women believed because they saw an empty tomb. Thomas said he would believe only if he saw the nail prints in Jesus’ hands and feet and the scar from the spear in his side. “Jesus told him (Thomas), ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:29). What evidence do you need in order to believe?

The evidence is verified by eyewitnesses (Luke 24:13-16, 32-33, 35). The various Gospel writers record the occasions when Jesus revealed himself to individuals and to groups of believers. Luke singled out an appearance by Jesus on the same day he was resurrected. Two men were walking on the road that led from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joined them in the journey, but they did not recognize him. They discussed all that had happened including the crucifixion and the women’s report of the empty tomb. When they stopped to eat, Jesus allowed them to recognize him.  

For thought: When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, she recognized him when he spoke her name (John 20:16). These men on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus when he broke bread and blessed it (Luke 24:30-31). Thomas recognized Jesus when he saw the scars (John 20:29). How do you recognize Jesus?

For me, when I follow the evidence, I believe God raised Jesus from the dead.