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UnBelievable: Resurrection

UnBelievable: Resurrection

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Notes

Some of the claims of the Bible seem “Unbelievable” but upon further investigation, we realize the claims are quite “Believable.”

  • Creator God – Naturalism vs. Intelligent Design

  • Fine tuning of the universe, biological complexity and engineering, human consciousness, etc.

  • The Reliability of the Bible – “The Bible has been changed over the years” vs “MAPS”

    • MAPS = Manuscripts, Archeology, Prophecy, Statistical Probability

PREVIEW – Today’s Focus

The biggest claim and hinge-point of Christianity:
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

  • The Biblical claim – that Jesus rose from the dead

  • The Opposing Theories of the missing body

  • The Confidence to move forward on mission with God

1. The Biblical Claim (Matthew 27:45 – 28:20)

  • Death (27:50)

  • Burial (27:59–60)

  • The Tomb Sealed and Guarded (27:62–66)

  • Resurrection (28:1–7)

  • Conspiracies Begin (28:11–15)

  • Jesus Appears to the Disciples (28:16–17)

  • The Great Commission (28:18–20)

Actually dead. A true burial tomb. Seen by others. Enemies conspire. Worship and doubts. Still commissioned.
This account has stood the test of time—MAPS = reliable historical document

The Challenge

If Jesus truly rose from the dead—just as He said He would (Matt. 17:22–23; John 2:19–21)—
Then all His other claims must also be true:

  • That He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord and Savior of the world.

  • That reality leaves us with a choice:

    We can no longer dismiss or ignore Him.
    We must take seriously who He is, what He taught, how He lived, and how He calls us to live as His disciples.

2. The Opposing Theories

Theory Summary Main Problems
Christian View (Resurrection) Jesus physically and supernaturally rose from the dead. Supported by multiple witnesses, empty tomb, and transformed disciples. —
Swoon Theory Jesus didn’t die, only passed out, and later revived. Medical evidence of crucifixion death; unlikely to survive and escape.
Stolen Body Theory Disciples stole Jesus’ body and fabricated the resurrection story. Unlikely disciples would die for a known lie; authorities could investigate.
Hallucination Theory Resurrection appearances were grief-induced hallucinations. Hallucinations are individual; 500+ people had the same experience.
Wrong Tomb Theory Followers went to the wrong tomb and assumed resurrection. Authorities could have pointed to correct tomb; doesn’t explain appearances.
Legend Theory Resurrection story is a myth that developed over time. Early writings confirm belief in resurrection; not a later myth.
Spiritual Resurrection Theory Jesus rose spiritually, not physically; His spirit lived on. New Testament emphasizes bodily resurrection and empty tomb.

3. Undisputed Facts from Non-Christians

Fact #1 — Death by Crucifixion

“Christus, from whom the name [Christian] had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus…”
— Tacitus (c. 56–120 AD), Annals 15.44

→ Refutes Swoon Theory: Jesus really died

Fact #2 — The Empty Tomb

  • Jesus’ enemies didn’t deny the empty tomb

  • Instead, they blamed the disciples

  • But why would disciples die for a lie? What did they gain?

Fact #3 — Post-Resurrection Appearances

  • 1 Corinthians 15:5–8: Jesus was seen by many who were still alive

  • Not hearsay or myth development

Fact #4 — Origin of the Christian Faith

  • Some say Jesus is just a copy of pagan myths

  • But historical evidence shows those myths came after Jesus

👉 Further reading: The Minimal Facts of the Resurrection

4. The Confidence to Move Forward on Mission with God

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

  • Jesus rose from the dead.

  • He has conquered sin and death.

  • What He says is true.

  • Trust Him.

  • Be a disciple and make disciples.

  • Live for His eternal purposes (Matthew 28:16–20)

  • One day we’ll get our own resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 15:3–58)

Next Steps

  1. What’s keeping you from fully trusting what Jesus says?

  2. Who in your life needs to hear the hope of the resurrection?

  3. What’s one step you can take this week to stay faithful to Jesus’ call to be and make disciples?

  4. How does the promise of a resurrected body give you hope in what you’re facing right now?