The first account I composed Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Luke the Physician – Acts 1:1-3
Focusing on the resurrection of Jesus is important for Christians to do. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to remember the resurrection:
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.
The Apostle Paul – 2 Timothy 2
A challenge I’ve seen in the past and even now are questions and doubts people have regarding the resurrection. Can we really believe Jesus was raised from the grave?
The answer is YES! If Christ has not been risen, then our faith is in vain and we are still lost in our sins, 1 Corinthians 15:13-18. The good news is Jesus is risen! His tomb is empty. When thinking about the resurrection of Jesus, one thought is to consider how many people saw Him alive after He was raised.
His resurrection was not something that was secret in nature. By many convincing proofs He presented Himself alive.
- John 20:19 “So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”
- John 20:26: “After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’”
- John 21:1-2: “After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias…
- 1 Corinthians 15:6: “After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep.”
Convincing Proofs is the idea of something that is infallible, certain, from that which something is surely and plainly known, indubitable evidence. These interactions Jesus had should strengthen and increase our faith. He is risen! People saw Him, heard Him, touched Him, walked with Him, and ate with Him. Hundreds of people saw Him. The lives of the apostles were transformed after His resurrection. They were willing to die for the cause of Christ. The tomb was empty and continues to be empty. WHY? Because Jesus is risen!
- Benjamin Lee