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The Resurrection of Jesus ChristText: Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-10 Introduction:
I. The subject that shall be under our consideration today
is “the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We will
especially note its validity and importance.
II. The fact of the resurrection is the greatest proof of
the Christian religion. Romans 1:4
A. If we accept it as true every claim and action of
Jesus is verified.
B. If we reject it, Jesus as a good man, the Bible as a
good book, Christianity as a worthwhile religion,
are likewise cast aside. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
1. Through these verses then, we can see the
importance of not only believing but also proving
that the resurrection did take place.
2. It will be my endeavor today to:
a. Strengthen the faith of those who do believe
in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
b. And prove to the disbelieving skeptic that
such a resurrection did take place.
c. I shall endeavor to do so by:
(1) Setting forth some facts that no one can
deny.
(2) Taking under examination some of the
theories of men concerning the
resurrection.
(3) By setting forth undeniable proof of such
a resurrection.
Body:
I. Some facts that are admitted by all:
A. Jesus not only lived but was crucified by Jews and
Romans.
B. He was buried in a sealed tomb.
C. His body disappeared.
D. On these three points both the skeptic and believer
and can agree. The reason for the last point is
where the division takes place.
II. Let us now consider for a few moments some
explanations offered by men as to the disappearance of
the body of Jesus from the tomb.
A. The Swoon Theory.
1. The “Swoon theory” states that Jesus was not
actually dead, and that he revived from a state
of unconsciousness and walked out of the tomb.
2. This theory, however, does not account for the
soldiers actions. John 19:33
3. This theory does not take into account the
testimony of a competent Roman officer. Mark
15:44-45
4. This theory does not account for how those who
worked on his body, anointed and wrapped it,
could have failed to perceive life in his body.
5. This theory does not take into account:
a. For how after such physical torture on the
cross (and before), plus a wound in his side
with accompanying loss of blood.
b. Plus at least two days without food, water,
or medication, he could undo the wrappings,
c. take time to fold them neatly, roll away the
huge stone at the entrance, fight off a Roman
guard.
d. Walk the length of Palestine, and appear
healthy to his disciples.
6. In light of all of this, we must conclude this
theory to be false.
B. The theory that the enemies of Jesus stole the
body.
1. This is the outrageous of all the theories
because these people would have no motive.
2. It would defeat their purpose. They wanted him
dead and buried and made every precaution to
assure the body being still in the grave three
days later. Matthew 27:62-66
3. If they had, all they would have to do on the
day of Pentecost would have been to produce the
dead body of Jesus to forever put an end to his
claims and his teachings.
4. In the light of all of this then, we must
conclude that this theory is also false.
C. The theory that the disciples stole the body.
1. Dr. Hugh J. Schonfield’s book entitled, “The
Passover Plot”… takes the position that:
a. Jesus was obsessed with the idea that he was
the Messiah, manipulated fulfillments of
prophecies.
b. Feigned death on the cross through a powerful
drug and planned to appear later and claim
that he was raised from the dead.
c. But he succumbed, while in the tomb from the
unforeseen wound in his side, his body was
secretly removed; and his resurrection was
claimed by his followers anyway.”
2. This theory however, does not account for how a
guard of at least 12 Roman soldiers (under the
penalty of death if negligent) would allow the
disciples to take the body.
3. It also does not account for the motive.
Consider this: “Would they have risked their
lives, suffer persecution and hardships for that
which they knew to be
4. In the light of this, this theory also must be
rejected.
D. The Hallucination theory.
1. This theory states that the disciples wanted to
see Jesus so badly, they mistook a vision or
dream for reality.
2. Luke 24:36-39
3. John 20:24-30
4. The variety of appearances as to the number and
circumstances preclude the possibility.
a. Not just one appearance but many, over a
space of 40 days.
b. Not just to one group but to groups of 2, 12,
and even over 500 at once. 1 Corinthians 15:6
c. And besides all of this, the disciples were
not expecting to see him anyway.
5. However, the greatest proof to me would be that
if it had been an hallucination, the body would
still have been in the tomb.
6. Truly, we might sing with assurance the old
song: “Up from the Grave…”
Conclusion:
I. Take the divinity away from Jesus and what do you have?
A. A Jew, born in a captive Roman province, of a
peasant woman, lived as a carpenter’s son for 30
years.
B. Then he became a teacher of religion for three and a
half years, was deserted by his followers when
arrested, tried and killed as a common criminal.
C. He never wrote a book, never invented a machine,
never went to college, yet he claimed to be equal
with God.
D. He claimed to be the light of the world, that he
would judge the world, that he would arise from the
dead, and that he was sinless.
E. More than that, he succeeded in having all time
reckoned from him (When we write A.D. 2008, we
acknowledge his claim).
F. He established a religion that has grown and spread
throughout the whole world.
G. More than that, this nameless cheat, this fraud,
invented the character of Christ, and successfully
played the part for a number of years.
H. Though a conscious liar, he gave the world the
highest moral standard it has ever known.
II. Who can believe it? The only logical and rational
conclusion to reach is that Jesus is what he claimed to
be, the Christ and the Son of God and that this was
proven by his resurrection.
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