The Historical Record of the Resurrection

INTRODUCTION:

Do we have any students of history here today? You know, a person who truly enjoys the study of history?

As I was reading this past week I came across a few quotes about the study of history. (John R Stott, The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonains, 1991 p. 130)

Henry Ford in the witness box, during his liable suit against the Chicago Tribune in July 1919, declared "history is bunk."

Somebody else once suggested that the most accurate chart of the meaning of history is the set of tracks made by a drunken fly with his feet wet with ink staggering across a piece of white paper. They lead nowhere and reflect no pattern of meaning.

Rudolph Boltman wrote that "the pattern of meaning in history has become meaningless."

Interestingly enough, we learn thee things by studying history! Kind of ironic don't you think!

In fact, today, we gather to celebrate one of the greatest historical events in the history of mankind. I know, I know, what you may be saying, you may be saying the resurrection of Jesus is a spiritual event. And certainly it is the greatest event that ever happened spiritually

But the resurrection of Jesus is a spiritual event that took place in history. It is a historical event. Meaning we can go back and study this event from a historical perspective. How do we study history:

We check ancient documents

We study the writing of history

We study archeology

We study changes in cultures

Things like patterns in violence

Patterns in worship

Patterns in lifestyle

And when we study history, we find that most historical scholars will say that the resurrection account is in the top historical event ever! But it is more than a historical event as we said.

It is the most pivotal spiritual event as well. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says about this event.

1 Corinthians 15:17 - 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant historical and spiritual event to ever take place.

Here's what I mean by that, not only does the resurrection of Jesus Christ shape our faith but it impacted the world in such a way that it challenged the people of that day and shaped the world moving forward.

You may be asking. Why is this important. What is all this talk about history?

Well, here's why?

If you are here today and you are a person of faith. Let me define that. You are at least a little familiar with teachings of the Bible and you believe there is a God. You believe the history about Jesus, his death, burial, and resurrection. Then this is for you. History becomes one of the greatest proofs of our faith!

But there may be some here, or perhaps your are watching online, that aren't people of faith. In fact, you may be suspect about people of faith. And I am glad you are here or listening today. This may be the most important thing you hear this year. History is one of the greatest proofs we use to show that faith in God is not Blind faith. History is the evidence of our faith.

So let's take time this morning to delve into some of that history along with scripture and see that The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant historical and spiritual event to ever take place.

Three Historical Absolutes about the Resurrection

I want to show you three historical absolutes about the resurrection that become the proof of our faith.

The Response of the Religious

Let's start with those who were closest to the resurrection event

The Religion leader in Jerusalem.

What was their response: Coercion and Deception.

A Cover-up

Matthew 28:11-15 - Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Let’s hide this fact in lies

The religious leaders of Jesus day were fully aware of the implications of Jesus resurrection. So much so that they concocted a story and blamed the followers of Jesus I was heading up a huge conspiracy.

Yet the scripture reveals, that even though this lie was spread around, it was commonly understood to be just that, a lie.

Yet they could not explain the resurrection!

And what happens next in Jerusalem proves that The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant historical and spiritual event to ever take place.

The Rebuttal of the Roman Authorities

The Romans were unsure what to do with the account of the resurrection.

Roman historians like Tacitus, Pliny, and Suetonius" called the resurrection a "mischievous superstition.

Yet, even though they labeled it as a superstition, they understood the power behind the movement of those who believed.

Apologist Robert Robinson asserts is his book, You are my witness: The Men who Saw Jesus, says that it was belief in the resurrection that made Christianity so dangerous to the Roman Empire.

"The Romans were very tolerant of every religion, except Christianity. The Roman Emperors determined that Christianity was a terrible superstition, in which its followers believed in the impossible: their leader had risen from the dead"

He continues by saying Roman historians record "Christianity was not seen as most religions, a bizarre set of beliefs. It was defined by the Roman Emperors as a dangerous superstition that threatened the very fabric of Roman society."

How did Rome Respond, they said that anyone who believes that Jesus rose from the dead was out of their mind. They had gone mad. They were less than human

Listen again to the words of Paul in light of what was just said.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

"It was because the Romans viewed a religion based upon a resurrected Savior as extremely dangerous, that they vigorously sought to stamp out every trace of Christianity. History records that during the reign of ten Emperors, over five million Christians were persecuted and killed by the Roman government for a period of 250 years.[8] Beginning with Nero in 54 A.D., and ending with Diocletian in 313 A.D.[9a]" (https://robertcliftonrobinson.com/2022/04/07/historical-evidence-that-proves-the-resurrection-of-jesus/)

Here is his conclusion:

"It is irrelevant that the Romans didn’t believe the resurrection had taken place. What we should pay attention to is the fact that Roman Leaders understood that Christians believed this doctrine so fervently that they would rather die than deny it had taken place."

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant historical and spiritual event to ever take place.

Both the response of the religious people and the roman Authorities demonstrate that something significant was happening.

But there's another group of people that have an account to share.

The Apostle Paul share this in his letter to the Corinthian church.

The Report of the Eyewitnesses

1 Corinthians 15:1-9 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

The Disciples of Jesus are embolden by the resurrection.

So much so that they launch the mission work of the Kingdom of God.

The Message of the resurrection was spread from a little more than 500 people who saw Jesus in person after his resurrection

Over the next few weeks we are going to Examine this eyewitness stories and see how the resurrection changed their lives.

Mary Magdalene overcoming loss

The Travelers on the Road to Emmaus overcome confusion

The Disciples overcoming fear

Thomas overcoming his doubt

Simon overcoming his failures

The Disciples overcome personal ambition

Paul overcoming persecution

But the road it not easy. These eyewitnesses are confronted with persecution from the Religious establishment (Jewish and Roman) as well as the political power of Rome. Many will give their lives for the fact that they proclaimed what they saw. Historical Scholars estimate thie number to be around 5 million people dies at the hands of the Roman authorities.

Yet Inspite of the persecution, the message of the eyewitnesses grains ground

What is the message?

1 Corinthians 15:3 - 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Christ Died for our sins!

This is the message of the Bible

We are all sinners

We are all lawbreakers!

We are are guilty

And no matter how hard we try, non of us can measure up to God's stardard which is perfection!

But God was unwilling to let us stay in our sin

So he became a man. Jesus!

He lived as we live, yet he was perfect

He grieved as we grieve, yet he was perfect

He got angry as we sometime get angry, yet he was perfect

He was falsely accused and sent to die on the cross unfairly. Not for the sins he committed, but as a substitution for my sin. For you dins. He died in our place.

Christ Died for our sin

1 Corinthians 15:4 - 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This is the Story of Easter

Jesus Died, was buried and Rose again!

Just like the Bible said

Just Like History reveals

1 Corinthians 15:1 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Here is the Good News. that's what the Word Gospel means!

Because of Jesus Death Burial and Resurrection

Your sins can be forgiven

You can now live the Life God created you to live!

And that's exactly what they did!

Yet in spite of the persecution the Roman Empire inflicted upon the early christians, the message of the gospel continued to change lives. So much so that just 350 years after the resurrection the number of christians had reached an estimated 33 million people representing 56% of the population.

CONCLUSION:

The Good news is not just for them. It's for us! It's for you! You too can have forgiveness and a new life.

Here is how that is possible: (The Gospel)

I must Believe:

I must believe that I am a sinner and therefore guilty before God

I must believe that God loved me so much that he died for my sins

I must believe that if I asked him he will will forgive me.

I must confess

I have to ask God to forgive me.

Confession is when I ask God to forgive my sins and show me how to live.

I Must Repent

Repentance means that I am willing to turn away from my sin

Repentance means that I am willing to turn to God and allow him to lead my life.

The greatest Easter Gift anyone could give is this gift. You can have your sins forgiven and receive a new life...a resurrected life!