Resurrection proof

Introduction

Where is the evidence?

What proof do you have?

These are the questions many ask when they are confronted with the claims of Jesus Christ.

Jesus claimed to be the Saviour of the world. He claimed to be the only way to God. He claimed that his death would pay for the sins of others so they can be forgiven by believing in him. He claimed to be the one who gives people eternal life.

When people hear these things often they respond by saying, Where is the evidence? Prove it.

This is nothing new. In our reading the Jewish leaders demanded proof from Jesus. He offered them proof. After seeing the proof his disciples believed. In this passage we are reminded why Christians can have confidence in their salvation.

Maybe you aren’t convinced Christianity is true. Perhaps you doubt that Jesus really can save you from your sin and give you eternal life. In this passage we see the proof Jesus gives to convince people of the truth about him.

I. Proof was demanded v.18

Jesus cleansed the temple v.13-17.

The religious leaders demanded a sign to show he had God’s authority to do this. They wanted proof that he was the Messiah.

What sign do you show to us…?

They wanted to know if Jesus really was from God. If he was the Saviour or not.

There had already been lots of signs. But they demanded another one.

Application

People want proof today- Maybe you want proof. Maybe you want a sign.

It isn't wrong to want proof before you believe something. That is right and good. The question is are you willing to accept the proof that is given or will you just reason against it?

Do you really want proof? Or are you just asking for proof but you really have no intention of accepting any proof that is given?

II. proof was promised v.19-21

Jesus said he was going to rise again.

What would the resurrection prove?

It would prove he paid for our sins- Romans 4:25 “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”

Preach the cross.

It would prove he did have the power to give people eternal life in heaven.

1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

It would everything Jesus said about himself.

Jesus claimed to be the only way to God. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus claimed to be God himself John 8:58 “Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.””

He claimed to be able to forgive people’s sins

It would prove there really is a heaven and there really is a hell.

It would prove he saves People from hell when they believe in him and he gives them heaven.

Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.””

How can people know he wasn’t a charlatan? He proved all his claims to be true by rising again.

Application

So if you want proof then find out if Jesus did rise from the dead.

Christian we can have confidence in Christ if he really did rise from the dead.

III. Proof was believed v.22

Therefore when he had risen from the dead

The resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact. Study the evidence.

His disciples remembered and believed

It proves everything he claimed was true. He really did die for our sins on the cross so by believing him him we can be forgiven.

He really does give eternal life to those who come to him.

There really is a heaven and a hell. He is the way to heaven.

It is by believing that people are saved.

Explain true faith.

His disciples knew the resurrection of Jesus proved everything he claimed to be true. This is why they preached about Jesus being alive.

Acts 2:32 “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”

Acts 2:36 ““Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.””

Acts 2:37–38 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Application

Christian because Christ is risen we have full assurance of eternal life. We are certain of our sins being forgiven by God.

1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

But if you don’t yet believe what are you waiting for Christ is risen.

Preach gospel. Plead with the lost.

Conclusion

Where is the evidence?

What proof do you have?

Proof was demanded, proof was promised, proof was believed.

We know from the rest of the gospel account that those who demanded the proof still didn't believe even after Jesus had risen from the dead. But instead they tried to cover it up and hide it from other people.

Are you really open to the evidence? Are you willing to go where the evidence leads?

The disciples followed the evidence and they believed in Jesus Christ and were saved. The others refused the evidence continued in stubborn unbelief.

What about you?