Resurrection (Part 3)

Can We Trust the Resurrection?

Have you ever believed something just because someone told you it was true—only to find out later it was a lie?

Maybe it was a rumor at school, or a clickbait video online, or a story that got passed around so much it sounded true… but it wasn’t.

We live in a world full of fake news, conspiracy theories, and people trying to convince us of all kinds of things. So it’s no surprise that some people treat the resurrection of Jesus like just another made-up story. Did Jesus really come back to life… or is that just what Christians want to believe?

After all, the resurrection took place thousands of years ago, how am I supposed to just take somebody’s word for that?

It sounds good, but also too good to be true.

Here’s the truth: The resurrection isn’t just a feel-good part of Christianity—it’s the foundation. And if it didn’t happen, then everything we believe falls apart.

But here’s the good news: We don’t have to wonder or guess. There’s real evidence that Jesus truly rose from the dead.

And today, we’re going to look at four powerful reasons why we can trust the resurrection—and how that changes everything for us.

1. The Resurrection Was Witnessed by Hundreds

1 Corinthians 15:3–6 ESV

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

Key Evidence:

Its clear. Paul states that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once.

At the time Paul wrote this (around 20 years after Jesus’ death), many of those witnesses were still alive.

If the resurrection were a lie, people could have easily disproven it by talking to the witnesses.

Illustration:

Back in 1938, in a town called Halifax in England, people started saying they’d been attacked by a mysterious man—one woman claimed he had shiny buckles on his shoes and hit her with a mallet. Then more people started reporting the same thing. Panic spread fast. The town was on edge, and the newspapers picked up the story.

But when the police brought in investigators and started looking closely, eyewitnesses started telling different stories, and the evidence just didn’t add up. Some of the so-called victims even admitted they had made it up or injured themselves. In the end, the whole thing was proven false—not because someone guessed it wasn’t true, but because eyewitness testimony and real investigation revealed the truth.

Now compare that to the resurrection of Jesus. Over 500 people claimed they saw Him alive—at the same time. Many of them were still alive when Paul wrote about it, which means anyone could have fact-checked it by asking them. If it wasn’t true, it would’ve fallen apart like the Halifax story. But it didn’t. The eyewitnesses stood by their story, even when it cost them everything.

That’s not hysteria. That’s solid, historical evidence.

Application Question:

If eyewitnesses and investigation exposed the truth in Halifax, what does it say that no one could disprove the resurrection—despite hundreds of witnesses and intense opposition?

If over 500 people saw Jesus alive, how does that challenge doubts people have about the resurrection?

2. The Disciples Were Willing to Die for the Resurrection

Acts 4:18–20 ESV

So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Key Evidence:

The disciples were terrified after Jesus’ death, hiding behind locked doors (John 20:19). Their savior had just been brutally killed.

However, after seeing the resurrected Jesus, they boldly preached, even though it cost them their lives.

Almost every disciple was martyred (killed) for proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection.

Peter: Crucified upside down.

Thomas: Killed in India for preaching the gospel.

James (Jesus' brother): Thrown from a building and stoned.

Paul: Beheaded in Rome.

People might die for a lie they believe is true, but no one dies for something they know is false! There are a lot of people who think that the disciples stole Jesus’ body and made up the resurrection. But, why would they all die for it? It makes no sense.

Illustration:

Imagine, ________ and _________ and their friends made up a fake story and the word really got around. Eventually the police arrested you and threaten you with life in prison, wouldn’t at least one person confess the truth? It would be dumb to give your life away over a lie like that. Yet, none of the disciples took it back!

Application Question:

If the disciples were willing to suffer and die for the resurrection, how does that strengthen our faith today? If someone was willing to literally give their life to spread the gospel, why are you ashamed to do so? Do people see Jesus in you like they did these guys?

3. The Empty Tomb and the Missing Body

Matthew 28:11–15 ESV

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Key Evidence:

Even Jesus’ enemies admitted the tomb was empty. There was no question about that. Then, the Roman soldiers were ordered to lie and say the body was stolen by his disciples.

But think about it, if Jesus' body had been stolen, why didn't the authorities simply produce it to stop Christianity? They never found the body, even after years of searching. Buddha? He was cremated. Muhammad? Still buried. Joseph smith? In a grave in Illinois still. Jesus? Nobody has ever found his body… and there’s a reason.

Illustration

Here’s something else that people use to defend the resurrection of Jesus. It’s called the Shroud of Turin, a long linen cloth that may very well be the actual burial cloth of Jesus. It is currently in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin Italy.

Here’s what makes it so compelling:

It bears the image of a crucified man—not drawn, painted, or printed—but somehow embedded into the fabric like a photographic negative. Scientists still can’t explain how the image got there.

The wounds on the image match exactly what the Bible says about Jesus’ death: piercings in the wrists and feet, scourging marks across the back, blood around the head from thorns, and a wound in the side.

The cloth contains real human blood, and not just any blood—it’s been identified as Type AB, which is found in all ethnic groups but is most common in Jewish males.

Also, there is no image found where there are blood stains. What does that mean? The image came after the blood was on the cloth. This means the image was baked into the cloth sometime after the burial.

Even more incredibly, pollen samples found in the fabric match plants that grow only in the Jerusalem area—specifically from the spring season, the exact time of Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion.

Scientists who study the shroud say it would’ve been impossible for a forger in the Middle Ages (when the shroud first appeared in history) to fake all of this—especially things like blood type and microscopic pollen, which weren’t even discoverable until modern times.

Many researchers believe the image on the cloth was caused by a sudden burst of radiant energy—like a flash of light from within the body, as if something supernatural happened inside that tomb.

All of that points to one thing: this isn’t just a cloth, it might be the fingerprint of the resurrection itself.

Application Question:

If Jesus’ enemies admitted the tomb was empty, and now we have a mysterious cloth with crucifixion wounds, Jerusalem pollen, and real blood—what does that say about the truth of the resurrection?

What more evidence do you need to believe that Jesus really rose from the dead?

4. Jesus’ Resurrection Still Transforms Lives Today

1 Corinthians 15:7–8 ESV

Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Key Evidence:

Paul was a violent persecutor of Christians, but after seeing Jesus, he became the greatest missionary of all time.

Jesus is still changing lives today! I’ve seen Him rescue people from addiction, depression, fear, and sin. People all around the world have been changed by Him. That’s not through the works of an unrisen savior. Jesus defeated death, Hell, and the grave. Because of that, we can walk in new life.

Illustration:

Think about the way Jesus has changed your own life. Maybe you’ve seen Him answer prayers, give you peace, or change someone in your family. The resurrection isn’t just history—it’s personal.

Application Question:

How has Jesus changed your life? How does that confirm the truth of His resurrection?

Conclusion: The Resurrection is the Most Proven Event in History!

Summary of the Evidence:

✅ Over 500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus alive ✅ The disciples were willing to die for what they saw ✅ The tomb was empty—no one ever found the body ✅ Jesus is still transforming lives today

Final Challenge:

Final Challenge & Invitation

Ask your students to consider:

What keeps you from fully believing in the resurrection?

If Jesus really rose from the dead, what needs to change in your life?

Challenge them to place their faith in Jesus, not just as a historical figure, but as their living Savior and King. Invite those who are struggling with doubt to talk, pray, and dig deeper—you’re not afraid of their questions, because the truth can handle them.

If we can trust the resurrection, then we can trust Jesus!

What will you do with this truth? If Jesus really rose from the dead, how should that change your life?

🔍 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, Paul provides a powerful foundation for the historical credibility of the resurrection. He presents eyewitness testimony, including that of over 500 people, and points to the transformation of individuals like himself and James. This sermon builds a case for trusting the resurrection—not as myth, but as a verified, life-altering reality.

💡 Big Idea

The resurrection isn’t just a made-up story—there’s real proof that Jesus came back to life!

📖 Teaching

This sermon helps students see that Christianity is built on solid historical ground. Through Scripture, logic, and real-world evidence, they learn the resurrection is the most well-attested event of the ancient world. The willingness of the disciples to die, the conversion of skeptics, the empty tomb, and eyewitness testimony all reinforce that Jesus is alive.

It also teaches that this isn’t just about proving facts—it’s about a risen Savior who still transforms lives today.

🧠 Application

This message invites students to ask honest questions and explore real answers. It encourages them to base their faith not on emotion or tradition, but on truth. The sermon challenges students to live confidently and boldly because they follow a risen Savior who defeated death and still changes lives—including theirs.

Use this moment to challenge those who doubt: “If Jesus really rose, what does that mean for you?” Encourage personal reflection and bold response.

🔍 How this passage points to Christ

Paul reminds us that the resurrection is not just the end of the gospel—it is the hinge of everything. Without it, there’s no hope, no salvation, no purpose. With it, everything changes. Jesus is revealed not only as the one who died for our sins, but as Lord over life and death, reigning victorious and trustworthy.

📚 Recommended Study

As you prepare this sermon further:

Study 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 in its cultural context. Paul’s use of creedal language suggests this was an early, established summary of the gospel—showing that belief in the resurrection wasn’t a later invention.

Use commentaries that explore historical apologetics (e.g., N.T. Wright, Gary Habermas, Michael Licona) and examine early martyrdom records.

Explore parallel gospel accounts of post-resurrection appearances and how they confirm Paul’s list.

Investigate extra-biblical sources and archaeological discoveries (like the Shroud of Turin) to further ground your message.

Consider tying in Romans 1:4: “Jesus was declared to be the Son of God… by His resurrection from the dead.”