…and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
In a court of law, an eyewitness is the best chance of getting a conviction against the accused. If someone can say that they saw what happened, the jury must weigh that evidence. Let’s weigh the evidence for the resurrection just based on these verses. Peter, his right hand man, saw Jesus alive on the third day. There were 500 more, some of whom could testify, along with the Lord’s brother and the apostles. Amazingly, there were even more. Mary Magdalene was first to see him. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus saw him and later, the star witness, Thomas, reluctantly proclaimed, “”My Lord, and my God!”
Amazing then, that so many, even in churches and seminaries, reject the bodily resurrection in favor of a “spiritual” rebirth or a symbolic resurrection of hope. There are four documents that record the Risen Lord walking this earth, eating broiled fish, and ascending to heaven. There is nothing symbolic about these accounts. Paul said this was not done in a corner. Everyone knew something happened to make these disciples so fearless in their preaching of a Risen Savior. The verdict is in. Jesus Christ was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again from the dead.
Dear Lord, thank you for the historical event of the resurrection of Jesus and for our victory over death. May we honor him who died for us by living for him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church