First, let’s hear opening remarks from bestselling author Lee Strobel:
“If we were to call to the witness stand every witness who personally encountered the resurrected Jesus and we cross-examined them for only 15 minutes, and if we went around the clock without a break…we would be listening to first-hand testimony for more than 128 hours… That’s over 5 days’ worth of testimony… Who could possibly walk away unconvinced?”¹
Perhaps you remain unconvinced. Next, let’s bring out exhibits for teaching the Resurrection to youth.
Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection
- Exhibit A: First consider the broken Roman Seal. This meant an investigation, apprehension, and automatic death. So soldiers didn’t break it. The disciples? They were hiding. And I wouldn’t bet on that group being able to overpower trained soldiers.
- Exhibit B: Next, a huge stone moved uphill somehow. We’re not talking a small boulder. This two-ton massive hunk of mountain was supposed to stay put. It didn’t.
- Exhibit C: The tomb was empty. Then the disciples immediately proclaimed the resurrection in Jerusalem, where it had occurred! People would have laughed them out of town if the tomb wasn’t empty.
- Exhibit D: The absence of the Roman guards from the tomb. This death-penalty offense was punishable by being burned alive. Why would they disappear if they could simply produce the body and get off the hook?
- Exhibit E: The risen Jesus stayed in town 40 days. He appeared to more than 500 people in all kinds of places, times, and circumstances.
- Exhibit F: Finally, consider the words of the angel outside the empty tomb: “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying” (Matthew 28:6). That statement and corresponding evidence changed a frightened and hiding group of people into fearless witnesses. In fact, they ended up dying for their belief in a risen Christ.
History shows it, and billions believe it. The good news can radically change your life. So this Easter, reflect on the most amazing day in history. Jesus Christ is alive, and you can have a relationship with him starting today!
That’s why the Bible says clearly: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
If there’s ever a great time to share your faith, it’s definitely during Holy Week. So ask your friends what they think Easter is about. Then transition into a discussion about Jesus rising from the dead to prove that he is God and our Savior.
Accelerant: Feed the Fire With Scripture
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:33-35)
