Here we are, about 13 weeks after Easter Sunday. And the assigned Sunday School lesson for my class related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As I prepared my lesson, it occurred to me that for Christians, the topic of our Risen Lord should be a topic that is always timely and always exciting.
Looking at the Scriptures and history, the evidence for the Resurrection is strong. Yet from the first moments after Christ rose from the dead (e.g. Luke 24) to today, we see skeptics still do not accept that the Son of God rose from the dead.
I vividly recall a time in my philosophy class at the large secular university where I attended, at which the professor boasted that “Jesus and Elvis are really just the same.”
He said both drew large followings in life, and, after each died, people claimed to see them alive. Yet one quick-thinking student said, “But professor, I have seen Elvis’ grave at Graceland and it was occupied. Meanwhile, Jesus’ tomb is empty!”
The professor—like every other skeptic before or after him—had no answer. The Bible says, “(Jesus) presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the Kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).
Whether you are looking at the Scriptures or at history, the proofs for the resurrection are convincing. I recommend Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” or Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Christ,” if you are looking to dive more into the evidence. But to receive the Truth, your heart has to be ready, not hardened.
Today, pause to reflect on the claims of Christ and on this glorious reality of Resurrection. Spend time worshiping and praying to Jesus. Spend time telling family members or a relative about this biblical truth.
Not only on Easter, but every day, let’s rejoice that the tomb is empty. Let’s rejoice that Jesus is alive—and even more than that, He’s staying alive forever!
