"And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty." (1 Corinthians 15:14) "
In his documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" Simcha Jacobovici claims archaeological evidence that disproves the resurrection of Christ.
He says that the words "Jesus son of Joseph" found on a burial container near Jerusalem refer to Jesus of Nazareth. He also claims to have identified Jesus' DNA." (Our Daily Bread 3/25/2008)
Should it bother us when we hear of such claims? I believe that when Jesus walked out of that tomb, He took the physical evidence with Him. Yes, they are looking at DNA, possible bone samples, and blood samples. But Jesus' body is gone, resurrected, just as Old Testament prophecy proclaimed thousand years before.
What is proof to me is not the physical evidence, but the personal experiences. Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room (John 20) the Emmaus road (Luke 24)To Cephas (Peter) the twelve, 500 people, James, all the apostles, Last of all to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
Three questions stand out in my mind:
1. If the resurrection of Jesus is not true, why would the apostles give their lives to proclaim it to the world? All were martyred except John, who was placed in exile on the Island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).
2. How can I explain the Lord Jesus' presence and providential care in my life? Sequences of answered prayer are a resurrection reality.
3. Why would the apostle Paul lie about his conversion on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9) He met the Lord Jesus, on the Damascus road, and it changed his life.
As it is with everything in regards to our relationship with God, we must have faith. Jesus said to Thomas (and to all of us) "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believed." (John 20:29) We are called not to prove, but to believe! GP
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