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What are some of the examples shared by Dr. Groothuis which provide evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?
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Some of the examples shared by Dr. Groothuis that provide evidence for Jesus’ resurrection are:
1. Jesus was publicly cruicified by the Romans
2. The empty tomb- based on all four Gospels – women as witnesses of the empty tomb- no tomb veneration- His burial by a rich man Joseph is historically sound.
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<div>Dr. Groothuis highlights the fact that the tomb of Jesus was discovered to be vacant by His disciples, aligning with the biblical records of His resurrection.
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</div><div>Dr. Groothuis analyzes the various instances where Jesus appeared to His disciples and followers after He rose from the dead, as documented in the New Testament. These instances encompass meetings with Mary Magdalene, the disciples while traveling to Emmaus, and the apostles gathered in the upper room.</div><div>
</div><div>After Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples underwent a remarkable change, as pointed out by Dr. Groothuis. He emphasizes how these once scared and discouraged individuals became fearless and confident advocates of the gospel, even in the midst of opposition and sacrifice.</div><div>
</div><div>Dr. Groothuis highlights the significance of the initial eyewitness testimony regarding Jesus’ resurrection as documented in the writings of the New Testament. He asserts that these accounts were written and disseminated while those who had personally witnessed the events were still alive, rendering them trustworthy historical records.</div><div>
</div><div>Dr. Groothuis presents these instances, along with others, as proof that supports the actuality of Jesus’ resurrection.</div> -
The empty tomb
The woman who witnessed
The people that saw Jesus afterwards
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Jesus was publicly crucified by the Romans, His death was well known. He was buried in a a known tomb and the tomb was reported to be empty afterwards. Women witnessed the empty tomb. The burial was done by a rich man. These were facts.
However to strengthen the case for resurrection we have: there were repeated appearances of Jesus over 40 days afterwards, to various people in various situations. There were records of Jesus being touched, seen and the he ate with His disciples in His resurrected body. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul speaks of the resurrection of Jesus a few years after His death, so you cannot say his disciples made it up a long time later. People were believing and worshipping the resurrected Lord early in the Christian story. The disciples were transformed from being dejected and hopeless to being inspired and courageous, preaching Christ crucified and resurrected to an unbelieving world; the Jews and Romans. In a background of monotheism where miracles were possible, we have reliable evidence which explains that Jesus did rise from the dead.
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I think it is important to touch on some basic facts about Christ’s death and burial. These are claims that are deemed factual by people of varying faiths as well as agnostic and atheist scholars. Jesus was crucified by Romans, He was buried in a tomb, and at some point after His death the tomb was empty. All four writers of the Gospel, who were either eyewitnesses or who were partnered with witnesses, reported that the tomb was empty. Scripture documents women as witnessing the empty tomb. And concerning His resurrection, for an approximate 40-day period Jesus Christ was seen, was touched and was spoken to by many witnesses. We also see the transformation of the lives of those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ after witnessing His resurrection. They determined to fulfill the Great Commission even if it meant they would lose their lives. As you will recall prior to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, His disciples abandoned Him and scattered, and at least one even denied Jesus. Their bold faith after Christ’s resurrection is a testament to what they knew to be true, that Christ indeed had arisen.
