The end of this month is Easter – the time when Christians
remember Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The big question is did it happen?
Was Jesus crucified? Did he rise from the dead?
Crucifixion was the normal method of execution in the Roman
Empire. The Roman soldiers knew their job and an execution party that got it
wrong would be in big trouble. There is
no good historical reason to question Jesus’ death.
What then about him
being brought back to life? Did it really happen? On one hand we can take the view that dead
men (particularly ones that have undergone the torture of crucifixion) can’t
come back to life so it can’t have happened. On the other hand we can look at
the evidence to see if it did happen.
For me the evidence of the gospels is compelling. Their accounts ring true. They don’t read like made up stories. Yes, they all record the event differently,
but read four newspapers all reporting the same event today and you find much
greater variation! Clearly something
happened to change those frightened disillusioned followers into the fearless
ambassadors risking and giving their lives for Christ.
So what happened? Mass hysterical illusion? Fraud?
Conspiracy and cover up? To me the only
explanation of the change in Jesus followers that makes sense is that he really
did rise from the dead. And if he overcame death then it means the promises he
makes for us are trustworthy.
