The document examines various apologetic arguments regarding the identity and claims of Jesus Christ, addressing historical, archaeological, and biblical evidence. It discusses different perspectives on Jesus, including comparisons to other religious leaders and the authenticity of scriptural claims. Ultimately, it concludes that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah based on substantial evidence and fulfilled prophecies.

1. John OakesJohn Oakes
San Diego Church of ChristSan Diego Church of Christ
Spring, 2015Spring, 2015

2. Dr. John Oakes,
King’s College, London
June, 2014
Who Is the Real Jesus?

3. Two categories of Apologetic TopicsTwo categories of Apologetic Topics
 Defending the FaithDefending the Faith
• History andHistory and
ArchaeologyArchaeology
• How We Got the BibleHow We Got the Bible
(including response to(including response to
form criticism, etc.)form criticism, etc.)
• Science and the BibleScience and the Bible
• Contradictions in theContradictions in the
BibleBible
 Creating FaithCreating Faith
• World ViewWorld View
• ProphecyProphecy
• Miracles/ResurreMiracles/Resurre
ctionction
• Claims of JesusClaims of Jesus

4.  SageSage
 ProphetProphet
 LiarLiar
 Crazy personCrazy person
 MessiahMessiah
 Son of ManSon of Man
 God in the fleshGod in the flesh
 Legend/MythLegend/Myth
 Man (ie. mere man)Man (ie. mere man)
 An important religious leader amongAn important religious leader among
manymany

5.  ARS Debate: Jesus: Man, Myth orARS Debate: Jesus: Man, Myth or
Messiah?Messiah?
 The trilemma (C. S. Lewis) Liar,The trilemma (C. S. Lewis) Liar,
Lord, LunaticLord, Lunatic
 More modern version Liar, Lord,More modern version Liar, Lord,
Lunatic, LegendLunatic, Legend

6. I Jesus and Other World Religious Leaders
II Claims of Jesus
III The Jesus Myth Myth
IV Other pictures of Jesus
V Extra-Biblical sources on Jesus
VI Reliability of the Witnesses
VII Archaeology and Jesus
VIII Messianic Prophecies X The Resurrection of Jesus
IX The Miracles of Jesus XI Transformed Lives
Our Outline

7. I. Is Jesus just one of many similarI. Is Jesus just one of many similar
religious leaders?religious leaders?
Confucius Joseph Smith

8. God
Islam
Buddhis
m
Mysticism
Ba’hai
Another Point of
View: Different
Paths to the Same
Goal?

9. Is Jesus a Guru?
A Great Prophet?
One of Many
Important Spiritual
Leaders?
Lao Tzu
Buddha
Muhammad?
Baha’u’llah
Moses

10. II. The Claims of JesusII. The Claims of Jesus
 If we can assume the gospels faithfullyIf we can assume the gospels faithfully
record the claims of Jesus then he is either:record the claims of Jesus then he is either:
• CrazyCrazy
• A manipulative liarA manipulative liar
• OrOr
• The Messiah and Son of God.The Messiah and Son of God.

11. Jesus:
“ These are the scriptures that testify about
me” John 5:39
Imagine the audacity!

12.  John 8:46 Can anyone prove me guilty of sin?
 Response: Is this guy crazy?
 John 8:58 Before Abraham was born, I AM
 Response: Picked up stones to stone him.
 John 10:30 I and the Father are one.
 Response: Picked up stones to stone him.
 Matthew 28:18 All authority in heaven and earth
 has been given to me.

13. Claim of JesusClaim of Jesus ScriptureScripture Hearer’s ResponseHearer’s Response
Fulfilled all the O.T.Fulfilled all the O.T.
prophecies of the Messiahprophecies of the Messiah
John 5:39John 5:39 Refused to come to himRefused to come to him
I am the bread of lifeI am the bread of life John 6:35John 6:35 GrumbledGrumbled
A life without sinA life without sin John 8:46John 8:46 Jesus is demon-possessedJesus is demon-possessed
(crazy)(crazy)
I AM GodI AM God John 8:58John 8:58 Attempted to stone himAttempted to stone him
I and the Father are oneI and the Father are one John 10:30John 10:30 Attempted to stone himAttempted to stone him
I am the resurrection andI am the resurrection and
the lifethe life
John 11:25John 11:25 Plotted to murder himPlotted to murder him
I am the only way to GodI am the only way to God John 14:6John 14:6 No negative response (JesusNo negative response (Jesus
talking to disciples)talking to disciples)
JESUS’ CLAIMS ABOUT HIMSELF IN THE BOOK OF JOHN

14. Mark 3:20-30
His family: “He is out of his mind.” (v. 21)
Rabbis: “He is possessed by a demon.” (v. 22)
Jesus: This is totally illogical
Question: How do crazy people act? Did
Jesus act this way?
Was Jesus Insane?

15. Was Jesus a Liar?
What do liars do?

16. III. The Jesus Myth MythIII. The Jesus Myth Myth
 Is the biblical Jesus an interpolated “Christian”Is the biblical Jesus an interpolated “Christian”
myth?myth?
 Adonis (Greek)Adonis (Greek)
 Osiris (Egypt)Osiris (Egypt)
 Tammuz (Egypt)Tammuz (Egypt)
 Dionysus (Greek)Dionysus (Greek)
 Mithra (Persia)Mithra (Persia)
 Krishna (India)Krishna (India)
 Appolonius of TyanaAppolonius of Tyana
 PeregrinusPeregrinus
 EmpodoclesEmpodocles
 AttisAttis
 HerculesHercules
 RomulusRomulus
 BaalBaal

17. Parallels to God/Man MythsParallels to God/Man Myths
 miraculous birthmiraculous birth
 tested by demonstested by demons
 worked miraclesworked miracles
 execution on a hilltopexecution on a hilltop
 betrayal by brothersbetrayal by brothers
 12 disciples12 disciples
 killed and resurrectedkilled and resurrected
 ascensionascension

18. Problems with this theory:
1. It requires cherry picking.
2. Most of these stories were written
AFTER Jesus lived.
3. Most of these “people” never lived!
4. When one looks as the supposed
parallels, the case is really
exaggerated.

19. OsirisOsiris
An Egyptian god/man. Very obviously aAn Egyptian god/man. Very obviously a
mythical figure.mythical figure.
Killed by his brother. Body cut up intoKilled by his brother. Body cut up into
13 pieces. His wife Isis reassembles and13 pieces. His wife Isis reassembles and
sews back together 12 of the 13 piecessews back together 12 of the 13 pieces
(see the parallel to the apostles?) He(see the parallel to the apostles?) He
comes back to life and goes to rule in thecomes back to life and goes to rule in the
underworld to judge the living and dead.underworld to judge the living and dead.

20. Appolonius of TyanaAppolonius of Tyana
 A miracle worker. A Pythagorean in the cityA miracle worker. A Pythagorean in the city
of Tyana in 1st century AD. Saves a friendof Tyana in 1st century AD. Saves a friend
in Corinth. Predicts a plague in Ephesus.in Corinth. Predicts a plague in Ephesus.
Says: stone this beggar to death to end theSays: stone this beggar to death to end the
plague. The do so, and when they removeplague. The do so, and when they remove
the stones they find a large dog alive andthe stones they find a large dog alive and
well. Appolonius disappears and is neverwell. Appolonius disappears and is never
seen again.seen again.
 No death. No resurrection. No ascension.No death. No resurrection. No ascension.
 Only one very unreliable source. 100+Only one very unreliable source. 100+
years after he died. No eye witnessyears after he died. No eye witness
testimony. Which story is mythical?testimony. Which story is mythical?

21. Perigrinus AD 95-165Perigrinus AD 95-165
Killed his fatherKilled his father
Fled to PalestineFled to Palestine
Became a ChristianBecame a Christian
Left, went to Egypt, became a CynicLeft, went to Egypt, became a Cynic
philosopherphilosopher
Went to Rome, achieved a large followingWent to Rome, achieved a large following
Preached his own funeral oration, then burnedPreached his own funeral oration, then burned
himself to death, announcinghimself to death, announcing “I wish to“I wish to
benefit mankind by showing them the way inbenefit mankind by showing them the way in
which one should disregard death.”which one should disregard death.”

22. Christian MythsChristian Myths
 Acts of Peter (3rd century) Peter squaresActs of Peter (3rd century) Peter squares
off with Simon Magus. A dog tells Simonoff with Simon Magus. A dog tells Simon
Magus to repent. Jesus raises a smokedMagus to repent. Jesus raises a smoked
fish to life.fish to life.
 Gospel of Thomas. Jesus works whackyGospel of Thomas. Jesus works whacky
miracles as a baby which seem quite silly.miracles as a baby which seem quite silly.
Jesus kills a child for carelessly bumpingJesus kills a child for carelessly bumping
into him.into him.
 There is nothing like this is the NewThere is nothing like this is the New
Testament.Testament.

23. ConclusionConclusion
 Given Jesus’ claims about himselfGiven Jesus’ claims about himself
 Given the historical evidence, both fromGiven the historical evidence, both from
Christian and Pagan sourcesChristian and Pagan sources
 Given the strong evidence that Jesus workedGiven the strong evidence that Jesus worked
wonders and signs.wonders and signs.
 Given the quality and quantity of theGiven the quality and quantity of the
witnesseswitnesses
 Given the fulfillment of clear messianicGiven the fulfillment of clear messianic
propheciesprophecies
 and... Given the evidence for theand... Given the evidence for the
resurrectionresurrection
 I conclude that Jesus is the Son of God, theI conclude that Jesus is the Son of God, the
Messiah. Jesus is who he said he was.Messiah. Jesus is who he said he was.

24. IV. Other Pictures of JesusIV. Other Pictures of Jesus
A. The Jehovah Witness Jesus.A. The Jehovah Witness Jesus.
B. The Mormon Jesus.B. The Mormon Jesus.
C. The Muslim Jesus.C. The Muslim Jesus.
D. The Hindu Jesus/New Age JesusD. The Hindu Jesus/New Age Jesus
Q: Why are these problematic?Q: Why are these problematic?

25. The Jehovah’s Witness JesusThe Jehovah’s Witness Jesus
Jesus is the first andJesus is the first and
greatest of God’sgreatest of God’s
creation. He is a createdcreation. He is a created
being and not God. He isbeing and not God. He is
the Archangel Michael.the Archangel Michael.
.“Michael the great prince.“Michael the great prince
is none other than Jesusis none other than Jesus
Christ Himself” (TheChrist Himself” (The
Watchtower, Dec, 1984, pWatchtower, Dec, 1984, p
29.)29.)
The heresy of Arius ofThe heresy of Arius of
Alexandria 4Alexandria 4thth
century.century.
Charles Taze Russel

26. Proof-textsProof-texts
John 1:1 …. The Word was a god…John 1:1 …. The Word was a god…
Coll 1:15-17 The first-born of (vs over) allColl 1:15-17 The first-born of (vs over) all
creation.creation.
Jn 14:28 The Father is greater than IJn 14:28 The Father is greater than I
Response:Response:
John 1:1, John 8:58, John 10:31-32,John 1:1, John 8:58, John 10:31-32,
John 20:28, Coll 1:15-20, Coll 2:9, Titus 2:13John 20:28, Coll 1:15-20, Coll 2:9, Titus 2:13
and many more.and many more.

27. The Mormon JesusThe Mormon Jesus
Jesus is a “god” but so was Adam andJesus is a “god” but so was Adam and
so can we be in the future.so can we be in the future.

28. Joseph Smith 1805-1844Joseph Smith 1805-1844
DivinerDiviner
TreasureTreasure
HunterHunter
ReligiousReligious
FraudFraud

29. MORMON TEACHINGS ABOUT JESUSMORMON TEACHINGS ABOUT JESUS
1. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are
three separate gods.
2. There are many gods. D&C 76:58, Abraham 3.
3. The Father and the Son, in heaven, have
physical flesh-and-blood bodies. D&C 130:1-3,
32.
4. Eternal Progression. Humans in the highest
level of the celestial kingdom can be glorified
and become gods, eventually even over a planet
of their own. D&C 93, 139:10, Abraham 3.

30. Mormon Teachings About JesusMormon Teachings About Jesus
5. Jesus and Satan were spiritual brothers.
Abraham 3:25-28.
6. Jesus was conceived through God having
sexual relations with Mary. This makes God
the Father a polygamist. Most modern
Mormons do not accept this belief.

31. We are all gods.We are all gods.
 The Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit areThe Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are
three separate gods.three separate gods.
 Mormonism is polytheistic.Mormonism is polytheistic.
– ““I will preach on the plurality of gods. I have alwaysI will preach on the plurality of gods. I have always
declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ adeclared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a
separate and distinct personage from God the Father, andseparate and distinct personage from God the Father, and
the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: andthe Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and
these three constitute three distinct personages and threethese three constitute three distinct personages and three
Gods.”Gods.” Teachings of Joseph Smith,Teachings of Joseph Smith, p. 370p. 370..
– From Joseph Smith’s most famous sermon: “God himselfFrom Joseph Smith’s most famous sermon: “God himself
was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sitswas once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits
enthroned in yonder heavens!... I am going to tell youenthroned in yonder heavens!... I am going to tell you
how God came to be God. We have imagined andhow God came to be God. We have imagined and
supposed that God was God from eternity. I will refutesupposed that God was God from eternity. I will refute
that idea, and take away the veil so that you may see…that idea, and take away the veil so that you may see…
He was once a man like us; yea that God himself, theHe was once a man like us; yea that God himself, the
Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as JesusFather of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus
Christ himself did.Christ himself did.

32. The Muslim JesusThe Muslim Jesus
Born of Virgin MaryBorn of Virgin Mary
A prophetA prophet
Will come againWill come again
NOT crucifiedNOT crucified
NOT GodNOT God
Childhood miracles, similar to Gospel ofChildhood miracles, similar to Gospel of
ThomasThomas

33. New Testament Corrupt?
Sura 4:157 And for their saying: We have killed the Messiah,
Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah, and they killed him
not, nor did they cause his death on the cross, but he was made to
appear to them as such.
Question: When was the New Testament (injil) corrupted?
John 1:1 If Jesus is not God, when was John 1:1-18 corrupted?
Rylands Papyrus, Washington Manuscript, Codex Alexandrinus
There is NO ANSWER to this question.

34. What About the Qur’an?
Uthman burned all competing manuscripts about AD 650
Ibn Masud Codex (Kufa) 150 variants in Sura 2 alone
Sana’a Manuscript about AD 710 missing suras
Irony and circular reasoning.
Muslims avoid all study of Qur’an manuscripts and
history. What are they afraid of?

35. The Hindu/New Age JesusThe Hindu/New Age Jesus
Jesus is divine butJesus is divine but
so were Krishnaso were Krishna
and Rama and soand Rama and so
are we, if we willare we, if we will
only accept it.only accept it.

36. Principle gods of HinduismPrinciple gods of Hinduism
 Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.
 Shiva God of destruction. WorshippedShiva God of destruction. Worshipped
as a male phalus.as a male phalus.
 Vishnu Preserver and protector.Vishnu Preserver and protector.
 Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishnu.Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishnu.
 Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishnu.Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishnu.
Hero of the Ramayana.Hero of the Ramayana.
 Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) thatDevi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that
animates the cosmos.animates the cosmos.
 Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess ofLakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of
prosperity.prosperity.
Lakshmi

37. Brahma: The
4-headed god
Shiva: The
Destroyer
Vishnu: The
Sustainer

38. Krishna, Incarnation/avatar of deity
Rama, Hero of the Ramayana

39. V. Jesus and Extra-Biblical SourcesV. Jesus and Extra-Biblical Sources
Before 150 ADBefore 150 AD
 Roman (7)Roman (7)
 Jewish (2)Jewish (2)
 Christian (33)Christian (33)

40. Not all the relief that could come from the man, not all the bounties that the
prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the
gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of bbeing believed to have ordered
the conflagration, the fire of Rome. Therefore, to squelch the rumor, Nero
created scapegoats and subjected to the most refined tortures those whom the
common people called ‘Christians,’ [a group] hated for their abominable crimes.
Their name comes from Christ, who, during the reign of Tiberius, had been
executed by the procurator Pontius Pilate. Suppressed for the moment, the
deadly superstition broke out again, not only in Judea, the land which originated
this evil, but also in the city of Rome, where all sorts of horrendous and shameful
practices, from every part of the world converge and are fervently cultivated.
Annals 15.44
Cornelius Tacitus approx AD 114

41. About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call
him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a
teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many
Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon
hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had
condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to
love him did not give up their affection for him. On the third day he
appeared to them restored to life, for the prophets of God had prophesied
these and countless other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of
Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.
Antiquities 18:3:3
Josephus AD 38-100

42. On the eve of Passover they hung Yeshu and the crier went forth for
forty days beforehand declaring that "[Yeshu] is going to be stoned
for practicing witchcraft, for enticing and leading Israel astray.
Anyone who knows something to clear him should come forth and
exonerate him." But no one had anything exonerating for him and
they hung him on the eve of Passover. Ulla said: Would one think
that we should look for exonerating evidence for him? He was an
enticer and G-d said (Deuteronomy 13:9) “Show him no pity or
compassion and do not shield him.” him? He was an enticer and G-d
said (Deuteronomy 13:9) "Show him no pity or chow him no pity or
compassion,”
Babylonian Sanhedrin 43a-b
Talmud (1st
and 2nd
Century AD)

43. "As the Jews were making constant disturbances at
the instigation of Chrestus, he (Claudius about AD
50) expelled them from Rome”

44. Lucian of SamosataLucian of Samosata
The Christians, you know, worship a man to thisThe Christians, you know, worship a man to this
day—the distinguished personage who introducedday—the distinguished personage who introduced
their novel rites, and was crucified on that account…their novel rites, and was crucified on that account…
You see, these misguided creatures start with theYou see, these misguided creatures start with the
general conviction that they are immortal for allgeneral conviction that they are immortal for all
time, which explains the contempt of death andtime, which explains the contempt of death and
voluntary self-devotion which are so common amongvoluntary self-devotion which are so common among
them; and then it was impressed on them by theirthem; and then it was impressed on them by their
original lawgiver that they are converted, and denyoriginal lawgiver that they are converted, and deny
the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage,the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage,
and life after his laws.and life after his laws.
(Lucian(Lucian The Death of PeregrineThe Death of Peregrine))

45. Pliny the Younger AD 112Pliny the Younger AD 112
Those who denied that they were or had been Christians, when
they invoked the gods in words dictated by me, offered prayer
with incense and wine to your image, which I had ordered to be
brought for this purpose together with statues of the gods, and
moreover cursed Christ — none of which those who are really
Christians, it is said, can be forced to do — these I thought
should be discharged. Others named by the informer declared
that they were Christians, but then denied it, asserting that they
had been but had ceased to be, some three years before, others
many years, some as much as twenty-five years. They all
worshiped your image and the statues of the gods, and cursed
Christ

46. Mara Bar SerapionMara Bar Serapion
A Syrian stoic philosopher from the lateA Syrian stoic philosopher from the late
first century who described Socrates,first century who described Socrates,
Pythagorus and Jesus as great menPythagorus and Jesus as great men
who were killed by their people andwho were killed by their people and
that their people were punished for thethat their people were punished for the
deed. He says the destruction ofdeed. He says the destruction of
Jerusalem was just punishment forJerusalem was just punishment for
Jesus’ treatment. Jesus is called theJesus’ treatment. Jesus is called the
“wise king” of the Jews.“wise king” of the Jews.

47. Thallus AD 50
 We know of Thallus from a third century
Christian historian named Julius Africanus.
Thallus wrote a world history in the 50s AD.
In discussion the darkness at the time of the
resurrection of Jesus, Julius Africanus tells
us that in his history, Thallus mentions the
darkness and calls it an eclipse of the sun.
Africanus believes that Thallus is wrong.
This quote seems to support the idea that
non-Christians were aware of the
resurrection as early as the 50s AD—at
about the time the first book of the NT was
written. It also shows that Christians in the
50s AD believed that this darkness had
occurred at Jesus’ death.

48. Christian SourcesChristian Sources
 Papias, early 90s AD (Eusebius,Papias, early 90s AD (Eusebius, Ecc History)Ecc History)
• ……if by chance anyone who had been inif by chance anyone who had been in
attendance on the elders should come myattendance on the elders should come my
way, I inquired about the words of theway, I inquired about the words of the
elders — that is, what according to theelders — that is, what according to the
elders Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, orelders Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, or
Thomas or James, or John or Matthew orThomas or James, or John or Matthew or
any other of the Lord’s disciples, andany other of the Lord’s disciples, and
whatever Aristion and the elder John, thewhatever Aristion and the elder John, the
Lord’s disciples, were saying.Lord’s disciples, were saying.

49. Quadratus (wrote AD 117-124)Quadratus (wrote AD 117-124)
"But the works of our Saviour were always
present, for they were genuine:-those that
were healed, and those that were raised from
the dead, who were seen not only when they
were healed and when they were raised, but
were also always present; and not merely
while the Saviour was on earth, but also after
his death, they were alive for quite a while, so
that some of them lived even to our day."

50. VI. Are the Gospel Witnesses Reliable?VI. Are the Gospel Witnesses Reliable?
 Martyrdoms. (Romans 5:6-8)Martyrdoms. (Romans 5:6-8)
• James, the brother of Jesus AD 62 (JosephusJames, the brother of Jesus AD 62 (Josephus AntAnt
20.9.1)20.9.1)
• Apostle James, brother of John (Acts 12:1-2)Apostle James, brother of John (Acts 12:1-2)
• Peter and Paul in Rome about AD 64Peter and Paul in Rome about AD 64
• Tradition: all but JohnTradition: all but John
 Compare to the Book of Mormon.Compare to the Book of Mormon.
• Three witnessesThree witnesses
• Eight witnessesEight witnesses

51. Reliability of the Gospel writersReliability of the Gospel writers
 The embarrassment factor.The embarrassment factor.
 Written and read in Jerusalem when couldWritten and read in Jerusalem when could
be refuted.be refuted.
 Galatians AD 49 1 Corinthians AD 55 MarkGalatians AD 49 1 Corinthians AD 55 Mark
AD 60?AD 60?
 Independent attestation.Independent attestation.
 Luke the historian.Luke the historian.

52. Luke: An Accurate Historian?

53. Sir William RamsaySir William Ramsay
I found myself brought into contact with the Book of Acts as an authority for the
topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne upon me
that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth. In fact, beginning
with a fixed idea that the work was essentially a second century composition, and
never relying on its evidence as trustworthy for first century conditions, I gradually
came to find it a useful ally in some obscure and difficult investigations.
Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact
trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense; he fixes his mind on the
idea and plan that rules in the evolution of history, and proportions the scale of his
treatment to the importance of each incident. He seizes the important and critical
events and shows their true nature at greater length, while he touches lightly or
omits entirely much that was valueless for his purpose. In short, this author should
be placed along with the very greatest of historians.
Sir William Ramsay, St. Paul, the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, (Hodder and
Stoughton, 1920).

54. Erastus Inscription 1 Cor 16:23Erastus Inscription 1 Cor 16:23

55. Lysanius Inscription Luke 3:1Lysanius Inscription Luke 3:1

56. The Pool of Siloam

57. Caiaphas
Ossuary

58. VII Archaeology and Jesus

60. Luke 24:44
He said to them, “This is what I told you
while I was still with you: Everything must
be fulfilled that is written about me in the
Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.
John 5:39-40
You diligently study the Scriptures because
you think that by them you possess eternal
life. These are the Scriptures that testify
about me, yet you refuse to come to me to
have life.
VIII. Messianic Prophecies

61.  Septuagint translation of the Old Testament
into Greek 220-150 BC
 Dead Sea Scrolls.250-50 BC

62. Qumran
Cave #4

63. Column I
The Great
Qumran Isaiah
Scroll
150 BC

64.  Josephus: “When Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal
men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that
loved him at the first did not forsake him… And the tribe of
Christians so named from him are not extinct to this day.”
 Cornelius Tacitus: “Hence, to suppress the rumor, [Nero]
falsely charged with the guilt and punished with the most
exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians,
who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of
the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of
Judea in the reign of Tiberius…
 Jewish Talmud “On the eve of the Passover they hangedYeshu
and the herald went before him for forty days sayingYeshu…
has practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel.

65. Tiberius Pontius Pilatus Procurator Judea

66. Question #3 Are these, in fact, prophecies
of the Messiah? (or are we taking them out
of context)
Hint: If the Jews themselves
acknowledged them to be messianic, that
is very strong evidence.

67.  Question #4 Could Jesus, planning on
deceiving the people into believing he
was the Messiah, have read the Old
Testament and tried to fulfill all the
prophecies?

70. Isaiah 53:1-13:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of
sorrows, familiar with suffering. (v. 3)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was
crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that
brought us peace was upon him, and by his
wounds we are healed. (v. 5) (John 19:31-37)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not
open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the
slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is
silent, so he did not open his mouth. (v. 7)

72. Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathrah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are
from old, from ancient times.
Isaiah 9:1,6
In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the
land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee
of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the
Jordan…. For to us a child is born… And he will be
called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace.

75. Psalm 22:16-18
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men have encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; (John 19:3-37)
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing. (John 19:23,24)

78. Zechariah 11:12,13
I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay;
but if not, keep it.” so they paid me thirty pieces of
silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)
And the Lord said to me,
“Throw it to the potter”—
the handsome price at
which they priced me!
So I took the thirty
pieces of silver and
threw them into the
house of the Lord, to the
potter. (Matthew 27:3-8)

79. Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and
your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin,
to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting
righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to
anoint the most holy.
Know and understand this: From the issuing of the
decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the
Anointed One, the ruler comes, there will be seven
‘sevens’ and sixty two ‘sevens’
Decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12-26) 458 BC
458 BC - 490 years = -32 (no zero BC)

80.  Be born in Bethlehem
 Be raised in Galilee near Nazareth
 Be despised and rejected by men
 Be meek and silent before his accusers
 Be “pierced”
 Be crucified
 Have his garments divided and gambled over
 Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
 Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33
 And many more….
Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the death
of Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?
Man, Myth or Messiah?

81. 1. Behold, the Virgin (almah) will be with child Isaiah
7:14 (Septuagint parthenos which is definitely virgin.
2. Zechariah 9:9-11 On a colt, the foal of a donkey.
3. Genesis 49:10,11 donkey, colt, branch, wine, blood
of grapes.
4. Hoseah 11:1 Out of Egypt I called my son.
(Matthew 2:15)
5.They will call him a Nazarene. Isaiah 11:1-2
(Matthew 2:23) Nazer = branch

82. Jesus Fulfilled Historical ForeshadowsJesus Fulfilled Historical Foreshadows
and Messianic Prefiguresand Messianic Prefigures
 Moses and the snake (Numbers 21:4-9_Moses and the snake (Numbers 21:4-9_
 Genesis 22 Abraham and IsaacGenesis 22 Abraham and Isaac
• Raised from the dead on the 3Raised from the dead on the 3rdrd
day 1 Cor 15:4 ,day 1 Cor 15:4 ,
Heb 11:19Heb 11:19
 Moses and the snake (Numbers 21:4-9)Moses and the snake (Numbers 21:4-9)
 Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40), Joseph, Moses,Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40), Joseph, Moses,
MelchizedekMelchizedek
 Burnt OfferingBurnt Offering
 Passover, First FruitsPassover, First Fruits

83.  You diligently study the Scriptures
becauseyou think that by them you possess
eternal life. These are the Scriptures that
testify about me, yet you refuse to come to
me to have life. John 5:39,40
 Numbers 21:4-9 (John 3:14, Romans 6:23, 2
Corinthians 5:21)
 Genesis 22:1-10 Abraham and Isaac

84. A little example: Numbers 21:4-9.A little example: Numbers 21:4-9.
Snake-bite = sin. BothSnake-bite = sin. Both
result in death Romansresult in death Romans
6:236:23
The solution? Look toThe solution? Look to
the snake, lifted up on athe snake, lifted up on a
wooden pole John 3:14wooden pole John 3:14
Why a snake? 2Why a snake? 2
Corinthians 5:21Corinthians 5:21

85. Genesis 22:1-11Genesis 22:1-11
Your only son…Your only son…
Mt. MoriahMt. Moriah
On the 3On the 3rdrd
dayday
Isaac carries the woodIsaac carries the wood
Abraham carries the knifeAbraham carries the knife
Raised from the deadRaised from the dead
(figuratively, Heb 11:19)(figuratively, Heb 11:19)

86. Foreshadows in the ExodusForeshadows in the Exodus
Exodus 3:7-10 TheExodus 3:7-10 The
people are enslaved:people are enslaved:
God sends a savior.God sends a savior.
Moses = JesusMoses = Jesus
Pharaoh = SatanPharaoh = Satan
Plague #10: A deathPlague #10: A death
sentencesentence
1 Cor 5:71 Cor 5:7

87.  Under a death sentence
 Pure, undefiled Passover
lamb (1 Cor 5:7-8, Rev 13:8)
 Blood sprinkled on the
wooden beam above the
door.

88.  A remembrance of salvation from death
 A remembrance of salvation from slavery
 No bone broken (Exodus 12:46 Psalm 22:17 Jn 19:31-33
 Remove all the leaven (1 Cor 5:7)
 Bitter herbs
 The third cup:
 the cup of redemption.

89. We’re free!!!
Not yet!!!
1 Cor 10:1-4

90. To Be a Prefigure of the MessiahTo Be a Prefigure of the Messiah
Prophet, Priest or King (or prince…)Prophet, Priest or King (or prince…)
Save Israel (or Gentiles)Save Israel (or Gentiles)

91.  Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40, Jonah 1:12)
 Adam
 Melchizedek
 Joseph
 Moses
 David
 Elijah
 Joshua
 Deborah
 Esther
 Etc….

92. JonahJonah
John 7:52 No prophet everJohn 7:52 No prophet ever
came from Galilee…came from Galilee…
Matthew 12:39,40 ThreeMatthew 12:39,40 Three
days and three nightsdays and three nights
Luke 11:30-32 OfferedLuke 11:30-32 Offered
salvation to the Gentilessalvation to the Gentiles
Jonah 1:7 GamblingJonah 1:7 Gambling
Jonah 1:12 Willingly offeredJonah 1:12 Willingly offered
his life to save the Gentileshis life to save the Gentiles
Jonah calmed a stormJonah calmed a storm

93. Gath Hepher and Nazreth 3 miles apart

94. Melchizedek: An interesting guy!Melchizedek: An interesting guy!
• King of Righteousness Heb 7:2King of Righteousness Heb 7:2
• Without genealogy, withoutWithout genealogy, without
descendents. Without beginning ofdescendents. Without beginning of
days or end of life (Hebrews 7:3)days or end of life (Hebrews 7:3)
• A priest forever. (Hebrews 7:3,17A priest forever. (Hebrews 7:3,17
Psalm 110:4)Psalm 110:4)
• The King of physical JerusalemThe King of physical Jerusalem
(Genesis 14:18)(Genesis 14:18)
• King of Salem (King of Salem (shalomshalom, peace), peace)

95. Melchizedek: Prefigure of ChristMelchizedek: Prefigure of Christ
• A priest, but not of the family of Levi.A priest, but not of the family of Levi.
• He blessed Abraham. (Genesis 14:19)He blessed Abraham. (Genesis 14:19)
• Abraham offered him a tithe/sacrifice (GenesisAbraham offered him a tithe/sacrifice (Genesis
14:20).14:20).
• High Priest because of his character, not byHigh Priest because of his character, not by
descent. Heb 7:15-16descent. Heb 7:15-16
• Greater than Abraham Heb 7:4.Greater than Abraham Heb 7:4.
• Gave Abraham bread and wine (last supper, Lord’sGave Abraham bread and wine (last supper, Lord’s
Supper)Supper)
• A priest for everyone; not just for the Jews.A priest for everyone; not just for the Jews.

96. Joseph: Savior of IsraelJoseph: Savior of Israel
From the right hand of his father, heFrom the right hand of his father, he
became a slave in Egypt and was laterbecame a slave in Egypt and was later
raised to the right hand of the kingraised to the right hand of the king
A shepherdA shepherd
A dream: You will be King of the JewsA dream: You will be King of the Jews
Jealous brothers decided to kill himJealous brothers decided to kill him
Betrayed for 20 pieces of silverBetrayed for 20 pieces of silver
Went down to EgyptWent down to Egypt
Saved IsraelSaved Israel

97. Parallels Between Moses and Jesus
Moses
Jesus
Pharaoh tried to kill him
Herod tried to kill him
Called by God to leave Egypt Carried out of Egypt
Forty years in the wilderness to
prepare for his ministry
Forty days in the wilderness to
prepare for his ministry
Left his position with the king
of Egypt to dwell with the Jews
Left the right hand of the
Father to life with the Jews
Led Israel out of slavery in Egypt Leads Spiritual Israel out of sin
Aaron prepared the way
John the Baptist prepared the
way
Baptized Israel in the Red Sea
in order to free them
Commands baptism in water
for freedom from sin
Gave manna in the wilderness
(sort of)
Gives spiritual bread to all who
hunger
Gave water to the people in the desert Gives spiritual water: the Holy Spirit
Spoke to God on Mt. Sinai Spoke to God on Mt. Hermon

98. David My Servant (Ezek 37:24-David My Servant (Ezek 37:24-
25)25)
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2
A very good shepherd John 10:11A very good shepherd John 10:11
Anointed king (parallel to Jesus’ baptism) 1 SamAnointed king (parallel to Jesus’ baptism) 1 Sam
16:1316:13
Physical king of physical JerusalemPhysical king of physical Jerusalem
Brought God (the ark) to Jerusalem (PalmBrought God (the ark) to Jerusalem (Palm
Sunday)Sunday)
Saved Israel from slavery to PhilistiaSaved Israel from slavery to Philistia
Offered a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah that savedOffered a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah that saved
IsraelIsrael

99. The Burnt Offering Leviticus 1The Burnt Offering Leviticus 1
 Lay hands on theLay hands on the
animal.animal.
 Sacrifice the animalSacrifice the animal
 Clean the body but notClean the body but not
the headthe head
 Burn them on the altarBurn them on the altar
 Meaning: TotalMeaning: Total
commitment of one’scommitment of one’s
life to God.life to God.

100. The Burnt OfferingThe Burnt Offering
 Jesus gave a burnt offering: Ephesians 5:1-2Jesus gave a burnt offering: Ephesians 5:1-2
 God calls us to give a burnt offering.God calls us to give a burnt offering.
Romans 12:1-2 … in view of God’s mercy.Romans 12:1-2 … in view of God’s mercy.
Phil 1:20-22Phil 1:20-22
 Isaiah 6:8 Here am I, send meIsaiah 6:8 Here am I, send me
 What will you lay on the altar?What will you lay on the altar?

101. The Red Heifer SacrificeThe Red Heifer Sacrifice
Numbers 19:1-22

102. The Red Heifer Sacrifice as a PrefigureThe Red Heifer Sacrifice as a Prefigure
The Red Heifer SacrificeThe Red Heifer Sacrifice The Sacrifice of JesusThe Sacrifice of Jesus
A very rare red heiferA very rare red heifer A unique sonA unique son
Sacrificed outside the campSacrificed outside the camp
(on the Mount of Olives)(on the Mount of Olives)
Sacrificed outside the campSacrificed outside the camp
(on the Mount of Olives)(on the Mount of Olives)
To purify both Jews and GentilesTo purify both Jews and Gentiles To purify both Jews and GentilesTo purify both Jews and Gentiles
A sacrifice without blemish (notA sacrifice without blemish (not
even one black hair!)even one black hair!)
A sacrifice without blemishA sacrifice without blemish
Never been yoked (voluntary, notNever been yoked (voluntary, not
sinned)sinned)
A voluntary sacrifice, without sinA voluntary sacrifice, without sin
Scarlet wool and woodScarlet wool and wood Blood on woodBlood on wood
Hyssop (purification from infection)Hyssop (purification from infection) Purifies from the infection of sinPurifies from the infection of sin
Combines ashes from sacrifice withCombines ashes from sacrifice with
water for purification.water for purification.
Combine the blood of Jesus withCombine the blood of Jesus with
baptism for purificationbaptism for purification

103. First Covenant Festivals as Types
Jewish Festival Antitype in the Christian Life
Passover (pesach) The Sacrificial Death of Jesus
Christ
Feast of Firstfruits The Resurrection of Jesus
Christ
Feast of Unleavened Bread Celebrating Being Free of Sin
in Our Lives
Feast of Weeks/Pentecost
(shavoat)
The Giving of the Holy Spirit
and the Initiation of the Church
Feast of Trumpets (rosh
hashanah)
Judgement Day, Jesus
Coming Back
Day of Atonement (yom
kippur)
The Day We Were Saved—
Spiritual Birthday
Feast of Booths
(Tabernacles)
Celebrating Life in
Fellowship with God

104.  A harvest festival when there was
no harvest.
 A promise of a future harvest.
 A foreshadow of the final
resurrection.
 A prefigure of the resurrection of
Jesus. 1Cor 15:20-21
 Coll 1:18 The first born from
among the dead.

105. Miracles
 What is a miracle?
 Lewis: I use the word
miracle to mean an
interference with nature
by a supernatural force.”
 Webster: “A miracle is an
event which apparently
contradicts know
scientific laws”
 Oakes: An event which
requires the intervention
of God C. S. Lewis

106. Miracles?
 Reggie Miller scores 9
points in last 11 seconds
to win a playoff game.
 1969 “Miracle Mets”
 A man rescued after 28
days in the rubble in Haiti
 Miraculous transformation
of lives by God

107. Miracles: Acts 2:22
 Jesus… accredited by… miracles,
wonders and signs.
 miracle = dunamis “Power or ability,
physical or moral, residing in a person
or thing.”
 wonder = teras “Something strange… a
marvel”
 sign = semeion “Sign or signal”
 In apologetics we are most interested in
the third definition.

108. Do Miracles Happen?
 If miracles happen then supernatural/God
exists, but that is circular reasoning.
 What does science tell us?
 Science cannot answer the question of
miracles; it can only help us to define the
miraculous.
 If that happened, it would definitely be a
miracle!

109. The Miracle of Creation
 A most difficult question:
Why does anything at all
exist?
 One thing for sure. The
universe was created.
 Another thing for sure.
Life was created.

110. The Miracle of Sustaining the Universe
 Colossians 1:15-17 In him all things hold together
 C. S. Lewis: I contend that in all these miracles alike
the incarnate God does suddenly and locally
something God has done or will do in general. Each
miracle writes for us in small letters something that
God has already written, or will write (or is now
writing), in letters almost too large to be noticed,
across the whle canvas of Nature.

111. Old Testament Miracles
 Paul: The Jews demand miraculous signs
(semeion) and Greeks look for wisdom.
 No wonder they did… God prepared them to
expect miraculous signs to accompany new
revelation.
 The reason for signs, wonders and miracles
Hebrews 2:3-4

112. Old Testament Miracles
 The flood. Genesis 7–8
 The destruction of Sodom
and Gomorrah. Genesis 19
 The ten plagues in Egypt.
Exodus 7–12
 The pillar of cloud and of
flame. Exodus 13:21–22
 The parting of the Red Sea.
Exodus 14–15
 Manna, quail and water
Exodus. 16–17
 Thunder, lightning, flame
and trumpet blasts on Mt.
Sinai Exodus. 19:14–25
 Judgment on those in
Korah’s rebellion, the
budding of Aaron’s staff.
Numbers 16:28–49
 Parting of the Jordan River.
Joshua 3–4
 The sun stands still,
hailstones at Gibeon. Joshua
10:7–15
 Elijah endless supply of flour
and oil. 1 Kings 17:7–16
 Elijah resurrects son of
widow of Zarephath. 1 Kings
17:17–24
 Elijah on Mt. Carmel. 1 Kings
18
 Elisha resurrects the
Shunammite woman’s son. 2
Kings 4:8–37
 Naaman healed of leprosy. 2
Kings 5
 Destruction of the Assyrian
army. 2 Kings19:35–37, 2
Chronicles 32
 Jonah in the belly of fish.
Jonah 1–2

113. Evidence for OT Miracles
 Sodom and Gomorrah
 Exodus and Conquest
 Hezekiah, Isaiah and Sennacherib

114. The Five City
League,
including Sodom
and Gomorrah

116. Ruins at Bab ed-Dhra (Sodom)

117. Papyrus Ipuwer
2:2—The river is blood = The river was turned to blood—
Exod 7:20
2:6— Blood is everywhere = Blood is throughout all the land
of Egypt— Exod 7:21
• 4:14—Trees are destroyed = And the hail… broke every tree
in the field— Exod 9:25
9:11—The land is not light = And Moses stretched forth his
hand… and there was a thick darkness— Exod 10:22
2:13—He who places his brother in the ground is everywhere
= For there was not a house where there was not someone
dead— Exod 12:30

118. One of the Tel El Amarna Letters
1400 BC
Abdi-Hiba pleaded for military
aid from Pharaoh Akhnaton;
‘The Habiru plunder all lands
of the king. If archers
are here this year, then the
lands of the king, the
lord, will remain; but if the
archers are not here,
then the lands of the king, my
lord, are lost.’

119. 1. The city was strongly fortified in the Late Bronze I period, the time of the
Conquest according to the biblical chronology (Joshua 2:5,7,15).
2. The city was massively destroyed by fire (Joshua 6:24).
3. The fortification walls collapsed at the time the city was destroyed,
possibly by earthquake activity (Joshua 6:20).
4. The destruction occurred at harvest time, in the spring, as indicated by the
large quantities of grain stored in the city (Joshua 2:6, 3:15, 5:10).
5. The siege of Jericho was short, as the grain stored in the city was not
consumed (Joshua 6:15,20).
6. Contrary to what was customary, the grain was not plundered, in
accordance to the command given to Joshua (Joshua 6:17,18).
Archaeological Facts about Jericho

120. The Sennacherib Cylinder or Taylor Prism
British Museum, London (2 Kings 18) 691 BC
As for Hezekiah, the Judean who did not
submit to my yoke, I surrounded and
conquered forty-six of his strong-walled
towns and innumerable small settlements
around them by means of earth ramps
and siege-engines and attack by infantry
men…. I brought out from them and
counted 200,150 people of all ranks…. He
[i.e., Hezekiah] himself I shut up in
Jerusalem, his royal city, like a bird in a
cage…. The warriors and select troops he
had brought in to strengthen his royal
city Jerusalem did not fight…

121. Jews being led to captivity from
Lachish

122. Jewish captives skinned alive in front of
Lachish Walls

123. Jews being led to captivity from
Lachish

124. The Message Of OT Miracles
 Judgment (flood, Sodom, etc…)
 Salvation (flood, Sodom, Exodus, Jonah, etc.)

125. Miracles of Timing or Supernatural Events?
 Water turned to
blood, flies, frogs,
hail, pheasants, wind
that drove back the
Red Sea. Maybe…
 Jordan River stops,
Moses glows, water
from a rock, death of
first-born, events on
Mt. Sinai. No way.

126. Miracles as Foreshadows/Prefigures of Jesus
 Moses sets Israel free from slavery
 Israel “baptized” into Moses as they leave
slavery in Egypt.
 Moses gave bread and water.
 Jonah resurrected on the third day

127. Prefigure Miracle Miracle Prefigured
Elijah provides an unlimited supply of
flour and oil. 1 Kings 17:7-16
Jesus provides bread for 5000.
John 6:1–14
Elijah raises the son of the widow at
Zarephath. 1 Kings 17:17–24
Jesus raises Jairus the synagogue ruler’s
daughter. Mark 5:21–-43
Elijah parts the Jordan River.
2 Kings 2:7–8
Jesus walks on water.
Matthew 14:25–33
Elijah ascends.
2 Kings 2:11–12
Jesus ascends.
Luke 24:50–53
Elisha fills large jars with oil.
2 Kings 4:1–7
Jesus turns large jars of water into wine.
John 2:1–11
Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s
son from the dead. 2 Kings 4:18–37
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus the
synagogue ruler. Mark 5:21–43
Elisha feeds one hundred.
2 Kings 4:42–44
Jesus feeds five thousand.
Luke 9:10–17
Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy.
2 Kings 5:1–14
Jesus heals a man of leprosy. Matt 8:1–4
Jesus heals ten of leprosy. Luke 17:11–19
Elisha opens the eyes of the blind.
2 Kings 5:1–14
Jesus opens the eyes of the man born
blind.
John 9:1–6

128.  Acts 2:22 “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by
God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God
did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
 Jewish Talmud (1st
Century) “Yeshu… has practiced
sorcery.”

129.  John 10:30-33.
 Is this a mere man? Look at the
response.
 John10:38 Even though you do not
believe me, believe the miracles…

130. VIII. Jesus and MiraclesVIII. Jesus and Miracles
 Four Possibilities:Four Possibilities:
• He neither worked miracles nor claimed to workHe neither worked miracles nor claimed to work
miraclesmiracles
• He claimed to work miracles, but he was aHe claimed to work miracles, but he was a
charlatan.charlatan.
• He worked genuine miracles, but as a sorceror/byHe worked genuine miracles, but as a sorceror/by
the power of Satan.the power of Satan.
• He worked genuine miracles and his claims aboutHe worked genuine miracles and his claims about
himself are validated by those miracles.himself are validated by those miracles.

131. The Jews Expected the Messiah to Give
Miraculous Signs
 4Q5:21

132. Reasons to believe Jesus worked miraclesReasons to believe Jesus worked miracles
1. A great number of the miracles were done publicly, often in front of the
greatest skeptics and harshest critics of Jesus.
2. There were tens of thousands of eyewitnesses from every background to
these events.
3. The apostles openly proclaimed that Jesus worked a great variety of
miracles during the lifetime of those who could have refuted the claims.
4. Both Roman and Jewish histories report at least the general fact that
Jesus worked “wonders.”
5. Pharisees and Rabbis did not deny miracles, but instead claimed Jesus
did his signs by the power of demons.
6. Those who recorded the miracles as eye-witnesses (the gospel writers
except Luke) have every appearance of being credible.

133. About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was one
who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as
accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the
Greeks. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the
highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified,
those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up
their affection for him. For the prophets of God had prophesied
these and countless other marvelous things about him. And the
tribe of Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not
disappeared.
Antiquities 18:3:3
Josephus AD 38-100

134. On the eve of Passover they hung Yeshu and the crier went forth for forty
days beforehand declaring that "[Yeshu] is going to be stoned for practicing
witchcraft, for enticing and leading Israel astray. Anyone who knows
something to clear him should come forth and exonerate him." But no one
had anything exonerating for him and they hung him on the eve of Passover.
Ulla said: Would one think that we should look for exonerating evidence for
him? He was an enticer and G-d said (Deuteronomy 13:9) “Show him no
pity or compassion and do not shield him.” him? He was an enticer and G-d
said (Deuteronomy 13:9) "Show him no pity or chow him no pity or
compassion,”
Babylonian Sanhedrin 43a-b
Talmud (1st
and 2nd
Century AD)

135. Why Did Jesus Do Miracles?
 Because he had compassion. Matt 14:14
 To fulfill prophecy. Matt 12:40
 To validate his message. John 10:36-39
 Because of people’s faith. Matt 15:21-28
 To create faith in people. John 20:30-31
 Because his mom asked him to. John 2:1-11

136. Reference Miracle
John 1:1–4 The miracle of creation
John 2:1–11 Water into wine
John 4:46–54 Healing of the official’s son
Mark 1:21–28 Casting out evil spirit
Mark 1:29–34 Healing Peter's mother-in-law
Mark 1.35–39 Miscellaneous healings
John 5 Healing man lame from birth
Luke 5:1–11 Miraculous catch of fish
Mark 1:40–45 Healing leprosy
Mark 2.1–12 Healing the paralytic
Matthew 8:5–13 Healing the Centurion's servant
Luke 7:11–17 Raising the widow's son
Mark 3:20–30 Healing the blind mute
Matthew 8:23–27 Rebuking the wind and waves
Mark 5:1–20 The pig incident
Mark 5:21–43 Raising of Jairus' daughter
Mark 5:25 Healing the bleeding woman
Matthew 9:27–34 Blind men
The
Miracles
of
Jesus

137. Mark 7:24–30 Healing the Canaanite's daughter
Mark 7.31–37 Healing the deaf mute
Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:30,
Luke 9:10, John 6.1 Feeding the multitudes
Mark 8:22–26 Healing the blind man
Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2,
Luke 9:28 The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:14, Mark 9:14,
Luke 9:37 Healing the deaf mute boy
Matthew 17:24–27 The coin in the fish's mouth
Luke 13:10 Healing the crippled woman
John 9 Man born blind
Luke 14:1–2 Healing of the man dropsy”
John 11 Raising Lazarus
Luke 17:11 The ten lepers
Matthew 20:29–34, Mark
10:46, Luke 18:35 Healing Bartimaeus and his friend
Mt 21:18, Mk 11:12 Cursing the fig tree
Luke 22:51 Healing the soldier's ear
John 21 Resurrection
Mark 16:9, John 20:11 Appearance miracles
John 21:1 Miraculous catch of fish reprised
The
Miracles
of
Jesus

138. The Miracles of Jesus
 Why he did it
 What it tells us about Jesus
Go and report to John what you hear and see: The
blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have
leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised,
and the good news is preached to the poor. Matthew
11:4-5

139. John 2:1-11 Water to Wine
 Jesus the Creator
 Why? To meet a
need and
because his mom
asked him to.

140. John 6:1-14 Feeding 5000
 Surely this is the Prophet!
 Jesus the creator and the
sustainer of life
 Jesus is “the bread of life”
 Jesus is spiritual food
 Jesus the source of eternal
life

141.  John 6:48 “I am the bread
of life. … If anyone eats of
this bread he will live
forever. This bread is my
flesh, which I give for the
life of the world.”
 John 6:1-15 Jesus feeds
5000 men, plus women and
children.
 This miracle was very
public!

142. Mark 2:1-12 Healing of the Paralytic
 Why? Because of the
faith of the friends.
 Jesus controls our
health.
 Jesus can forgive sin.

143. Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus Calms the Storm
 Why? To save the
apostles from death.
 Jesus rules the
physical universe
 “What kind of man is
this?” The apostles
now realized Jesus is
God.

144. Mark 1:21-28 Jesus Drives Out An Evil Spirit
 Jesus has control
over the demon
world.

145. John 1:46-49 Jesus Knows Nathanael
 Jesus knows the thoughts and the heart of
Nathanael.
 Jesus knows our thoughts and our hearts.
 “When you were under the fig tree, I saw
you.”
 “Rabbi, you are the King of Israel.”

146. Luke 21:20-21 Jesus Predicts the Future
 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
you will know that its desolation is near.”
 Jesus, knows and by implication, controls the future

147. Eusebius
 “If any man will compare the words of our
Saviour with the whole History of the Jewish
war, as related by Josephus; he cannot
forbear to admire and acknowledge our
Lord’s prescience and prediction to be
wonderful above nature, and truly divine.”
(Book III. Ch. 7) “But the people of the
church in Jerusalem had been commanded
by a revelation, vouchsafed to approved
men there before the war, to leave the city
and to dwell in a certain town of Perea
called Pella.” (Book III, Ch. 5)

148. John 11:1-53 Jesus Raises Lazarus
 Jesus is the resurrection
and the life.
 Jesus will raise those who
put their faith in him.
• Hundreds present
• The smell of death was
strong
• Lazarus came out
• Look at the responses.
There are only two
rational responses to
Jesus the miracle-worker.

149.  John 11:25 “I am the
resurrection and the
life. He who believes
in me will live, even
though he dies.”
 John 11:17-44 Jesus
raises Lazarus from
the dead.
 Hundreds of eye-
witnesses.

150. The Greatest Miracles of All: The Incarnation.
C. S. Lewis Miracles
“The central miracle asserted by Christians is the
Incarnation.”
The apostle John:
“The Word became flesh and lived for a while among
us.” (John 1:14)

151. The Incarnation: A Miracle on Many Fronts
 It fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 7:14 “The Lord himself will
give you a sign. Behold the virgin will be with child and
will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”
• Mary believed in Jesus.
 It fulfilled a prefigure.
• Joseph left the right hand of his father and became a slave in
Egypt. He saved Israel.
• Moses left the right hand of Pharaoh to become a slave in Egypt
and save Israel.
 It was a physical miracle.
 It proves God can create human life ex nihilo.

152. The Incarnation: A miracle
 A miracle in a sense not allowed by our definition. It
is a “miracle” that God would humble himself in this
way. Philippians 2:6-8
 It is a “miracle” that “the fullness of deity can dwell
in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9)
 What is the evidence that this miracle happened?
• Jesus: “I am the bread which came down from heaven”
(John 6:41) Which he proved by making bread
• Jesus: “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” John 8:58

153. The Ultimate Miracle:
The Resurrection of
Jesus
John 3:19 “Destroy this
temple, and I will raise it
again in three days.”

154. Why is the resurrection so important?
 1 Cor 15:13-19 If Christ has not been
raised then your faith is futile; you are still in
your sins.
 If Jesus was raised, then there is life after
death.
 If Jesus was raised, then nearly every
question we have as Christians is answered.
 What about.....
Answer: Jesus was raised from the dead

155. “Extraordinary claims require
extraordinary proof”
David Hume

156. Jesus of Nazareth was
crucified under Pontius
Pilate in Jerusalem

157. From the very beginning, the
church unanimously claimed
that Jesus was resurrected

158. The tomb was empty

159. Jesus of Nazareth was
crucified under Pontius Pilate
in Jerusalem

160. Josephus AD 38-100
About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was one
who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such
people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews
and many of the Greeks. When Pilate, upon hearing
him accused by men of the highest standing
amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified,
those who had in the first place come to love him
did not give up their affection for him. The prophets
of God had prophesied these and countless other marvelous
things about him. And the tribe of Christians, so called after
him, has still to this day not disappeared.
Antiquities 18:3:3

161. To squelch the rumor [that he had started the Great
fire in Rome], Nero created scapegoats and subjected
to the most refined tortures those whom the common
people called ‘Christians,’ [a group] hated for their
abominable crimes. Their name comes from Christ,
who, during the reign of Tiberius, had been executed
by the procurator Pontius Pilate.
Annals 15.44

162. On the eve of Passover they hung Yeshu
Babylonian Sanhedrin 43a-b
Talmud (1st
and 2nd
Century AD)

163. Thallus
 We know of Thallus only from a third century Christian
historian named Julius Africanus who wrote a three-
volume treatise of world history in the 50s AD. In
discussion the darkness at the time of the resurrection of
Jesus, Julius Africanus mentions that in the 3rd book of
Thallus’ history, he mentions the darkness and calls it an
eclipse of the sun. Africanus believes that Thallus is
wrong. Whether or not this source proves the darkness at
the time of Jesus’ crucifixion is dubious, but it does seem
to support the idea that even non-Christians were aware
of the resurrection as early as the 50s AD—at about the
time the first book of the NT was written. It also supports
the claim, not necessarily of the darkness having
occurred, but of the darkness having been claimed and
believed by the Christians. Because we do not have
Thallus’ history and because we have a Christian
interpreting rather than quoting it, this is rather dubious
support to Christian claims.

164. From the very beginning, the
church unanimously claimed that
Jesus was resurrected
Acts 2:24 But God raised him from
the dead…
How else to explain the growth of
the church?

165. The tomb was emptyThe tomb was empty
If not….If not….
They could not have preachedThey could not have preached
the resurrectionthe resurrection

166. Fact #4?Fact #4?
Jesus was alive after theJesus was alive after the
crucifixion. (1 Cor 15:6)crucifixion. (1 Cor 15:6)
How many highly reliableHow many highly reliable
eyewitnesses are required toeyewitnesses are required to
consider a thing proven beyond aconsider a thing proven beyond a
reasonable doubt?reasonable doubt?

167. 1.1. Jesus’ body was taken from the tomb.Jesus’ body was taken from the tomb.
2.2. Jesus did not actually die (swoonJesus did not actually die (swoon
theory).theory).
3.3. Jesus was bodily resurrected from theJesus was bodily resurrected from the
dead.dead.

168. The Stolen Body Theory
 Who would have stolen the body?
• The Jews?
• The Romans?
• The disciples?
 Could they have stolen the body?
 Did they, in fact, steal the body?

169. Matthew 27:62-66

170. The Swoon Theory
 Beaten to the point of near death.
 No food or water for more than two
days.
 Crucified and died.
 Pierced with a sword.
 Separated blood and “water”
(plasma)

171. The Mass Hallucination Theory
 The women at the tomb.
 Peter and John.
 The twelve apostles, including
doubting Thomas.
 Many other appearances.
 Over 500 witnesses.
 Do hallucinations eat fish?

172. We should have known it was coming…We should have known it was coming…

173. Jonah 1:7Jonah 1:7 Jonah was raised from the deadJonah was raised from the dead
on the third day.on the third day. (Matthew 11:40 For as Jonah(Matthew 11:40 For as Jonah
was three days and three nights….)was three days and three nights….)
Genesis 22:1-12Genesis 22:1-12 Abraham received IsaacAbraham received Isaac
back from the dead on the third dayback from the dead on the third day ..
(Hebrews 11:17-19)(Hebrews 11:17-19)

174. ResurrectionResurrection
on the 3on the 3rdrd
dayday

175. Prophecies of the ResurrectionProphecies of the Resurrection
 Feast of Firstfruits. Lev 23:9-14Feast of Firstfruits. Lev 23:9-14
 Jesus is the firstfruit from among the dead.Jesus is the firstfruit from among the dead.
His resurrection is a promise of ours.His resurrection is a promise of ours.
Colossians “the first fruit from the dead.”Colossians “the first fruit from the dead.”
 Romans 6:2-7 If we have been united withRomans 6:2-7 If we have been united with
him in his death, we will certainly also behim in his death, we will certainly also be
united with him in his resurrection.united with him in his resurrection.

176. The Message of the ResurrectionThe Message of the Resurrection
 You, too, will rise from the dead.You, too, will rise from the dead.
John 11:25-26John 11:25-26
 Repent! Acts 17:30-31Repent! Acts 17:30-31

177. Implications of the Resurrection:
 Validates the claims of Jesus
• John 11 I am the resurrection and the life
 It confirms that we, too, will be resurrected.
• 1 Peter 1:3-4
 It confirms that there will be a judgment
day.
 Our doubts become much less significant.
• What about…. Jesus was raised from the dead!

178. What Is Your Reasonable Response?
 John 11:45-48 Either;
• Put your faith in Jesus or
• Radically reject him and all he stood for.
A Challenge:
Have Resurrection Faith.

179. Ultimate Miracle #3: The Ascension of Jesus

180. The Ascension
 After he said this, he was taken up before their very
eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were
looking intently up into the sky as he was going,
when suddenly two men dressed in white stood
beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do
you stand here looking into the sky? This same
Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will
come back in the same way you have seen him go
into heaven.” (Acts 1:9–11)
 If nothing else, it was a physical miracle: violating
the law of gravity.
 It tells us that Jesus will come back in the same way
he came.

181. The Miracles Jesus Did Not Do
 Meeting his own needs.
 Working miracles in order to convince the hard-
hearted.
 Working a miracle because he was challenged to do
so by an unbeliever.
 A miracle to take revenge or in judgment.
 Forcing the will of someone—taking away free will.
 Jesus did not prevent the crucifixion.

182. One More Point: X. Changed LivesOne More Point: X. Changed Lives
 Jesus has had more influence onJesus has had more influence on
human history than any other person.human history than any other person.
 How to explain the vitality and growthHow to explain the vitality and growth
of a religious movement started byof a religious movement started by
uneducated, ordinary men.uneducated, ordinary men.
 Millions of lives transformed by aMillions of lives transformed by a
personal experience with Jesuspersonal experience with Jesus
Christ.Christ.