The document discusses the claim that Jesus rose from the dead and alternatives to this claim. It addresses evidence for the resurrection, including that Jesus appeared to many people after his death, the tomb was found empty, and his followers were willing to die for their belief. It considers objections like stolen body theories but finds them inadequate. It acknowledges the resurrection was unique but the circumstances surrounding it also were as well. In the end it argues the resurrection is an experience one can explore personally rather than just a historical question.

1. Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?
“The Incredulity of Saint Thomas” - Caravaggio

2. • Jesus had been flogged to
within inches of his life;
• the Romans were masters
of execution – especially
Crucifixion;
• the Centurion pierced Jesus’
body to prove he was dead;
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: Jesus passed out on the cross, revived in the tomb, and later escaped.
• Jesus’ friends wrapped his
body in tight linen bands;
• a heavy stone was rolled
across the mouth of the
tomb;
• a Roman guard was left on
duty.

3. • The tomb belonged to a
prominent Council member;
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: The women went to the wrong tomb, which was why it was empty.
• the owner would have soon
put them right.
• They knew Jesus very well,
having spent three years with
him;
• He “appeared” in a room
with them even though the
doors were locked;
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: The person they met was an imposter who looked like Jesus.
• He invited them to examine
the nail & spear wounds in
his hands, feet and side;
• He disappeared having been
with them along a road and,
later, in an inn.

4. • The disciples were sceptical
– until they each met Jesus;
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: They were traumatised: it was hallucination from wishful thinking.
• Jesus appeared to a variety
of different people.
• A possibility specifically
considered at the time;
• Jesus disproved this to them
by eating a piece of fish –
before he then disappeared;
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: They saw a ghost.
• Jesus appeared in a wide
range of different places;
• Jesus appeared to many
different people, including
“over 500 at one time”.

5. • If Jesus’ enemies stole the
body, why not simply bring it
out in order to stop the
“revived” Jesus movement?
• If Jesus’ friends stole it, why
did no-one simply admit this,
instead of accepting severe
persecution & death?
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: Someone stole the body – it was a crime or conspiracy.
• If it was all made up, why
include the “inconvenient”
fact that Jesus often wasn’t
immediately recognised?
• If it was all made up, why
make the first witnesses
women – who were thought
“unreliable” in a court of law.

6. • Maybe...
Or it might just have happened!
Why discount the original claim
– unless the argument rests on
the pre-judged assumption that
“resurrections just don’t
happen!” ?
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
The Alternative: It was a combination of these, or some other unknown explanation.
• An totally unique event is
hard to test scientifically;
but the possibility of a unique
event should not be discounted
if the conditions surrounding it
are also unique – which in this
case, they are - ie God with us.

7. • Many people met the risen
Jesus during the time of the
resurrection appearances...
• but when the Spirit came
they realised that the same
Jesus was with them – but in
a different way.
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
Is it just a historical question?
• Since then, billions of
people claim to know Jesus
personally...
• not as a ghost, not as a
historical memory, not as an
idea, not as a feeling, but as a
person spiritually present.

8. • Accept the claim tentatively,
and follow it through to see
for yourself.
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
What choices are there?
• Discount the claim as
“impossible” and close yourself
off to personal exploration.
• Possibility of self-delusion,
though healthy scepticism
will probably be a sufficient
guard!
The Claim: Jesus Rose From The Dead
What are the risks of tentative acceptance or refusal?
• Missing out on the greatest
discovery – an experience
which could change your life
for ever.