Come and See, Go and Tell: Session 4 – Making The Case

The Case for the Resurrection: Compelling Eyewitness Testimony Have you ever been asked to make a case for something you believe in? As a pastor, I'm often called to do just that – especially when it comes to the cornerstone of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, I want to present a compelling case for this world-changing event, not through complex theological arguments, but through something much more relatable: eyewitness testimony. The Power of Eyewitness Accounts When it comes to establishing truth, few things are as powerful as a credible eyewitness. Think about it – in a courtroom, a reliable eyewitness can make or break a case. Their testimony is compelling when it's: 1. Notable – describing something truly extraordinary 2. Credible – coming from a trustworthy source 3. Relevant – having a direct impact on those involved With these criteria in mind, let's examine the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection and see how they stack up. Witness #1: The Apostles The first witnesses I want to call to the stand are the apostles themselves. These were ordinary men who had an extraordinary experience. In Acts 2:32, Peter boldly declares, "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses." Think about the gravity of this statement. Peter is standing in Jerusalem, mere weeks after Jesus' crucifixion, addressing the very people who had participated in putting Jesus to death. He's not thousands of miles away or years removed from the event. He's right there, in the thick of it, proclaiming, "We saw Him die, and we saw Him alive again." The apostles' testimony is notable because they claim to have seen a man rise from the dead. It's credible because they were willing to face persecution and death for this claim. And it's relevant because if true, it changes everything about how we understand life, death, and our relationship with God. Witness #2: The Prophets Our second witness might surprise you – it's the prophets of the Old Testament, particularly King David. In Acts 2:25-28, Peter quotes from Psalm 16, written by David centuries before Jesus' birth: "I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved... Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Peter argues that David couldn't have been talking about himself, since David's body did indeed decay in the grave. Instead, David was prophesying about the Messiah who would conquer death. This testimony is notable for its foresight, credible due to its fulfillment, and relevant as it connects Jesus to the long-awaited Messianic prophecies. Witness #3: God the Father Our final witness is none other than God the Father Himself. Throughout Jesus' life and ministry, the Father testified to His Son's identity and mission. As Peter states in Acts 2:22, Jesus was "a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you." The Father's testimony culminates in the resurrection itself. Acts 2:24 declares, "Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." This divine testimony is the most notable, credible, and relevant of all – for who can argue with God Himself? The Verdict of History Now, I want to present one more piece of evidence – the reaction of those who heard Peter's sermon that day. These were people who had the means and motive to disprove the resurrection if it were false. Yet Acts 2:41 tells us, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Three thousand people, right there in Jerusalem, accepted the testimony and believed in the risen Jesus. This wasn't just a temporary emotional response – verse 42 says, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Putting It Into Practice: What's Your Verdict? So, what's your verdict? The eyewitnesses have spoken. The case has been made. Jesus of Nazareth lived, died, and rose again. This isn't just ancient history – it's a truth that can transform your life today. If you're convinced by the testimony, here's what Peter says you should do: 1. Repent – Change your mind about who Jesus is and turn away from sin. 2. Believe – Put your trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord. 3. Be baptized – Publicly identify yourself with Christ and His church. 4. Follow – Become a disciple, learning to obey all that Jesus taught. Remember, as Peter said in Acts 4:12, "There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Jesus is alive, and because He lives, you can live also – not just for this life, but for eternity. What will your response be to this compelling eyewitness testimony?