14 Nov Following The Evidence #76
Can we be sure that Jesus actually died? In establishing this we first need to examine the extent of Jesus physical injuries. Since the night before, He had taken neither food nor drink as He endure 7 trials through the night and early morning. On the morning of the 15th Nisan, He was flogged with the cat of nine tails. He collapsed on the way to Calvary carrying His own cross. He was crucified twisted sideways, where breathing could only be achieved by pushing up from His feet. That is why the Romans would break their legs when they wanted them to die – it would asphyxiate them. Finally, the Roman guard thrust his spear into the side of Jesus to verify that He was actually dead.
Remember, it is not the crucifixion and pain that is important, because thousands of people were crucified by the Romans. It is who He was that is significant.
Added to His significant injuries we have the testimony of the guards (they were unbiased witnesses.) They speared him to make sure. Then there was the testimony of Pilate. His enemies also must have made sure he was dead – there were no arguments to the contrary. There was also the testimony of those who buried Him. It was His enemies that requested that Pilate but the Roman seal on the tomb stone and place a Roman guard in front of the tomb. This guaranteed no stealing of the body.
It was a historical fact that the tomb was empty. It was Jesus’ opponent’s testimony, but they could not produce a body. It was the disciple’s testimony based on their integrity and a moral religion that forbade lying. It was Paul’s testimony. He had been a vehement and violent opponent of the early Christians until Jesus appeared to him. It was the soldier’s testimony. That was the purpose of them being there. There was no time for legend or embellishment, this all happened in a few days. The guard was posted, the seal was on the stone. The site of the tomb was known, and the tomb was known to be empty. Without these facts belief in the resurrection would have been impossible.
Saul, a Jewish enemy of the early church (who latter become the apostle Paul) adds testimony and guarantee to the fact of the empty tomb. He was dramatically converted when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road. He was rendered blind after being hurled from His horse. He would latter write these words to the Corinthians, “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-6.
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