THE PROOFS OF HIS RESURRECTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 24:1-8
“He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:5-10, John 20:24-29, Acts 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Romans 1:4
INTRODUCTION:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, our preaching is in vain, and our faith is empty. The empty tomb not only signifies the defeat of death, but it also establishes Christ’s divinity and the authenticity of His message. The resurrection is not a myth or an emotional tale; it is a historically and spiritually proven reality.
Satan and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day tried to suppress the truth of His resurrection. They spread lies and paid the guards to claim the disciples stole His body. But the resurrection cannot be silenced. God ensured there were undeniable proofs—witnesses, physical appearances, fulfilled prophecies, and transformed lives—that boldly testify to the reality of the risen Lord.
This message presents the solid proofs of Christ’s resurrection and challenges us to embrace the risen Christ not only as a historical fact, but as a living reality that transforms our lives today. If He is truly risen, then everything changes—our faith, our purpose, and our eternal destiny.
1. THE EMPTY TOMB CONFIRMS HIS RESURRECTION
The first and most immediate proof of Jesus’ resurrection was the empty tomb.
a) The Stone Was Rolled Away
The stone meant to seal death was supernaturally rolled away (Matthew 28:2).
b) The Grave Clothes Were Left Behind
Jesus left behind the linen cloths, not stolen, but risen (John 20:6-7).
c) No Evidence of Body Theft
Roman guards could not explain the missing body (Matthew 28:11-15).
d) The Tomb Was Publicly Known
The location of His burial was not secret, making the evidence undeniable (Mark 15:47).
Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene and the other women saw the empty tomb and were told by angels that He had risen (Luke 24:1-6).
2. HIS POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCES PROVE HE IS ALIVE
Jesus physically appeared to many people after His resurrection.
a) He Appeared to the Women First
He met them on the road and spoke with them (Matthew 28:9-10).
b) He Appeared to the Disciples
He walked, talked, and ate with them (Luke 24:36-43).
c) He Appeared to Over 500 Brethren
This massive appearance removes the idea of hallucination (1 Corinthians 15:6).
d) He Showed His Wounds
He invited Thomas to touch His wounds (John 20:27).
Biblical Example: Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and revealed Himself through the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-31).
3. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE DISCIPLES IS EVIDENCE
The resurrection turned fearful disciples into bold witnesses.
a) From Fear to Boldness
Peter, who denied Him, boldly preached on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-24).
b) Willingness to Die for the Truth
The disciples faced death rather than deny the resurrection (Acts 5:29-33).
c) Empowered by the Spirit
The resurrection brought new power and purpose (Acts 1:8).
d) Their Message Was Consistent
From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, their message was the same: “He is risen!” (Acts 4:33).
Biblical Example: Thomas, once a doubter, declared, “My Lord and my God!” after seeing the risen Christ (John 20:28).
4. FULFILLED PROPHECIES VALIDATE HIS RESURRECTION
The resurrection fulfilled both Jesus’ own predictions and Old Testament prophecies.
a) Jesus Predicted His Resurrection
He spoke clearly about rising on the third day (Mark 9:31).
b) The Scriptures Foretold It
David prophesied it in Psalms (Psalm 16:10).
c) Typologies Pointed to It
Jonah in the belly of the fish was a sign (Matthew 12:40).
d) The Prophets Spoke of It
Isaiah spoke of the suffering servant rising (Isaiah 53:10-11).
Biblical Example: Peter quoted David’s prophecy in his Pentecost sermon to confirm the resurrection (Acts 2:25-32).
5. THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL IS A LIVING PROOF
The resurrection power fuels the growth of the Church even today.
a) The Church Was Birthed by Resurrection Power
Without the resurrection, there would be no gospel (1 Corinthians 15:14).
b) Miracles Confirm the Risen Christ
Signs and wonders validate the living Jesus (Mark 16:20).
c) Lives Are Still Being Changed
Sinners are transformed by the living Saviour (2 Corinthians 5:17).
d) The Message Cannot Be Silenced
Despite persecution, the gospel continues to thrive (Acts 8:4).
Biblical Example: Paul encountered the risen Christ and became the greatest missionary (Acts 9:1-6).
CONCLUSION:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a fable or religious fantasy—it is a historical, spiritual, and transformational reality. Every proof presented in Scripture confirms that He truly rose from the dead. These proofs are not just to inform us, but to inspire our faith and boldness.
We must now live in the power and assurance of the resurrection. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Because He lives, our sins are forgiven, and our future is secure. The same power that raised Jesus is at work in us—let us walk in it and testify boldly.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus that guarantees my victory.
2. Father, let the power of the resurrection work mightily in every area of my life.
3. Lord Jesus, reveal Yourself to me in a deeper and living way.
4. Father, give me boldness to proclaim the risen Christ without fear.
5. Lord, may my life be a continual proof of the resurrection power.
