Appearances

4^TH and 1

Appearances to the Apostles

The disciples now had reason for hope (given Mary Magdalene’s testimony), but they were also still afraid (given Jesus’ death and now missing body). While meeting behind locked doors Sunday evening, Jesus appeared to the Apostles.

The Message of Jesus’ Appearances to the Apostles

1.     Jesus’ resurrection prompts peace

2.      Jesus’ resurrection prompts investigation

3.      Jesus’ resurrection prompts a mission

4.      Jesus’ resurrection prompts Pentecost

5.      Jesus’ resurrection prompts a decision

FACT #1        THE TOMB WAS EMPTY

Theory #1     Near Death – Jesus only fainted

BUT Roman Soldiers knew how to kill people

BUT that is medically impossible

                        BUT that wouldn’t have inspired a movement  

Theory #2     Wrong Tomb – The went to the wrong tomb

BUT that mistake would have been remedied

                        BUT that doesn’t account for the appearances

           

Theory #3     Stolen Body – The body was stolen

                        BUT the tomb was guarded

                        BUT that doesn’t account for the appearances

                        BUT why would they die for a lie?           

Theory #4     Switcharoo – It wasn’t Jesus who died

                        BUT this theory is ridiculous

                        BUT that tomb wouldn’t have been empty         

FACT #2        JESUS APPEARED TO MANY

Theory #5     Twin Brother – It was someone else

                        BUT this theory is ridiculous

                        BUT this doesn’t account for the empty tomb

Theory #6     Mass Hallucination – Minds play tricks

                        BUT hallucinations come 1 person at a time

                        BUT they were skeptical

                        BUT this doesn’t account for the empty tomb

Theory #7     Spiritual Resurrection – Jesus was a ghost

                        BUT this theory is based on a false worldview

BUT Jesus appeared physically

BUT this doesn’t account for the empty tomb

Theory #8     Mass Conspiracy – They made it up

                        BUT how much did they have to gain?

                        BUT how did they involve so many people?

BUT why die for a lie?