Not everyone acknowledges Jesus.

It’s a fact. Some are atheists (no God at all), then there are the agnostics (not knowing if God exists), and those who are anti-Christ (anyone denying Jesus is anti-Christ). There are, however, those who believe Jesus was the only ever man-God, that He lived in the first century, performed great miracles, and gave a fantastic message of hope, peace, love, and a perfect life without sin, disease, anxiety, or financial burdens.

The gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, testify to Jesus. They provide the most detailed accounts of His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The gospels describe him as a Jewish preacher from Nazareth who was crucified under Pontius Pilate. The gospels are early sources written within living memory of Jesus’ life (estimated 30–33 CE, death). They contain historical details consistent with 1st-century Judea, such as references to Pilate, Herod, and Jewish customs.

The historian Tacitus wrote of Nero blaming Christians for burning sections of Rome. Tacitus named Jesus as their founder, who was executed by Pilate under the rule of Tiberius.

Then, Josephus, a Jewish historian writing for Rome, references Jesus in the Testimonium Flavianum, describing Him as a wise man, teacher, and one who was crucified under Pilate.

Resurrection as Evidence

The resurrection of Jesus is the rock of Christianity, teaching that Jesus is divine.

• The Empty Tomb: All four Gospels claim Jesus’ tomb was empty on the third day (Sunday), just as He predicted (e.g., Mark 16:1-8). Women were the first witnesses of the empty tomb, testifying it was empty (women were considered less credible witnesses in 1st-century culture), a mark of historical evidence.
• Post-Resurrection Appearances: The Gospels and Paul report that Jesus appeared to His disciples, including Thomas, and to former enemies such as Paul. These accounts were written within decades of Jesus’ resurrection. First Corinthians 15:3-8 has it that over 500 witnesses saw Jesus after the resurrection.
• The Disciples: Scattered disciples became firm proclaimers of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 8:4). The resurrection is the action that is shown as direct evidence of a life-changing event. Similarly, the conversion of Paul from persecutor to apostle is astonishing (Acts 9:5).

Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies of the Old Testament. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, are among the most profound of all time. Then, there are the miracles. His disciples believed Jesus did them. The miracles healed the deaf, the blind, the lame, and the lepers and removed demons and leprosy. He brought people back from the dead on three occasions.

John wrote, in John 20:30, “Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

John 20:31 But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Lots of evidence about Him exists. If the miracles are true, and I believe they are, if the historical accounts are true, and I believe they are, then the wisest choice is to follow His teachings and commands so that all may enter heaven on the day of judgment. The same book that speaks of Jesus also speaks of judgment, heaven, and hell.

By: Garland Van Dyke

Where: Matthews St. church of Christ, Bay City, TX 77414

Contact us: PO Box 1522, Bay City, TX, 77414

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