March 23, 2008
By Jeremy J. Main
The resurrection of Jesus is proof that He is the Son of God. How does the resurrection show the deity of Christ? The resurrection is such as to be beyond the ability of mere men. From this we must conclude that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Paul wrote that God’s Son Jesus Christ our Lord was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4 NKJV).
While staying in Galilee, Jesus foretold His own unlawful arrest and murder (Matt. 17:22-23). Understandably, this horrible news caused the disciples great sorrow. However, His prediction was not limited to His death on the cross but also His resurrection from the dead. The patriarch David, ancestor of Jesus, spoke long ago concerning the resurrection of the Christ (Acts 2:31). The gospel is the source of hope for those who give heed to the Lord (cf. 1 Pet. 1:3).
On the sad occasion of the death of Lazarus, Jesus had the opportunity to prove that He is God. Both Martha and Mary said to Jesus: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). At the time they did not realize what Jesus told Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Jesus had the authority to raise the dead as easily as one awakens another from sleep. Not only could He raise the dead, but could also give eternal life (cf. John 10:28). Only God could do such things.
After His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples. The eleven worshiped Him (Matt. 28:17). They saw His hands and His side (John 20:20). What better proof could have been presented? Later, Thomas was given the opportunity to handle the Christ (John 20:27-28; 1 John 1:1). He exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
Luke recorded the resurrection as a historical event (cf. Acts 1:1-4). In his prelude, Luke wrote concerning Christ: “He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days.” What did Luke mean by “infallible proofs?” He meant that the fact of the resurrection of Jesus is beyond reasonable doubt! He did not demonstrate His physical resurrection for an hour or for even a day, but for forty days until His ascension into heaven.
Also, note the numbers of witnesses to the resurrected Jesus. The Bible tells us that He was seen “by over five hundred brethren at once” (1 Cor. 15:6). This is impressive to say the least. Oh, but Paul did not stop there. He wrote that “the greater part remain to the present.” Not only were there a large number of witnesses, but also most of the witnesses were still alive and able to testify at the time Paul penned the epistle. Trustworthy witnesses such as Cephas (Peter) and James are also named.
The resurrection can even be seen in the plan of salvation (Rom. 6:5; 1 Pet. 3:21). By our faithful obedience to the gospel of Christ, we loudly proclaim with the disciples of old: “The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34)!