By Jim Mettenbrink
Christianity, unlike literally all other religions, rests not on what Jesus said, but on what He did – rise alive from the dead. We have considered the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John regarding Jesus’ crucifixion, i.e., that He died in His human body and that He was buried. But did He rise from the grave?
We considered that Jesus’ burial was certified by those who wanted Him dead because they thought His disciples would steal the body and then claim that He rose. And they appealed to governor Pilate for a guard (Roman guards were from 4-16 men) and that the tomb had an official seal that Jesus alone was in it (Matthew 27:62-66).
At daybreak on Sunday, there was an earthquake and simultaneously dead folks rose from their graves and walked around in Jerusalem. One can only imagine the shock of seeing dead relatives alive again (Mat 27:51-53). We are told that they rose, but not how long they lived after that. That they are called saints indicates their faith had been in Jesus (v52). This event is symbolic of the promise that Jesus will give eternal life to faithful Christians on judgment day (1 John 2:25). But did Jesus rise? Who saw the resurrection?
Unless one of the guards actually was looking at the round tomb stone when it was thrown aside and the sudden appearance of the angel sitting on it, no one did (Mat 28:2). However, that moment was so shocking all of the soldiers passed out (Mat 28:4). That the tomb was now empty, they were so concerned about being put to death for dereliction of duty, they went to the chief priests for protection from the Roman governor. In turn, the priests bribed them to lie about Jesus’ resurrection and gave assurance they would not be put to death (Mat 28:11-15). But this attempted coverup didn’t cover up!
The women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:25) were on the way to the tomb bringing more burial spices for His body. One was Mary Magdalene whom Jesus had cast out seven demons during His late ministry in Galilee (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:1-2). The mentions of her being at His cross and now His tomb, reveals her gratitude and deep commitment to Jesus. John recorded that even while it was dark, she arrived at the tomb (Jn 20:1). All four accounts of Jesus’ resurrection focus specifically on her actions. Why?
Mary Magdalene was the first recorded witness to see Jesus alive and converse with Him at the tomb. At first she did not recognize Him, evidently not expecting Him to be alive. She immediately went to the disciples to tell them she had seen the Lord and had spoken with Him (Jn 20:11-18).
Did others see Jesus alive? Testimony please!