Jesus is really alive. The resurrection is the basis of the Christian life. It affirms Jesus’ claim as Messiah and proves His sacrifice for sin was sufficient to complete the work of our salvation. Satan has always attacked the truth of the resurrection because if he can undermine the resurrection, he destroys the possibility of our redemption. Through the years, scoffers have proposed theories to explain the empty tomb. Here are some examples and evidence to disprove them.
The Stolen Body Theory
The Jewish leadership proposed this explanation immediately after the resurrection. Matthew 28: 11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. [1]
Pilate had dispatched guards at the Jewish leadership’s request (Matthew 27:62-66). Now, these guards become eyewitnesses to the truth and must be bribed. If a soldier lost a person they were guarding, or in this case a corpse, they faced the death penalty. This was the reason that Jewish leadership promised to stand up for the guards and their lie.
The curious thing is that the disciples hid and did not expect Jesus to return. Even though Jesus had told them multiple times that He would rise they didn’t understand. They would have had no reason to perpetuate the hoax. Ironically, the Jewish leadership and not the disciples remembered what Jesus had said about rising.
The Swoon Theory
This theory supposed that Jesus didn’t really die but only fainted and the cool of the tomb revived Him. The Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus knew their business and knew when the crucified were dead. John 19: 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.)[2]
This theory does not explain how a wounded Jesus could let Himself out of the tomb. Nor does it explain how Jesus’ body could appear, disappear, and walk through doors after the crucifixion.
The Wrong Tomb Theory
This theory states that the women went to the wrong tomb. Yet, we know the women saw the burial on Friday. Luke 23: 55 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law. [3] Not only did the women return to this grave, but the Roman soldiers, Peter, and John, were also at the same tomb.
Believe that Jesus is Really Alive
We can be sure that Jesus is the only one who predicted His death and resurrection, and it came true. Jesus’ blood shed on the cross paid the sin price for us. When we receive His gift of salvation and follow Jesus, we also have the promise of our future resurrection to live with Him for eternity. Jesus is really alive. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-power-of-promise
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.