THE QUESTION....ANSWERED !!

Professor C. E. M. Joad of the University of London was once asked, "If you could meet anyone of the past and had to ask him the most important questions in the world -- Whom would you wish to meet?"

And what question would you ask?  Professor Joad replied "Jesus Christ" and the question I would ask Him is "Did you really rise from the dead?"

This is certainly the most important question in the world.  Why?  Because if Jesus did not rise from the dead, how could any of the millions of this world hope to conquer death, to rise from their graves and live eternally.  There would be no hope for mankind, if Jesus did not rise from the dead.  All of our hopes would be in vain, empty and useless, and all believers and Christians would be living in a fool's paradise of Make-Believe; hoping, yet devoid of any reason to hope.

As a lawyer I do declare that the evidence is clear, irrefutable and points unmistakably to a positive YES.  Yes, Jesus did rise from the dead.

In order to arrive at this conclusion, let us set out the evidence, let us not restrict it to the narrow confines of the question under consideration.  Let us approach it from a broad base, under seven (7) heads.

1.

Did Jesus live?

2.

Was Jesus placed on trial for His life?

3.

What trial was accorded Jesus?

(a)  The Plot

(b)  Why the Plot failed

(c)  Jesus on trial

(d)  Jesus before Annas

(e)  Jesus before Caiaphas

(f)  Jesus before Pilate

4.

Was Jesus crucified - dead and buried?

5.

Was His tomb found empty?

6.

What is the evidence for His resurrection?

7.

Is Jesus alive today?

l.   DID JESUS LIVE?

How do we know that Napoleon lived?  Or Julius Caesar?  Well, because historians of that age, did so record.  In like manner the historians of the first century and around that period, like Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Eusebius -- They all have acknowledged that Jesus lived; that He attracted a following, and that He was a good man to whom many miracles were attributed.

Today even the agnostics and atheists readily admit that Jesus lived.  The Christians say His birth was natural, but His conception was supernatural.  The Bible vide the Old Testament has 318 prophecies about the coming of Jesus, His birth, that He would be born of a virgin, etc.  Indeed it is interesting to note that in the Koran, Muhammad also writes about Jesus being born of the "Will of God" that is that He had no natural father.

There are 27 Bibles in the world, most of them speak of Jesus as a person who lived and walked the Earth.  Only one the Christian Bible speaks of His Deity.  That He is the Son of God.  Jesus is referred to as a person who lived in Judea, a Galilean.

The first century historian Flavius Josephus wrote in his Antiquities of the Jews Book XVIII, Chap. 3, para. 3 "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure and He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles."

First century pagan Roman writers such as Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, and Seneca all also wrote of Jesus so that the Encyclopedia Britannica states "Independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus -- 1980 Edn. Vol. 10, p. 145.  So the answer to this first question is Yes, Jesus did live!

2.   WAS JESUS PLACED ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE?

Apart from eyewitnesses of the Gospels the secular historians of the first century A.D. do refer to the trial and conviction of Jesus.  Even though these historians treated it with indifference as most were unbelievers, nevertheless their reports do appear and confirm the fact.

The Jewish historian Josephus for example who wrote a history of the Jewish Nation in 90 A.D.  (Jesus was crucified about 30 A.D.) wrote: "At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus.  And His conduct was good and He was known to be virtuous.  And many from other nations became His disciples.  Pilate condemned Him to be crucified and to die.  And those who had become His disciples did not abandon His discipleship.  They reported that He had appeared to them three days after His crucifixion and that He was alive."

Again, the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are there for the world to peruse.  All written as a matter of record.  The Chief Justice of New Zealand Sir Leslie Heron in an address which he gave puts it this way:  "Let any objective reader put side by side the four Gospels and add to them the account in Acts of the Apostles, and he will be struck, with one outstanding fact.  It is this, that while there may be a great variety of detail or form of expression or narration of or emphasis put on occurrences, underneath it all, the substance and weight of the narration are true"...."In the case of the trial of Jesus, the simplicity with which events of stupendous import are told arrests and holds the mind of any judge accustomed to evaluate evidence, making an indelible impression, and leaving an abiding sense of the realism and veritable fact of the most tragic incident in all human history."  So once again the answer to this question is:  YES, Jesus was placed on trial.  But what a trial!!!

3.   WHAT TRIAL WAS ACCORDED JESUS?

Many differing views have been expressed on this subject.  Some hold that there was no trial.  Others that it was a farcical trial.  A few dare to suggest it conformed to Hebrew Law.  I would prefer to approach the question objectively and legally, but to do so we must turn back the pages of history and examine the background.

Mary the mother of Jesus was a Jewess.  The Jews were a turbulent race.  They endured massacres, slavery and conquest.  At the time of the birth of Jesus, Judaism was re-established in the homeland of King David, and the Jews were looking with eager expectation for a mighty King, a Messiah, to come and save them.  They were agitating against their conquerors the Romans.

Civil War against the Romans broke out, then Herod the Great became Governor of Galilee.  He dominated the political and religious affairs of the Jews, and this he did for 25 years before the birth of Jesus.  He enslaved the Jews, taxed them and squandered large sums on the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.  The Jews waited and waited for a King, for a mighty warrior to come and deliver them.

So beneath the surface of peace, the Romans feared the imminence of an outbreak once again of civil war, while the Jews tolerated the unhappy situation hoping and praying for deliverance.

With a record for cruelty and hateful hostility to the Jews, Herod died.  It was into this uneasy and inflammable Herodian Jewish world that Jesus was born.

Further insurrections broke out, and about the time when Jesus began His Ministry AD 27, Pontius Pilate was appointed the Roman Governor.  In him rested the full might of the Roman Power.  He represented Caesar.

Of course the Jews were given limited authority.  There were Jewish Courts and Jewish Laws, but their jurisdiction was limited.

When Jesus commenced His Ministry, it was not as a soldier nor as a military leader.  He was not seeking political power.  He did not preach against Rome; He preached against special privileges; He spoke of love; He led the life He advocated.

The Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees were the political nobility.  The Pharisees were the legal scholars, the Sadducees were the political nobility.  Jesus was not the Messiah for whom they were looking.  They regarded Him as a threat to their position and status, so after three years of His teaching, they were agreed on one score.  Jesus must be removed, silenced and killed.

The Sanhedrin was the Supreme Council of the Jewish people in the time of Christ.  The number of members was 71.  The President was usually the High Priest and while in session the members sat in the form of a half circle.

As a judicial body the Sanhedrin constituted a Supreme Court.  The power of inflicting capital punishment was taken away from this tribunal some 40 years before the destruction of Jerusalem.  They could sentence under their law subject to the ratification of the Governor, at that time Pilate.  With this brief background let us firstly examine....

(a) THE PLOT

(Mat. 26:3)  "Then the Chief Priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the High Priest, whose name ass Caiaphas, plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill Him, but not during the Feast.  they said, lest there may be a riot among the people."  Note who were present, the Chief Priests and the elders and the venue was Caiaphas' palace.  There were among the very ones who had set snares and traps for Jesus at an earlier period in His Ministry, but always they had failed.

For example they had sought to charge Jesus with profaning the Sabbath which was a capital offence, charging that Jesus' Disciples had picked ears of grain to eat, and Jesus himself had healed a man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, but always the replies by Jesus put them to flight.  They even asked Jesus by what Authority He did His miracles, hoping they could found a charge of blasphemy against Him, but once again they failed.

Questions were put designed to bring forth incriminating answers, "Show us a sign from heaven" they requested.  This again was a trap as sorcery and false prophecy were capital offences.  Yet always the answers of Jesus foiled them.

The Jewish leaders in the Sanhedrin were in a dilemma.  Remembering always that they were subject to Pilate, who had the final word and authority over the sentence of death.  What could they do to achieve their ends?  What should they do?  They were desperate.  They met and plotted, and so entered into a Conspiracy to murder.  Yes to murder Jesus!

The crowds, and this includes the ordinary Jewish citizen, were spiritually hungry people.  Many loved Jesus.  So the plotting rulers opined that whatever was to be done, had to be done quickly and by stealth, to get rid of this man who had personally cleared the Temple of commercial and religious corruption; they sent out their agents to get hold of Jesus.  The arrest was planned for Thursday of what we call the Holy Week.  Yes, the conspirators had decided....They would not only arrest Jesus, but kill, murder Him.

Judas was to supply the information when and how and where Jesus might be taken quietly, secretly and alone away from the crowds.  These Religious rulers feared the crowds and His death had to be before Friday at Sunset, for then the Passover would commence.

Now what was the purpose behind the acquisition of the services of Judas?  Clearly that he might lead them where Jesus would be alone with His disciples.  What was their plan?  The Jewish Priests and leaders were not fools, they knew and expected that His disciples would stand by Jesus, they would not permit Him to be taken by force.  They would resist force with force and this would provide the setting, the scenario for them in the using of force to kill Jesus.  They had no intention of arresting Him for a trial.  Arrest Him, Yes, but since they anticipated resistance, this would provide the excuse to kill Him, and with His death there would be no necessity for a trial.

If the arrest were genuine and the question of killing was not involved, then the Priests and Elders would have had their witnesses ready and prepared and coached in their testimony, so that the very strict corroboration necessary to prove their case would have been forthcoming and ready.  Their case would have been prepared in advance.

(b) WHY THE PLOT FAILED?

So here we are at the stage where "A large crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders (Mk. 14:43) descended on Jesus."

John in his Gospel explained "They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons and when Jesus said I am He "They drew back and fell on the ground".  Note well the words "They drew back and fell on the ground."  They were stunned.  The tremendous spiritual dynamism of Our Lord was too much for them.  They just could not stand up facing Jesus the son of God, they drew back and fell on the ground.  Their well laid plans were now coming unstuck by the unforeseen.  John 18:10 continued "Then Simon Peter who had a sword drew it and struck the High Priest's servant (Malchus) cutting off his right ear."  This opposition was expected -- This is how they expected the disciples to react.  But the soldiers clearly still affected by Jesus' presence and having fallen back, did not immediately react as planned, and so almost immediately we find Jesus in command of the situation "Jesus commanded Peter, Put your sword away shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

The tables were turned.  Instead of belligerence, force and hostility, Jesus by His words and actions turned the atmosphere to one of peace and tranquility.  He healed Malchus' ear, He submitted to the arrest, to be bound and taken to the ex High Priest Annas, a wicked man.

No longer could the plan be carried out for the ostensible arrest and with it the anticipated opposition presenting the opportunity to kill Jesus, was no longer there.  How could the soldiers kill a person who was meekly submitting to their authority?!  No, they could now only carry out the directive of Arrest.

(c)  JESUS ON TRIAL

Frank Morison in his book "Who moved the Stone: reasons that the arrest of Jesus took place in the Garden of Gethsemane at a late hour as the disciples were tired, there were three separate periods of slumber and it was so dark that torches had to be used.  Now who had procured the arrest?  Why the very members of the Jewish Tribunal, who constituted the very Court to try Jesus.  They were the very ones who were accomplices to the foul perpetration of bribery and conspiracy to murder.  Yet they were to be the very judges to try Jesus and pronounce sentence on Him.  Can you contemplate anything more diabolically unjust?

The whole trial from beginning to end was scandalous. If there were any criminal appeal or review, such conduct could never bear the test of scrutiny.  The Priests and Jewish leaders now had Jesus in their power.  He was arrested.  He was about to be tried for His life according to Hebrew Law.  The first question which arises is -- Was there a trial before the Sanhedrin?  I would like to quote Chief Justice Sir Leslie Heron, of the Supreme Court of New Zealand who wrote:

"I have studied this question with great care.  I have given deep consideration to the claim of Jewish writers that no trial before the Sanhedrin ever took place.  All they say that happened is that Jesus was interrogated before Caiaphas about His religious teachings.  But I reject this theory.  Great legal authorities like Lord Shaw of Dunfermline, a Lord of Appeal in England and Chief Justice McRuer, Chief Justice of the High Court of Ontario have declared after close study that a trial was held by the highest court in Judea."

To this I add my humble contribution.  This certainly was a trial before the Sanhedrin, although the word trial might be qualified by adjectives such as shocking, scandalous, and shameful.

(d)   JESUS BEFORE ANNAS

Annas a former high priest and father in law of Caiaphas attempted to extort a confession from Jesus.  He had Jesus beaten, but all to no avail.  These proceedings were entirely illegal according to Hebraic Law, as no accused could be interrogated until sent for public trial and he could only be sent for public trial after a prima facie  case had been made out.  So what Annas was seeking to do was illegal, unconstitutional and unjust.  There was no preliminary inquiry and so Jesus could not be sent for trial.  He had Jesus bound and sent to Caiaphas  to stand trial before the Sanhedrin.

In all Criminal cases, the Hebrew Law was strict and particularly so in capital cases which included blasphemy and being a false prophet.  The death penalty was carried out by stoning, beheading and the like -- Never by crucifixion which was exclusively a Roman form of punishment.

Hebrew Law was strict.  If one witness failed to agree with another, the evidence of both was invalid.  The accused had a right to give evidence in his own defense.  A right which was not available in England until 1898 some 1900 years later.  Here we had no preliminary inquiry.  No witnesses leading evidence on which they were ad idem.  So there could be no trial.

The Hebrew Law favoured the accused so that even after a trial and a conviction, sentence could not be passed on the same day.  The members would gather together the next day in Plenary Session, when each again would make his declaration of guilt or innocence.

There were many other safeguards.  Yet, this entire procedure was scrapped at this demon conceived investigation.  Jesus was sent to trial before Caiaphas, but the dice was loaded against Him.  He could never hope to have the semblance of fair or impartial trial, for Caiaphas  himself was one who was deeply involved in the conspiracy and plot to kill Him, as related earlier.

(e)   JESUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS

The very appearance of Jesus before Caiaphas was illegal.  Why?  Because under Jewish Law it was the witnesses who were required (a) to  arrest the accused and (b) to charge him with the offence and (c) to give the evidence in support of the charge.  Yet here we have the Temple guards who were not witnesses arresting Jesus and not testifying.

Again it was illegal to try a capital charge i.e. one wherein the penalty was death, by night, and the night was already far spent.  Further the custom was to warn the witnesses that if their testimony failed to come up; to the required standard of strict corroboration, not only would the accused be acquitted but they the witnesses in turn would be sentenced to death by stoning.  Finally it was illegal for the Judges to cross examine or ask questions of the accused.

Note well these principles, for in respect of each vital requirement and observance, there was a startling failure to observe any of them, thus rendering the trial a sham and a disgrace to the system of Jewish Jurisprudence.  Now there were 3 classes of testimony set out in the Misclina and recognized as law:

(a)

vain testimony where the testimony was worthless;

(b)

standing testimony where the evidence is accepted provisionally until confirmed or otherwise;

(c)

adequate testimony where the witnesses agreed, and the case was so proved.

Mark states the witnesses who came forward did not agree together.  Mark 14:57 "Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against Him.  We heard him say, I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days build another, not made by man.  Not even then did their testimony agree."

Here they were charging Jesus with sorcery of which the penalty was death, and sacrilege wherein the penalty was stoning.

The Jewish Tribunal knew that whatever was done that night at the trial had to be brought again the next morning before the Sanhedrin in Plenary for ratification.

Once before they had had trouble with Nicodemus who demanded a fair hearing for Jesus, so a flaw in the accusation could well result in the release of the prisoner Jesus.

Clearly the witnesses were using half truths which might well be termed the biggest lie of all.  For what Jesus really said is recorded by Saint John "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up, but he spake of the temple of his body."

The case against Jesus should have ended there and then.  The witnesses had spoken.  They had failed to agree.  They the witnesses should have been sentenced to death.  Caiaphas was thwarted.  His plans had not fructified. Jesus should have been discharged.

Yes, it was the duty of the Jewish Court to protect the interests of the accused; yet the exasperated Caiaphas discarding all known proprieties and legal requirements asked Jesus Mk. 14:60.  Are you not going to answer?  What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?  Again, no answer from Jesus.  No case is made out yet Caiaphas calls on Jesus to reply.  Outlandish!  Impossible!

The trial which was degenerating into a farce then hit the bottom.  This was reached when Caiaphas abusing all known procedures applied the most solemn form of Oath in the Hebrew Constitution:  The Oath of the Testimony, and said to Jesus "I adjure you by the living God.   Are you the Christ?  The Son of God?  Jesus replied as all the four Gospels set out "Yes, it is as you say."

Caiaphas went wild with exultation, he tore his clothes and proclaimed "He has spoken Blasphemy why do we need any more witnesses.  Look now you have heard the blasphemy.  What do you think?  He turned to his fellow members of the Sanhedrin and they responded, he is worthy of death."

This was Caiaphas' moment of triumph when all failed, he had illegally administered the sacred Oath, and to it Jesus had boldly answered truly and truthfully that, Yes, He was the Son of God.  The charge had now become blasphemy and in the eyes of the Sanhedrin this was a self-confession.  The carpenter's son had admitted that He was the Son of God.

Caiaphas knew what were the personal and political consequences of the coming of the real Messiah, the Christ.  It involved Kingship, a clash with the Romans, the emancipation of the Jews.  Caiaphas was also thinking of himself.  If Jesus were really God's son then the powers and privileges would be cut short for Caiaphas and the whole dynasty of High Priests.  This was unthinkable.  Let the aspirant die.  This would be the safest way to ensure the continuity of the status quo.

One could see passing through the mind of Caiaphas that this admission was the key to all of this problems.  The mighty Caesar would never tolerate a claimant to his throne;   anyone who sided with Jesus would "surely be no friend of Caesar."

It was now early Friday morning.  They were no longer going to have any decision confirmed by the Plenary Session of the Sanhedrin.  Luke 23:1 tells us "then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate."  Yes, observance of formalities was unnecessary every judicial rule had been broken.

Let them so continue.  Now the Sanhedrin was taking Jesus before Pilate.  A clever move to shift the responsibility to the Romans.

(f)  JESUS BEFORE PILATE

Born in Spain, Pilate achieved prominence through this marriage to Claudia Procula the grand-daughter of Augustus Caesar.  In AD 26 he was appointed Procurator of Judea.  He was a course, tactless and obstinate man as can be judged by several incidents in his life eventually leading in later years to his recall and banishment.  At the time of Jesus' trial he had already had trouble with the Jews.

Yet when Jesus appeared before him, he clearly wanted to get Jesus acquitted vide his attempt to shift the matter to Herod, and his three times assertion that Jesus was innocent.  This stand was clearly influenced by his wife Claudia who dreamt about Jesus the night before His death and had warned her husband.

Pilate heard the case very early on Friday morning.  The fact that he was hearing it within hours indicated that at first blush, he intended merely to ratify the finding of the Jewish Tribunal, but then came Claudia's message "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him."

Pilate asked the leaders of the Sanhedrin one question which upset them greatly.  He asked (John 18:29)  "What charges are you bringing against this man?"  They had expected Pilate to rubber stamp their decision, but now he was by his question going to rehear the case.  This was the Accusatio of a Roman Trial, which is then followed by the Interrogatio of the Judge (His questions) and the Excusatio or explanations of the Prisoner.

They replied, "If he were not a criminal we would not have handed him over to you".  To which Pilate retorted, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your law.  "But we have no right to execute anyone".  The Jews objected.  You will recall the Old Testament had prophesied that Jesus' death would be by hanging on a cross and this could only be ordered by the Romans, not the Jews.  Unwittingly they were ensuring that the prophecies about Jesus would be fulfilled to the smallest detail.  For example,  Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver was in the Scriptures but not all of Satan's power could make that 31 pieces or 29 pieces of silver, Satan could not change what God had laid down and through His prophets foretold.

Pilate was stubborn.  He took Jesus apart and went from the Accusatio to the Interrogatio. One remark made by the Jews, Pilate treated as the Accusatio.   They told Pilate that Jesus had said he is Christ a King. Hence, Pilate's question...."Are you King of the Jews?"  Jesus replied, "My kingship is not of this world", That placated Pilate;  Jesus was no rival for Caesar's Kingship.  Pilate thereupon returned to the courtyard and said "I find no fault in this man."

Here the case should have ended.  Verdict acquittal.  Discharge.  BUT NO!  Caiaphas knew Pilate had been reported 3 times to Rome for robbery and slaughter of the Jews.  He persisted (Luke 23:5)  "This Jesus stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching.  He started in Galilee and has come all the way over here."

So we find Pilate sending Him to Herod.  Let Herod judge.  All that Herod wanted to see were miracles.  Jesus' reputation had reached him.  He plied Jesus with questions but on receiving no answers and witnessing no miracles, he returned Jesus to Pilate.  Pilate had found no fault.  Now Herod had found no fault.

Pilate called the chief priests and rulers and the people and said (Luke 23:14)  "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion.   I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him.  Neither has Herod, for he has sent him back; as you can see he has done nothing to deserve death, therefore I will punish him and then release him."

So once again Pilate pronounces Jesus Not Guilty.  Surely the time is arrived for His discharge and release but the Jews, the Chief Priests were still persisting.  Then Pilate makes his beaugeste.  He offers to all of them present a choice.   Whom shall I release?  Barabas a murderer, one guilty of insurrection or Jesus whom I have found NOT GUILTY and whom Herod has found NOT GUILTY?

The Chief Priest using all his authority and influence stirs up the crowd to ask for the release of Barabas. "Release Barabas" comes the cry.  "What then shall I do with Jesus called the Christ" and cry goes up "Crucify Him!"  A cry that I make bold to say would be re-echoed today in this material world.  Crucify Him!  And is this not what we do daily eschewing Jesus the Saviour and serving Satan the God of our world!

The capitulation of Pilate was pitiable, down the steps he staggers to infamy in a positive squalor of procedure.  He quailed "Take him yourselves and crucify Him for I find no crime in him."

It is true (John 19:12) Pilate did try to set Jesus free but the Jews kept shouting "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar". This was Pilate's Achilles heel.  He had reports against him.  Now here was another likely report that he was no friend of Caesar.  And so just as we do today, taking the easy course, bowing to expediency, the weak vacillating.  Pilate let them have their way and washed his hands.

Never in the annals of history was there such an abuse of power, disregard of order and principles of law; never was there such a mockery of observance of procedural requirements bending of rules so that a man allegedly on trial for this life would be prejudged.

The drama had reached its climax.  Pilate had Jesus cruelly flogged.  Many had died under the infliction of this heartless scourging in which metal and bone would cut into the flesh and draw blood.  Then He was handed over to be crucified.  They mocked, spat, insulted and then led Him away to be crucified.

4.   WAS JESUS CRUCIFIED - DEAD AND BURIED?

From the 6th hour to the 9th hour darkness came over all the land.  For 3 hours Jesus was hanging from the Cross, and there was this phenomenon which scientists have never been able to explain.  It is a historical fact that for 3 hours the sun was completely darkened.  It was the time of the full moon so no eclipse was possible.  It was in the middle of the day and then behold many miracles started to take place as Jesus drew His last breath and put the final touch on His earthly sojourn as He uttered His last words "It is finished".

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom" as if cut by a sword and not fragmented, the earth shook and the rocks split.  The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life and after the resurrection of Jesus went into the holy city and appeared to many people".

But the startling and powerful evidence of the crucifixion which appeals to me is that the Centurion who permitted the scoffing and mockery of Jesus, having witnessed everything having ordered his soldier to ensure the death of the three by the breaking of their limbs if they were not dead, witnessed that it was unnecessary to break the leg of Jesus, yet to fail not in their duty one soldier pierced the side of Jesus, and out of it blood and water flowed.

Yet when the same Centurion witnessed that the earth did quake, the curtain of the temple was split and even the sun hid in shame, this hardened, callous soldier was terrified and cried out "Surely He was the Son of God".  An amazing admission out of the mouth of the very enemy.

Over the ages many have asked:  What does the blood and water signify which came out of Jesus' side?  Professor Rendle Shod, Professor of Surgery at Bristol University England states:

"As a result of the spiritual and physical agony endured by Christ, a condition of acute dilation of the stomach may have developed and the spear wound drew watery fluid from the stomach and blood from the heart and great vessels of the thorax.  Needless to say such a wound would be instantly fatal, if the victim was not already dead as indeed he was."

The Bible records of the burial of Jesus by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all confirm that (Mat. 27:57)  "As evening approached there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.  "Going to Pilate he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him?  Here Mark tells us that Pilate summoned the Centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died.  When he learned from the Centurion that this was so then he gave the body to Joseph.  Joseph bought linen, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.  Then (Mat. 27:60) he rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.  Joseph was accompanied by Nicodemus, and together they had wrapped the body with spices in strips of linen.  The woman (Luke 23:55) who had come with Jesus from Galilee saw how the body was laid in the tomb.  They went home and prepared spices and perfume to return later to the tomb as was the Jewish custom.

So here we find Jesus dead on the Cross.  Jesus taken to a tomb.  This tomb was in a garden nearby.  It was cut into the rock and there was only one opening.  In the tomb Jesus was buried, and a very large stone rolled to shut off the only opening.

Matthew here inserts 27:62 a vital piece of information "The next day....the Chief Priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.  Sir, they said, We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said "After 3 days I will rise again" so give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.  Otherwise his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead.  This last deception will be worse than the first."

Let us analyze this statement.  The Chief Priests and Pharisees (a) agreed and were satisfied that Jesus was dead; (b) while alive he said He will rise again after 3 days.  This will confirm that He was what he said he was the Son of God, His Deity was on the line (c) we must have the tomb officially made secure by Pilate otherwise (d)  His disciples may steal the dead body and say He is risen.

"Take a guard" Pilate answered. "Go make the tomb as secure as you know how."  So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard."

Again an analysis.  The Chief Priests and Pharisees were now placing their reputation, their present and their future on the line.  They were empowered to make the tomb as secure as they knew how to.  They could and probably did post their own guards.  The tomb was sealed and the Roman guard which consists of a number of soldiers and as many as 30 are posted around and at the narrow opening there is placed the very large stone.  Yes, the tomb was sealed.

The literal Greek translation is "sealed the stone with the watch". That is, that the stone is sealed in the presence of the guard and then the guard is left to keep watch over the tomb.  The sealing was performed by stretching a cord across the stone and fastening it to the rock at either end by means of sealing clay.  The guard is stationed at the doorway.  The guard would consist of a number of Roman soldiers all armed and as the guards are changed each set of guards would be entitled to check that the sealing is intact.  So the answer to the question was Jesus crucified, dead and buried?  Is Yes!

Despite all of these precautions.

5.   WAS HIS TOMB FOUND EMPTY?

YES IT WAS. JESUS WAS NO LONGER THERE Luke tells us (24:1).  "On the first day of the week very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus".  Two men in white appeared, their clothes gleamed like lightning, the men said, "He is not here.  He has risen."

This is the first news declaration of the Resurrection coming from what could only have been two angels.  Matthew (28:1) tells us "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb there was a violent earthquake for an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and going to the tomb rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men."  "The angel said to the women "Do not be afraid for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as he said...."

Mark puts it this way: "As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe (the stone which was very large had been rolled away).  You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified.  He has risen.  He is not here.

6.   WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE FOR HIS RESURRECTION?

The common denominator to the entire burial and resurrection of Jesus is that (a) the stone was rolled away (b) the presence of an angel or two angels (c) the message they gave....This Jesus who is crucified is NOT HERE.  Indeed, this they could all see for His tomb was no longer occupied (d) the declaration from God's messenger He is Risen!  The cry which the first Christians used as a salute.  "He is risen."

John in his Gospel reveals to us a most important eye witness bit of evidence "When Peter and John went into the tomb strips of linen were lying there, as well and the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head.  The cloth was folded up by itself separate from the linen."  The Greek word used describes the cloth as if the body or the head had disappeared and only the folded cloth lay by itself.  The body of Jesus had vanished.  The material things like head cloth and linen remained by themselves.

Would anyone steal a body and first gently and carefully remove and fold the strips of linen and the head dress?  Why?  To steal a naked body?  With guards all around, a tomb which had been sealed and was now an empty tomb save for the burial clothing and the strips of linen bespeak that Jesus was no longer contained by the grave.  He had conquered Death.

Do all of these factors not point to the Resurrection of Jesus?  That He who was crucified was now risen?  That Jesus had exemplified to the world His Deity as the Son of God?

Thereafter Jesus appeared to all of His disciples and He spoke to large crowds as well and on one occasion to more than 500.  Thomas was not there when He made His first appearance in the room and Thomas denied that the disciples had seen Jesus.  Thomas declared:  Until I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into His side I will not believe it.  A week later when Thomas was with them, through the locked door Jesus came and greeted them with, "Peace be with you" then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here.  See my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe."  Thomas said to him, "My Lord and My God."  The doubter had now become a fervent believer.

Now comes the question -- What is the evidence of the Empty Tomb and what is the evidence that supports the contention of the Resurrection as fact and not fiction.  Let me set it out as I would in a case.

1.

Jesus is crucified - dead and buried.

2.

Jesus' body is placed in a tomb.

The tomb is sealed.  The vigilance of the Pharisees and High Priests are clearly identified.  They sought and acquired the co-operation of Pilate.  The tomb will be secured.  It is secured and finally sealed.

Professor Albert Roper makes the following observation: "A guard of Roman soldiers numbered from 10 to 30 who sealed the tomb of Jesus with the Imperial Seals of Rome affixing thereto in wax the official stamp of the procurator himself which would be a high crime even to deface.  Thus, did these zealous enemies of Jesus unwittingly prepare in advance an unanswerable challenge to their subsequent explanation of the resurrection, an explanation which did not, and could not, in the very nature of things explain it."

Let us not forget that there was only one opening to the tomb.  An oblong 4 feet by 3 feet, across this a very large stone is rolled and then a cord is placed from one end to the other across the stone and sealed with the Roman Seal.

The seal was sacred.  The soldiers would be unconcerned about who Jesus was or claimed to be, but with their lives they would defend the seal.  No one was to touch it, or remove it without the written decree coming from the procurator himself.

Now the guard would be visited at night by the Captain of the guard and any guard found asleep on duty would be beaten or his garments set on fire.  So the suggestion of 10 guards falling asleep is ludicrous!  If they were all asleep then how would they know what had happened?  If they were awake or some were awake, would they, armed guards, have permitted this insult to the Roman Seal and have the body removed without raising an alarm and killing the intruders?

No, there can be no rational explanation as to the stone rolled away from the empty tomb save that the death of Jesus was natural but His resurrection was supernatural.  And the stone was not moved to permit Jesus to leave but to permit his disciples on the third day to enter.

3.   It is suspected that there may be efforts to steal the body away so all precautions are taken; these proved useless for God had raised His Son from the dead.

4.   On the 3rd day as Jesus predicted His body is no longer in the grave.  The tomb is empty.  The large stone at the opening is rolled away.  The burial clothes remain where Jesus lay as if the body had just dissolved.  The head cloth was apart with the folds still in place.

5.   Jesus is seen 10 times thereafter. Each appearance is recorded in the New Testament.  The appearances show variety as to time, place and people.  Each appearance was characterized by different acts and words of Jesus.  These testimonies are given by eyewitnesses fully and profoundly convinced of the truth of their statements.

6.   The testimony of Peter stands out like a beacon.  Let us look at his first address within a few days of the Resurrection.  Acts (2:23-24). "You with wicked men put him to death by nailing him to the cross.  But, God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."  Acts (2:32-33)  "God has raised Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact."

7.   Always Peter and all of the disciples preached the risen Saviour.  They were eyewitnesses.  Were they perjuring their souls?

8.   Did the Jews, the Chief Priests or any Roman never say -- You disciples lie.  You speak untruthfully?  Never!  Certainly they warned the Apostles not to speak of Jesus and they flogged them, but nowhere, yes, nowhere do they ever say, stop speaking about Jesus for what you say are lies.

9.   On one occasion Jesus spoke to more than 500, so hundreds saw Him.   That is why the Christian group starting with 120 soon attracted 3000 and then 5000 so that today there are more than 1 billion Christians living.

10.   At His Crucifixion, His disciples fled, Jesus was deserted.  Only His reappearance and Resurrection made martyrs of cowards.  Now they were proudly declaring:  "This Jesus did God raise up whereof we are all witnesses."

11.   Even the historians of that period such as Josephus and Eusebius refer to James the brother of Our Lord being stoned for his belief and James is referred to as "the brother of Jesus, who for his belief died a martyr."  These 11 points build a citadel which demands acceptance, proving that Christianity is a fact based Religion.  With Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Now let us examine what some of the critics of the Resurrection have advanced.

(a)   Hallucinations.  But Christ appeared to all sorts of people.  Hallucinations are subjective and individual, yet Christ appeared to individuals and to groups, including once to more than 500 people.  These people were persuaded against their will that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Thomas the doubter stands out as an excellent example, for only the bodily resurrection convinced him.

(b)   The swoon theory  --  that Christ did not really die.  He had swooned and the coolness of the tomb revived him.  This theory first appeared just 100 years ago.  Could Jesus beaten with more than 100 lashes, with a spear thrust in His side have recovered, come out of the tomb, leave his clothes behind and push the great big stone out of the opening and in the presence of the Roman guards and a sealed tomb escape?  Yes, and walk miles with feet that had been pierced?

Such a belief is more fantastic than the simple fact of the Resurrection itself.  Even the German critic David Strauss who is an unbeliever rejects the idea as incredible.

(c)   That the disciples stole the dead body or the authorities removed the dead body. We have already dealt with this, but let us repeat.  The guards were present.  The authorities in the face of the apostles" bold preaching about the Resurrection were silent.  The ecclesiastical leaders were seething with rage and did everything to suppress the spread of the message.  They could have produced the dead body if they had it and this would have crippled the spread of Christianity.  The old chestnut about the guards being asleep and the disciples stealing the body away could hardly have been believed by the Jews, who ceased to advance it as a reason.

It is well known that the authority of the Romans was of such a nature that guards sleeping was unheard of and who ever heard of guards being asleep and knowing what took place while they were in sleep?

Paul Little in his book "Know What and Why You Believe", cites e pieces of data to be considered in considering the question: Did Christ rise from the dead?

l.   First there is the fact of the Christian Church;  It is worldwide in scope.  Its history can be traced to Palestine around AD32.  These Christians turned the world of their time upside down.  They referred to the Resurrection as the basis for their teaching, preaching, living and dying.

2.   The fact of the Christian day. Sunday is the day of worship for Christians.  Its history can also be traced back to 32 AD.  Such a shift in the calendar was monumental and something cataclysmic must have happened to change the day of worship from the Jewish Sabbath of 7th day of the week to Sunday the first ay.  Christians shifted the day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Remembering that the first Christians were Jews.

3.   Then there is the New Testament with 6 independent testimonies of the fact of the Resurrection.  Three are by eye witnesses John, Peter, Matthew.  For myself as a Lawyer the Empty Tomb and the subsequent appearances of Jesus are proof positive.

For myself the circumstantial evidence of the empty tomb points unmistakably to the Resurrection of Jesus.  For whereas the tomb of Mohammad in Medina holds the bones of Mohammad, and the tomb in Shantung holds the bones of Confucius and the tomb in Nepal holds the bones of Buddha....There are no bones in the tomb that once held Jesus, FOR HE IS RISEN.

Add to the circumstantial evidence the direct evidence of the Eye witnesses Peter, James, Mark and the Apostles, and their willingness to die for their belief and for their personal witness and gladly suffering as martyrs, and you have the basis for the most critical and complete acceptance of God raising his son Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead to the end that all who believe in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.

As Paul puts it Cor. 15:12, "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead.  If there is no resurrection of the dead then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  You are still in your sins but Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."

The locus classicus is found in the Letter by Paul to the Corinthians when he wrote, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the 3rd day according to the scriptures and that He appeared to Peter then to the twelve.  After that He appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom as still living though some have fallen asleep.  Then, He appeared to James, then to all of the apostles and last of all He appeared to me also as to one abnormally born."

Within recent years there has been a spate of rumours that the grave of Jesus was discovered in India.  Recently it has been suggested that his grave is in Kashmir and that in some manner or form, Jesus had fled to India where he died.

This is of the devil.  Completely baseless, it is a wicked attempt to throw suspicion on the outstanding proof of the Deity of Jesus.  Because Jesus lives, I know I shall never die.  I know that, I shall one day be with Him enjoying Eternal Life.

The Empty Tomb is a historical fact, yet Satan seeks as he does in every century to cast doubts.  Today, as millions of Hindus and Mohammedans are accepting Jesus we hear of this vague suggestion, devoid of proof....that Jesus was buried in India.  If this had a scintilla of evidential value then (a) identify the tomb and publish the photograph of the tomb and  (b) produce the bones.  But I repeat this is of Satan!

7.   IS JESUS ALIVE TODAY?

The existence of Christianity is a historical fact.  Humanly speaking the early disciples faced an impossible task.  Within 7 weeks of the death of Jesus they began their mission to the very city that crucified him, Jerusalem.

Here the disciples, starting with a bare 120 Christians (Acts 1:15) proclaimed, "This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses."  Immediately because they were witnesses of His return 3000 became Christians not worshipping a dead Jesus but a living Jesus who conquered death and promised He would return.  His presence could be and was felt and subsequently 5000 believed and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour.

Today in a world ruled by materialism in which the Devil rules, there are 1 billion Christians and daily more and more are coming to an acceptance of Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life and that Salvation can only be won through Jesus.  Without Jesus there cannot be Eternal Life.  Let me issue a challenge to you the Reader that Jesus lives -- Let me not do so by the niceties of arguments or by close analytical reasonings, rather let me invite  you to a subjective test.

You accept Jesus -- Accept Him as I once did by faith, without reason.  It was not until later that the reasoning and reliance on evidence came; just accept Him open your heart to Him and see the change He will make in your life.  When you accept Christ you receive His Life.  He that heareth my word and believeth is passed from death to life says St. John.  Peter puts it, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the goals of your faith, the salvation of your soul.

Titus speaks of a regeneration.  Ezekiel states, "A new heart a new spirit will I give you."

Paul says you come alive from the dead.  All I can say my dear Reader is that I was dead until I accepted Jesus.  I thought I had everything.  I had nothing.

On a personal basis when I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour I became conscious that I was then a slave to sin.  Today my life style is changed. Today I rejoice that I am a slave to God and I glory in the reward which is offered to all mankind.  The reward of Eternal Life.

God spoke twice in the New Testament at the Baptism and the Transfiguration both times it was to declare, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, Hear ye him."

I repeat this Son of God came on Earth born of a virgin and so is fully Man but conceived by the Holy Spirit and so is fully God.  Not all the forces and powers of Satan could prevent the sacrifice He made as an atonement for our sins that we may be washed clean.  Death could not hold Him.  The grave could not contain Him.  My Jesus rose from the dead to ascend to live on earth for 40 days and to ascend to join His father -- Almighty God.  He will return for this He had promised and then all the  dead in Christ and the living in Christ will rise up to join Him as he appears.

Because He conquered death I know I shall not die.  My Jesus lives so I shall live!!  The words of Jesus to Martha rings clear today as it did 2000 years ago (John 11:25), "I am the Resurrection and the Life He who believes in me will live even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

Saint Paul writing to the Church at Corinth (2 Cor. 4:14) sums up all Christian belief which is belief factually based in a few words, "We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us...."  I erroneously used to feel that Jesus was only one way to Salvation.  I accepted God, but why could Salvation not be obtained through Muhammad or Buddha or Confucius?  It took many years before Jesus found me and touched me, before I realized that Jesus was the only one who conquered death, that the Christian Bible was the only Bible with prophecies, 1/3 of it is prophecy.  All have come true to the smallest detail, the remaining prophecies for the return of Jesus, I eagerly await (1 Cor. 15:42)  "So it will be with the resurrection of the dead.  The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

I know now that Jesus is the one and the only way to Salvation. He does not belong to me only or to a club.  If people were in a club I will admit a club of sinners saved by God's Grace.  Jesus belongs to the world for He is the Son of God.  Acts 4:12 puts it in perspective "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."  Jesus Himself said (John 14:6), "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."

I have set out the 11 points which prove the Resurrection, I claim your indulgence to reread them again.  I would like to add three riders as to what the Resurrection does:

(a)   It confirms the truth and value of what Jesus taught and did;

(b)   It is the guarantee of our Resurrection.  Because I live ye shall also live (John 14:19).

(c)   It confirms that our belief is not in a dead Christ but in the Risen Christ of an empty tomb.

(d)   All scoffers have completely failed to chip one fragment from the rock of the truth of the Resurrection of Christ and

(e)   The enemies of Christ had no motive for removing the body.  His friends had no poer to do so.

Finally, although I agree with Professor C.E.M. Joad that the question he was asked is the most vital question for humanity, I point out that the evidence of the empty tomb and resurrection is both direct and circumstantial.  It is compelling evidence which should satisfy the minds of the fair minded and the impartial.

Lord Chief Justice of England Lord Darling made a statement which has been often repeated throughout the world.  He said, "No intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the Resurrection story is true."

To which may I humbly add I have spent more than 42 years as a defense trial lawyer appearing in many parts of the world and am still in active practice.  I have been fortunate to secure a number of successes in jury trials and I say unequivocally the evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.

I am often asked, how do you know Jesus lives?  The answer  I give is Because Jesus is the risen Christ of the Empty tomb, and....and this is most important, Because He lives in my heart.

Do you wish to enjoy this personal experience which leads to Eternal life?  Well, invite Jesus now to come into your heart, to be your personal Lord and Saviour, confess with your lips and believe that God raised Him from the dead....and you will be born again....a spiritual rebirth even as I was born again.  And may God be praised!!

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