Resurrection: What Is the Best Evidence?

Wed 04,2025 | By admin

What would cause someone to believe Jesus bodily rose from the dead? And what difference does it make?

At first “Dan” told our Q Place group that the resurrection is a parable. Then he decided it is fantasy. Dan has been a lifelong man of integrity and principle who is now examining Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus is a sticking point for him. For Dan to change 60+ years of belief is major.

We Christians believe the resurrection is not only central to our faith, but the pivotal point of all history. Without Easter, the day when Christians commemorate Jesus’ resurrection, there is no Christianity, and our faith in Jesus is useless, as the apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:14.

So, what would it take for someone to trust that the resurrection happened? Eyewitness accounts? Scientific evidence that Jesus died and then rose from the dead? Sheer faith?

Let’s step back a minute from the desire to persuade someone else. Assuming you do believe that Jesus rose from the dead, ask yourself a question that I woke up thinking about one night:

What practical difference does Jesus’ resurrection make in my everyday life?

Once a friend told me she had been a pharmaceutical sales rep and never had trouble selling a certain medication because she had personally experienced the amazing impact it made in her life.

What would you say is the life changing difference the risen Lord Jesus has made in your life?

Perhaps your answer to that question is the best evidence you can give that Jesus is alive!

Maybe friends, family, and acquaintances aren’t likely to ask you that question out of the blue, but what if they did? Would you have a response that springs from time spent thinking about this?

What if you spent some time this week thinking about that question? If you’re a journal-writer, then write about it. If not, jot down a simple list on a sticky note or in a phone app as ideas come to you. Or find a Christian buddy who will think about the same question, and shoot each other a text as ideas come to you.

Stirring Up Meaningful Conversations around Easter

While you are thinking about this question for yourself, you can also stir up casual conversations with others. During the month of April, get curious about others’ experiences and viewpoints on Easter. You could ask a question like one of these:

What are you doing for Easter this year?
Do you have any special Easter traditions?
What has been your most meaningful experience around Easter?

As they respond, listen and continue to be curious about what they share. You may discover what their church experience or spiritual journey has been, and you may also discover if they are open to spiritual conversations. Maybe they will ask you some of the same questions, and you can share with them some of the things you have been thinking about—of the difference Jesus’ resurrection has made in your life.

Inviting Someone to Read and Discuss an Easter Account

If you hear any indication that the person you’re talking with is interested in understanding why Easter is so meaningful to you, ask if they would be willing to read an account together in the Bible that is the focus of Easter for you.

Matthew 27:45—28:10 has a doable amount of reading that covers a small part of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. You can each read sections of that passage.

After reading the passage, in a conversational way you can ask:

What’s familiar to you in this reading? What’s not?”
What surprises you?
What questions does this raise for you?

If the person is open to more discussion about why Jesus died, ask if they would be interested in going through Foundations for Faith with you. This will guide you through the big picture of what Jesus did for us. In six sessions you can walk together through the message of the gospel—from Genesis to Jesus.

Just think! Your courage in initiating conversations around Easter this year may result in a friend experiencing the life-changing difference Jesus makes in all our lives!

Fran Goodrich
Q Place Blog Editor