JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD

 

Does God always tell men what He, God, is doing? Or are there times when people are blind to what God is doing? God is not under any obligation to explain his actions to us. At times we may be utterly puzzled and perplexed about what is happening. We may have a sense that something very important is occurring, but not comprehend what it is. Occasionally, it is only after an event has transpired, as we think back about it, that we begin to comprehend its meaning.

The crucifixion of Jesus is that kind of event. In fact, it is a tremendous mystery with many interpretations. The Qur'an warns us that we should not be surprised or bewildered by conflicting theories. (Sura 4:157) After all, people will always try to reason out an event. It is quite natural that they will come to different conclusions.

One reason for the uncertainty is this. After his crucifixion, death and burial, no unbeliever ever saw Jesus again. The Qur'an implicitly and the Bible explicitly agree about this. However, both the Qur'an and the Bible mention the resurrection of Jesus; the Qur'an very briefly, but the Bible in some detail.

I trust the Bible record which says:

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, 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 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. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.' So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,' he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.' " (Matthew 28:1-10)

Although the disciples saw Jesus many times after that, no unbeliever ever saw him. God chose to make the resurrection a reality to be experienced only by believers. Later, the believers began to preach about his resurrection openly. His crucifixion, death and resurrection became central convictions of all who would believe.


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