The Resurrection Of Jesus Is The Proof
Sunday, March 30
Matthew 12:38-41 (NIV)
“Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.”
Devotion
In our work of evangelizing our families, our friends, and sometimes even ourselves, we are often asked for additional evidence and proof. Scripture itself recognizes, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:22) Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ, we are in error if we expect much success by deviating from the simple gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As the Apostle Paul explained, “...but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)
Those asking (even ourselves and our loved ones) for more and more proof will never be satisfied with human explanations or even miraculous signs. They have been given the sign of Jonah, through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Scripture itself tells us that this should be sufficient “proof”, “For God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) As Jesus told doubting Thomas, the solution is not more proof, but to “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)
For those who cannot believe, the solution is not to provide more proof or fine sounding arguments, it's for the seeker to consider their own heart. Where is their heart in the parable of the sower? (Matthew 13:1-20) Their hearts are clearly not the good soil. Is their heart like the path, the rocky places, or among the thorns, or perhaps even a combination? What needs to be done in their hearts so sowing the good news of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection can be watered and grow in the faith God desires them to have?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I often face doubt and unbelief. I thank You for the convincing proof in the sign of the prophet Jonah, that is, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Give me an undivided heart so that I may fear Your name. Show me how to prepare my heart to be good soil. And help me be diligent in worship, thanksgiving, prayer, and Your Word, until Your Word grows into the faith and the good fruit You desire for me to have. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
A worldly criticism of those who put faith in Jesus is that we have a man-made religion, just like every other religion. Scripture itself states that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, we are miserable! (1 Corinthians 15:14). But no, we are looking forward to a resurrection like his! (Romans 6:5) Do you believe? If not, continue to apply last week’s encouragement to wait on the Lord – by studying Scriptures about the resurrection and asking for the counsel of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised.
Resources
- Watch this short clip, “You Need To Think Saved”, and change your confession based on God’s Word and what He has done in you through repentance.
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. This is Paul’s summary of the gospel, emphasizing the resurrection as the cornerstone of our faith.