Assignment Question
The Death & Resurrection of Jesus Answer the following questions concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus (must be a min. of 3,000 words): When did Jesus predict his death and resurrection in the Gospels? How did Jesus use the Old Testament to predict his death and resurrection? What brought Jesus into conflict with the scribes and Pharisees, the high priest, and the Sanhedrin? What significance did Jesus give to his death? What evidence is there for the historicity of Jesus’ eucharistic words and of the ransom saying of Mark 10:45? Identify various rationalistic explanations for the resurrection. What is the most widely held rationalistic explanation today? Note the five pieces of highly reliable evidence which together support the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. What was the significance of the resurrection of the dead in first-century Judaism? Why is the literal, bodily resurrection foundational to Christianity?
Answer
Introduction
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central events in Christian theology, serving as the foundation of the Christian faith . These events have been documented in the Gospels and have been studied and debated for centuries. In this essay, we will explore various aspects of Jesus’ predictions, the use of Old Testament references, conflicts with religious authorities, the significance of His death, evidence for key sayings, rationalistic explanations for the resurrection, the historical reliability of this event, and the importance of the literal, bodily resurrection in Christianity.
I. Jesus’ Predictions of His Death and Resurrection in the Gospels
To understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, it is crucial to examine when and how He predicted these events in the Gospels. Several passages in the New Testament record Jesus’ foreknowledge of His impending death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22).
II. Jesus’ Use of the Old Testament to Predict His Death and Resurrection
Jesus frequently referenced the Old Testament to validate His mission and to predict His death and resurrection (Luke 24:44-47).
III. Conflicts with Religious Authorities
The teachings and actions of Jesus often brought Him into conflict with the scribes, Pharisees, the high priest, and the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:61-64).
IV. Significance of Jesus’ Death
The significance of Jesus’ death is multifaceted. First, it served as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Second, His death reconciled humanity with God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
V. Evidence for the Historicity of Jesus’ Eucharistic Words and the Ransom Saying
Two important sayings attributed to Jesus are the Eucharistic words and the ransom saying in Mark 10:45. The Eucharistic words are found in all four Gospels, with Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper during the Last Supper. These passages have been deemed historically reliable due to their presence in multiple Gospel accounts and the continuity of the Christian tradition. Similarly, the ransom saying in Mark 10:45, where Jesus states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” is considered reliable because of its inclusion in the earliest Gospel and its consistency with Jesus’ mission.
VI. Rationalistic Explanations for the Resurrection
Throughout history, various rationalistic explanations have been proposed to explain the resurrection of Jesus without resorting to divine intervention. Some of these explanations include the swoon theory, the hallucination theory, and the stolen body theory.
VII. Widely Held Rationalistic Explanation Today
Among the rationalistic explanations, the hallucination theory remains one of the most widely held today. Proponents of this theory argue that the grief and emotional distress of the disciples led them to collectively experience hallucinations of Jesus, which they interpreted as His resurrection.
VIII. Five Pieces of Highly Reliable Evidence for the Resurrection
The historicity of Jesus’ resurrection is a topic of great importance for Christians and scholars alike. Several pieces of highly reliable evidence support the resurrection:
- The Empty Tomb: All four Gospels attest to the discovery of the empty tomb by women who came to anoint Jesus’ body.
- Post-Resurrection Appearances: Numerous accounts in the New Testament describe Jesus appearing to His disciples in bodily form after His death.
- Transformation of the Disciples: The dramatic change in the disciples’ behavior, from fear and disillusionment to fearless proclamation of the Gospel, is a strong indicator of the reality of the resurrection.
- Early Christian Creeds: Early Christian creeds, as found in the New Testament, contain references to the resurrection of Jesus.
- The Testimony of Paul: The conversion of Paul, a persecutor of Christians, into one of Christianity’s most fervent proponents, is a compelling piece of evidence.
IX. Significance of the Resurrection of the Dead in First-Century Judaism
In first-century Judaism, the concept of the resurrection of the dead was a subject of theological discussion. It was a belief held by some Jewish groups, such as the Pharisees, but not by others, like the Sadducees.
X. The Foundational Nature of the Literal, Bodily Resurrection in Christianity
The literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus is foundational to Christianity for several reasons. First, it validates Jesus’ claims of divinity and His authority to forgive sins. Second, it provides hope for believers in the promise of eternal life and the defeat of death (1 Corinthians 15:17).
I. Jesus’ Predictions of His Death and Resurrection in the Gospels
The predictions made by Jesus regarding His death and resurrection are of paramount importance in understanding the purpose of His mission on Earth. These predictions serve as a theological framework for His sacrifice. In the Gospels, Jesus predicts His death and resurrection on multiple occasions, highlighting the premeditated nature of these events. It is notable that these predictions occur well before the actual events took place, emphasizing Jesus’ divine foreknowledge.
II. Jesus’ Use of the Old Testament to Predict His Death and Resurrection
The utilization of the Old Testament in predicting His death and resurrection underscores the continuity of God’s plan across the Testaments. Jesus pointed to specific Old Testament passages and themes to validate His role as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. His reference to the “Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44) demonstrates how He saw Himself as the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
III. Conflicts with Religious Authorities
The conflicts between Jesus and religious authorities provide valuable insight into the religious and political dynamics of the time. Jesus’ radical teachings and claims challenged the traditional religious hierarchy, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. His trial before the high priest and the Sanhedrin marked a pivotal moment in the events leading to His death, as it was here that He openly declared His divinity and messianic identity, further inflaming the opposition against Him.
IV. Significance of Jesus’ Death
The significance of Jesus’ death lies at the heart of Christian theology. His death is seen as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, paying the penalty for humanity’s sins and reconciling humanity with God. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was required for atonement. Jesus’ sinless life made Him the perfect sacrificial Lamb, and His death became the means through which believers could find forgiveness and redemption.
V. Evidence for the Historicity of Jesus’ Eucharistic Words and the Ransom Saying
The historicity of Jesus’ Eucharistic words, found in the institution of the Lord’s Supper, is well supported by the multiple Gospel accounts that corroborate this event. Additionally, the continuity of the Christian tradition in celebrating the Eucharist reinforces its historical authenticity. Similarly, the ransom saying in Mark 10:45 aligns with the broader themes of Jesus’ ministry and mission, making it a reliable component of the Gospel narrative.
VI. Rationalistic Explanations for the Resurrection
Throughout history, skeptics and scholars have offered rationalistic explanations to account for the resurrection without invoking the supernatural. The swoon theory, suggesting that Jesus did not die on the cross but merely fainted, has been widely discredited due to the rigorous Roman crucifixion process. The hallucination theory, while proposed to explain post-resurrection appearances, faces challenges in accounting for the diverse eyewitness testimonies. The stolen body theory, suggesting that Jesus’ body was stolen, lacks credible historical support and faces significant logistical hurdles.
VII. Widely Held Rationalistic Explanation Today
Among the rationalistic explanations, the hallucination theory remains one of the most commonly proposed today. However, it still encounters difficulties in explaining the various appearances of Jesus to different individuals and groups, as well as the transformation of skeptical disciples into fervent evangelists. Many scholars find it challenging to account for the psychological and sociological dynamics necessary to produce collective hallucinations of this magnitude.
VIII. Five Pieces of Highly Reliable Evidence for the Resurrection
The five pieces of highly reliable evidence for the resurrection— the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, transformation of the disciples, early Christian creeds, and the testimony of Paul—collectively form a compelling case for the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection. Each element contributes to a robust and coherent narrative that aligns with the Gospel accounts and early Christian tradition.
IX. Significance of the Resurrection of the Dead in First-Century Judaism
In the context of first-century Judaism, the belief in the resurrection of the dead was a point of theological divergence among different Jewish sects. The Pharisees embraced this belief, viewing it as a future hope for the righteous, while the Sadducees rejected it. Jesus’ resurrection, within this framework, demonstrated His authority over death and vindication as the promised Messiah, aligning Him with the Pharisaic tradition.
X. The Foundational Nature of the Literal, Bodily Resurrection in Christianity
The literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus serves as the linchpin of Christian faith. It confirms the truth of Jesus’ teachings, validates His claims to divinity, and offers believers the assurance of eternal life. Without the resurrection, Christianity loses its core message of redemption and hope. The Apostle Paul’s assertion that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17) underscores the centrality of this event in the Christian faith.
Conclusion
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ represent the core of Christian faith and theology. Through careful examination of the Gospels, Old Testament references, conflicts with religious authorities, the significance of His death, evidence for key sayings, rationalistic explanations, historical reliability, and theological implications, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of these events. The resurrection of Jesus, in particular, stands as a testament to the power of God and the hope of eternal life for all who believe. It is a cornerstone of Christian faith that continues to inspire and transform lives to this day.
Works Cited
Bible, New International Version. Bible Gateway.
Craig, William Lane. “The Historicity of the Empty Tomb of Jesus.” In The Resurrection of Jesus: John Dominic Crossan and N. T. Wright in Dialogue, edited by Robert B. Stewart, 149-180. SPCK Publishing, 2006.
Crossan, John Dominic, and N. T. Wright. The Resurrection of Jesus: John Dominic Crossan and N. T. Wright in Dialogue. SPCK Publishing, 2006.
Ehrman, Bart D. How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee. HarperOne, 2014.
Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. College Press, 1996.
Licona, Michael R. The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach. InterVarsity Press, 2010.
Sanders, E. P. The Historical Figure of Jesus. Penguin Books, 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Did Jesus explicitly predict His own death and resurrection in the Gospels? A1: Yes, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection in the Gospels. One notable prediction can be found in Matthew 16:21, where He foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day.
Q2: How did Jesus use the Old Testament to predict His death and resurrection? A2: Jesus often referred to Old Testament scriptures to validate His mission and predict His death and resurrection. For instance, He alluded to passages like Isaiah 53, which prophesied a suffering servant, as a reference to His impending crucifixion.
Q3: What conflicts did Jesus have with religious authorities regarding His claims and actions? A3: Jesus’ claims of divinity, His challenge to established religious traditions, and His declaration as the Messiah led to conflicts with the scribes, Pharisees, the high priest, and the Sanhedrin. His trial and crucifixion stemmed from these conflicts.
Q4: What is the significance of Jesus’ death according to Christian theology? A4: The significance of Jesus’ death lies in its role as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of humanity and in reconciling humanity with God. It is seen as the ultimate act of love and redemption.
Q5: Are there rationalistic explanations for the resurrection of Jesus? A5: Yes, several rationalistic explanations have been proposed over the years, such as the swoon theory, hallucination theory, and stolen body theory. These theories attempt to provide naturalistic explanations for the resurrection.
Q6: What is the most widely held rationalistic explanation for the resurrection today? A6: Among the rationalistic explanations, the hallucination theory remains one of the most widely held today. It suggests that the disciples experienced collective hallucinations of Jesus, which they interpreted as His resurrection.
Q7: What are the key pieces of evidence supporting the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus? A7: Key pieces of evidence include the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, the transformation of the disciples, early Christian creeds, and the testimony of figures like the Apostle Paul.
Q8: Why is the literal, bodily resurrection foundational to Christianity? A8: The literal, bodily resurrection is foundational because it validates Jesus’ divinity, provides hope for eternal life, and demonstrates God’s victory over sin and death. It is central to Christian faith and theology.
Q9: What was the significance of the resurrection of the dead in first-century Judaism? A9: In first-century Judaism, the resurrection of the dead represented the hope of a future life where God would vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. It was a subject of theological discussion among different Jewish groups.
Q10: How has the belief in the resurrection of Jesus influenced Christian theology and practice? A10: The belief in Jesus’ resurrection has profoundly shaped Christian theology, serving as a basis for salvation, hope, and the spread of the Christian faith. It is commemorated in the Eucharist and is central to Christian worship.
