#3 – The Alternatives To It …

 Assassinated Pres. John F. Kennedy Nov. 22, 1963  Evidence concluded he acted alone  Yet, many “theories” abound that he was part of a conspiracy, even a U.S. gov’t-led “cover-up” Lee Harvey Oswald

#3 – The Alternatives To It The Alternatives To It

#3 – The Alternatives To It FEARED BY THE BELIEVERS “The Body Was Reburied” Theory  Believed by Mary in Jn 20:1-2, 13, 15  Dismissed by John in Jn 20:5-8  He saw the grave clothes folded  He saw the head cloth rolled up off to the side  He now “believed” He had been raised

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Disciples Stole The Body” Theory  The only one found in the Bible Mt 28:11-15  The Jews were worried about the spread of more “deception”…started this “theory” Mt 27:62-64

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Disciples Stole The Body” Theory  Problems  If soldiers were asleep, how did they know?  Doesn’t match the disciples’ conduct Jn 20:19  Doesn’t match the disciples’ reaction Lk 24:11  Tomb evidence doesn’t match the “mission”

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Wrong Tomb” Theory  In their state of excitement, the disciples simply went to the wrong tomb  Not finding a body, they began proclaiming, “The Lord is risen from the dead!!”

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Wrong Tomb” Theory  Problems  The women knew Jesus’ tomb Mt 27:61  If this “theory” were true, the Jews could have easily disproved the resurrection claim  Direct everyone to the “right” tomb

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Enemies Stole The Body” Theory  The Jews stole the body in advance of the disciples to prevent them from stealing it  This has the Jews acting in a way adverse to their own position Mt 27:62-64  They asked for a guard…they didn’t steal

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Enemies Stole The Body” Theory  Problems  If this “theory” were true, the Jews could have easily disprove the resurrection claim  Producing the “stolen” body would instantly silence the disciples and their preaching

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Swoon” Theory  The Lord didn’t die…He “swooned” (fainted)  He suffered from all the pain, shock, trauma, loss of blood from the crucifixion  Exhausted, He lost consciousness  Later, in the coolness of the tomb, He revived

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Swoon” Theory  Problems  It goes against common sense  Could any man endure scourging & crucifixion, unwrap tightly wrapped clothes full of 100 lbs. of spices? Jn 19:38-40

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Swoon” Theory  Problems  It goes against common sense  Could this same man roll away the heavy stone and quietly escape from sleeping Roman soldiers…or fight them off if necessary?

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Swoon” Theory  Problems  It goes against the evidence  Roman soldiers (having no stake in the resurrection) observed He was dead Jn 19:31-33

#3 – The Alternatives To It FURTHERED BY THE UNBELIEVERS “The Swoon” Theory  Problems  It goes against the evidence  His side was pierced (a fatal act) Jn 19:34  Confirmed dead by a Roman centurion Mk 15:43-45

#3 – The Alternatives To It Some Concluding Thoughts…  The only acceptable, reasonable, viable interpretation that will stand up under cross-examination Ù Jesus was raised!!  The alternative theories demand too much to believe

#3 – The Alternatives To It Some Concluding Thoughts…  These theories fail to address 1 important piece of evidence…an empty tomb  The strength of evidence and the weakness of alternative theories leads honest people in 1 direction Jn 20:30-31 Acts 2:36-39

#3 – The Alternatives To It …