By Deacon Paul
Let’s face it, when people hear about Jesus rising from the dead, the first reaction is usually, “Really? That sounds like a myth.” Maybe you’ve thought the same thing. I mean, how could anyone come back to life after being crucified?
But here’s the twist: there’s serious evidence that the resurrection of Jesus actually happened and it’s not just something your Sunday School teacher made up.
Here are 4 unforgettable reasons why even historians and skeptics have been stunned by the facts. We call them the 4 E’s and they’re total game-changers.
1. Execution – Jesus Really Died
Before anyone can rise from the dead, they have to, well... die.
Jesus wasn’t just injured or knocked out on the cross. He was tortured by Roman soldiers in one of the most brutal deaths ever, crucifixion. It’s literally death by suffocation and blood loss. Historical records (even non-Christian ones) confirm that Jesus was dead.
A medical study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association even backed it up. Jesus was 100% dead. Not passed out. Not pretending. Dead.
2. Early Reports – The Resurrection Wasn’t a Later Legend
Legends take centuries to form. But the reports of Jesus’ resurrection? They started spreading within months after His death.
There’s an ancient Christian creed found in 1 Corinthians 15 that lists the resurrection and all the people who saw Jesus alive. Scholars say it started being shared just 1–6 years after Jesus died.
That’s way too soon for a myth to develop. It's basically like a TikTok trend going viral while people from the actual event are still alive to fact-check it.
3. Empty Tomb – Jesus’ Body Was Gone
The tomb where Jesus was buried was found empty. Everyone, His friends, His enemies, even the Roman guards, knew it. And nobody ever produced a body. Not once.
And get this: the first people to discover the empty tomb were women. Back in the first century, women’s testimonies weren’t taken seriously. So if this story was made up, no one would have invented that part, it would’ve been embarrassing! Unless... that’s exactly how it happened.
Even Jesus' enemies admitted the tomb was empty. They tried to explain it by saying, “Oh, the disciples stole the body.” But those same disciples were terrified and hiding. They weren’t exactly in “Mission Impossible” mode.
4. Eyewitnesses – Over 500 People Saw Him Alive
This is the wild part. Jesus appeared to more than 500 people after He died, at different times, places, and situations. Some talked with Him. Some ate with Him. Some even touched His wounds.
And these weren’t just fans. Some were skeptics and former haters, like Jesus' brother James and a guy named Saul who used to arrest Christians.
And no, they weren’t all “hallucinating.” Hallucinations don’t happen in groups. And even if they did, that doesn’t explain the empty tomb.
What This Means for YOU
This isn’t just ancient history. If Jesus really rose from the dead, it means:
• Everything He said about life, death, and eternity is true.
• You’re not alone, God is real and He cares about you.
• Your life has purpose, and death doesn’t get the final word.
The resurrection isn’t just a churchy idea, it’s the most powerful proof that hope is real and faith is worth it.
Bottom Line
Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or you’re still not sure what you believe, the resurrection of Jesus is something worth checking out. Not because someone told you to believe it but because the evidence is that strong.
Next time someone asks, “How do you know Jesus really rose from the dead?” just hit them with the 4 E’s: Execution. Early reports. Empty tomb. Eyewitnesses.