In my former book [referring to the Gospel of Luke], Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them [before ascending into heaven] over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:1-3 (New International Version)
Is the empty tomb sufficient proof for you that Jesus resurrected from the dead?
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.
Matthew 28:2-4 (NIV)
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen.”
Matthew 28:2-4 (NIV)
Is the empty tomb combined with the testimony about the angel that spoke to the women enough evidence for you that Jesus is risen?
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
Luke 24:13-16 (NIV)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
Luke 24:17-18 (NIV)
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.
Luke 24:19b-21a (NIV)
And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
Luke 24:21b-24 (NIV)
He [Jesus] said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow [of heart] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:25-27 (NIV)
Is an empty tomb, stories of angels who said he is risen, and a bible study explaining why the Messiah had to suffer, die, and be crucified, and raised on the third day convincing proof that Jesus is risen?
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
Luke 24:28-29 (NIV)
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:30-32 (NIV)
When was the last time you sat down and spent unhurried time to talk with Jesus about what is happening in your life?
How often do you sit in Jesus’ presence?