After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. (Acts 1:3)
Seeing is believing is an adage that held more weight before the invention of the internet. As my children were growing up, I often reminded them that they could not believe everything they saw online. Too-good-to-be-true deals on the latest electronic gadget were probably just that. The impossible trick shot could have been faked. In an ironic twist, the ability to see more has caused us to become more skeptical. Skepticism is not a modern phenomenon, but enjoys a long history in the story of humanity.
At the time of Jesus’ resurrection, skepticism was easy to come by. Even his disciples were unsure what to believe regarding their risen Lord. Some famously doubted—others cautiously hoped. That is what makes the forty days after the resurrection so important. Jesus did not simply appear to his disciples once or even twice, but over a period of forty days, gave “many convincing proofs” in order to help them believe. He spoke with them, ate with them, and even let them touch his wounds.
In the Christian life, it can feel as if we carry the burden of belief, yet Christ has not left us without many convincing proofs as well. The reality of his resurrection sparked the spread of Christianity throughout the world and serves as a strong foundation for our faith.
Be confident! Our faith has a firm foundation.
Mark A. Moore, PhD is an associate professor of theology at William Jessup University and the spiritual formation pastor at Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento, California.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
