WHAT'S YOUR VERDICT?

For Easter Sunday, I decided to present the resurrection message in a little different way than I normally do. We presented the message as a court trial, with the congregation as the jury, who needed to decide the verdict: Did Jesus Christ rise from the dead? And if so, what difference is that to make in their lives? I hope as you read this, that is will challenge and encourage you concerning the resurrection of our Savior and Lord - Jesus Christ!

WHAT’S YOUR VERDICT?

Judge: Please turn in your Bibles to I Corinthians 15. In the Bible in front of you, it is page 997 or 1022. Let me introduce myself. I am the judge for today’s court proceedings. We are here today because a very important decision needs to be made; and that decision can only be made by you.

You are the jury for today’s court case. There is a sheet of paper in your bulletin that says: “What’s your Verdict” at the top. This is your juror’s note pad. Please feel free to write any notes or thoughts you have on this note pad as the trial proceeds. At the end of today’s trial, you will receive a Verdict card, on which you can write your personal decision – your verdict.

The issue before us today is to determine whether or not what Jesus Christ said 2,000 years ago is true. He claimed the ability that only God had: to forgive sins. He said in:

Luke 5:24 – “…know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

He claimed the ability to raise the dead physically and to give eternal, spiritual life to those who believe on Him. He said:

John 11:25,26 – “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…”

But all of these claims are based on another claim He made, which is the focus of our consideration today:

Matthew 20:17,18 – “And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

As the jury in this case, you have a solemn responsibility. You must determine, in our own heart, whether or not Jesus’ claims are true. And not just true as a mental fact; but whether or not you are willing to commit your life to the truth – whether Jesus Christ is a liar, a lunatic, or your personal Savior and Lord of your life.
You are turned to I Corinthians 15. This passage of Scripture lets you know how important this case is today; and how important your personal decision is concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Look with me at:

I Corinthians 15:3,4 – “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

Please go down to verse 12:

I Corinthians 15:12-19 – “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Do you understand the importance of your decision today? If Jesus Christ is a liar or lunatic, and did not rise from the dead, then all those who placed their trust and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation are idiots. It is a waste of time to worship Him; and a much greater waste of a life to live for Him and hope for a future resurrection for us to eternal life. If He did not rise from the dead, all we have is this life. And if that is true, then it is a waste of life to believe in Christ.

Please listen carefully to the evidence given today and be prepared to give your verdict when it is called for. Thank you for serving on today’s jury, and may you be able to discern who is telling the truth and who is lying. It is not a defendant whose life is in jeopardy today, but your eternal destiny. It’s your decision to make. Let’s begin with the opening arguments from the attorneys in this case.

Steve: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Steve, representing the Nations United Together, or N.U.T. for short. No jokes please! Nations United Together fights for you, the normal, average, hard working citizen. We champion the causes of the middle class. And today, we believe we represent all of you by revealing the truth about this case, namely that: Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead.

It is time that the truth be told. So-called Christians have made a mess of our society by preaching the claims of Christ. These are not just annoying claims that we can push aside as lunacy. So many people have swallowed what they are preaching that it has changed countless lives; and because lives have been changed, it has a major affect on our society.

It is true that we have had many victories lately, pushing God and Christianity out of public life. However, we are not done, until we are free to live our lives as we please. We want to pursue life, liberty and happiness, without hearing about a God who created us, and to whom we are responsible. That really messes up our plans for enjoying life to our heart’s desire!

So, this is why today’s case is so important. If Jesus Christ rose from the dead, we would be responsible to respond to His authority as creator and Lord. But, if He did not rise from the dead, and we believe that He did not; then, we are free to follow our own dreams, and live free of Christ and Christianity. What a great and wonderful life that would be: NO RULES, JUST FREEDOM!

Today, I will present evidence to you that Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead. It is undeniable, indisputable, irrefutable evidence. You will hear, today, some testimony that you have not heard in the 2,000 years since the lie of the resurrection of Jesus Christ began.

You will be presented with testimony today from someone who saw what happened to the body of Jesus Christ. He will give you an eyewitness account of what really took place during the time the opposition claims Jesus rose from the dead.

You will also hear testimony today from an expert in the medical field, who will tell you what really happened physically to the body of Christ. And you will hear testimony from a religious scholar, in fact one that knew Jesus Christ, who will tell us why Jesus Christ was indeed a liar and could not be trusted.

Religion is on our side. The scientific and medical community is on our side. And the facts of the case are all on our side. I believe, after you hear this testimony today, that you will conclude that Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead; and therefore, that you can live your life as you please. Thank you.

Greg: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: I am Greg, and I represent the Disciples of Christ. The Disciples of Christ began with the 12 men that Jesus personally chose to follow Him and to preach His good news. But, today, the Disciples of Christ comprise all of those who have placed their complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ, and who are committed to living their lives for His honor and glory.

As the judge instructed you earlier, this is a crucial case for your consideration today. Mental assent to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not the end goal. It is true that we will present testimony today that Jesus Christ did, in fact, rise from the dead. But, the real evidence of this is changed lives. You will hear from people today whose lives were changed as a result. In fact, people who have truly taken the resurrection of Jesus Christ to heart, over the past 2,000 years, have been changed as well. True belief has caused them to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. I would like for you to consider this for your own life today.

Today, you will hear witnesses give testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These are the best witnesses imaginable because they were living at the time of Jesus, and they saw Him with their own eyes, heard him with their own ears, and believed on Him with their hearts.

You will hear testimony today of someone who saw Jesus, after He had risen from the dead. He will tell you that He saw Jesus with His own eyes, and that he has no doubts about what He saw. He will tell you that although he followed Christ before, his interaction with Jesus after the resurrection changed the outlook of his future.

You will hear testimony today of someone else who saw Jesus, and was, in fact, one of the first ones to see Him following His resurrection. And you will hear testimony from someone who began as a critic of the resurrection of Christ, but his personal experience turned him into a believer and committed follower once again.

I urge you to listen very carefully to these witnesses, and consider your verdict today. If you choose to believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, you will then need to understand that this belief demands a commitment, a life change, an undeterred purpose. May God give you the grace to know the truth, and allow it to give you true, eternal freedom. Thank you.
Judge: Ok. Nations United Together, you may call your first witness.

Steve: Thank you, your honor. For our first witness, we call: Dr. Phil.

Judge: As Dr. Phil comes forward, let me remind you, jury, of something very important. All of these witnesses were sworn in earlier and claim to be telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You will need to decide who you believe.

Steve: Dr. Phil, is it true that you have several doctorates in the area of theology?

Dr. Phil: Yes, that is true. I am a Pharisee and have devoted my life to the study the Old Testament and theology.

Steve: How did you know Jesus Christ?

Dr. Phil: I knew Jesus very well. My esteemed colleagues and I had many confrontational encounters with him. But, I do not like to use the term “Christ”. “Christ” means Messiah, and I do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

Steve: Why not?

Dr. Phil: There are several reasons. First, the Old Testament promises that a Messiah, a Savior would come to save God’s people from their sins. Jesus was a carpenter from Nazareth, and none of us thought He could be the Messiah. If anyone would have recognized the true Messiah, it would be us. We knew the Scriptures, and this man just did not fit what we were looking for.

Steve: What else, Dr. Phil?

Dr. Phil: Jesus’ claims were unbelievable. Besides claiming to be the Messiah, he committed blasphemy by claiming to be God in the flesh!

Steve: I would like to bring into evidence a passage of Scripture, which Christians hold to, to demonstrate what Dr. Phil is talking about.

John 8:58,59 – “Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.”
Steve: Dr. Phil, please explain what these verses are saying.

Dr. Phil: Certainly. When Jesus called Himself the I Am, He was claiming to be God. Back in Exodus, when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, that is how He introduced Himself, as the I Am, the eternally existent one. So, Jesus was claiming the same, which is blasphemy, since there is only one God. The reason the Jews tried to stone Him was because they knew this was blasphemy and deserving of death. He deserved to die right then and there.

Steve: Anything else Dr. Phil?

Dr. Phil: One more thing: Jesus didn’t even obey God’s laws, so it is impossible to believe that He was God, the Son of God or the Messiah. One of the 10 commandments was to observe the Sabbath Day. This was a day to be set apart for worship, and no work was to be done. And yet, time and time again, Jesus and His disciples would do their work on the Sabbath Day.

Steve: As evidence that what Dr. Phil is saying is true, look at:

John 9:16 – “Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”

Judge: Greg, you may cross-examine this witness.

Greg: Thank you, your honor. Dr. Phil, Did you see Jesus’ dead body after He claimed to rise from the dead?

Dr. Phil: Well, no; but I certainly did not see Him alive either.

Greg: Isn’t the real reason you opposed Jesus was because He opposed you? He called you hypocrites, and pointed out your sins?

Dr. Phil: NO!

Greg: Isn’t it true that Jesus showed every sign of being the Messiah, including the fulfilled prophecies: His birth in Bethlehem, His miracles, His teachings; and the reason you will not accept the resurrection is because you know that it would seal the deal – that if he did indeed rise from the dead, everything else he said would be true as well?
Dr. Phil: He was a liar, an imposter, a blasphemer!

Greg: No more questions your honor.

Judge: You are excused as a witness. Next witness Steve.

Steve: I call to the witness stand Dr. Kourtney Know-it-all.

Judge: While she is coming to the witness stand, let me give another instruction to the jury: Some of what you are hearing today comes from the arguments for both sides on the resurrection, from the following resources: The Case For Easter by Lee Strobel; and The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. Even after this case is over today, these may be resources you would like to get for yourself.

Steve: Dr. K, you are a scientific and medical expert, with several degrees in the medical field, is that correct?

Dr. K: Yes, it is. I am one of the most brilliant people who ever lived.

Steve: Well, then, you can help us with this question of whether or not Jesus Christ rose from dead, can you not?

Dr. K: I can certainly clear it up for you, if you have an enlightened mind. I agree with the 19th Century doctors, Karl Bahrdt and Karl Venturini and other esteemed colleagues, who argued that Jesus simply fainted from exhaustion on the cross, perhaps even given a drug that made him appear to die, and then was later revived by the cool, damp air of the tomb.

Steve: How could that have happened?

Dr. K: Very simply, really. In the Christian’s Bible, it says:

Mark 15:36 – “And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink…”

That someone could have drugged him. And then, what about Pilate’s surprise that Jesus had already died?

Mark 15:44 – “Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died…”

If he hadn’t been drugged, he probably would not have had the appearance of death so quickly.

Steve: So, what did happen to Jesus then?

Dr. K: Well, he obviously didn’t die. I agree with the Koran on that point. And, I agree with the Ahmadiya Muslims who believe Jesus actually fled to India. In fact, if you visit there, as I have on my many spiritual pilgrimages, you will find a shrine that marks what we believe to be Jesus’ final resting place in Srinagar, Kashmir.

Steve: No more questions your honor.

Judge: Cross-examine Greg?

Greg: Dr. K: What you have described has been known as the “swoon” theory, is that right?

Dr. K: Yes, that is what many have called it.

Greg: And, isn’t is also true that reputable scholars have repudiated this theory, including William D. Edwards, M.D., who said, and I quote: “Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to His side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between His right ribs, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured His death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge.”

Dr. K: Some have disagreed with me -yes. But, it keeps recurring in popular literature: D.H. Lawrence’s story in 1929, Hugh Schonfield’s best-seller The Passover Plot in 1965, Donovan Joyce’s 1972 book The Jesus Scroll and Barbara Thiering’s book Jesus and the Riddle of the Dead Sea Scrolls are just a few examples.

Greg: So, popular literature, perhaps even movies, should be taken into consideration when deciding what we believe about Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection?

Dr. K: If it is reasonable, why not?

Greg: No more questions your honor.

Judge: You may be excused. Next witness Steve?

Steve: I would like to call to the witness stand Soldier Sam.

Judge: Please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 27. In the Bible in front of you, it is page 863 or 880.

Steve: Sam, is it true that you were a soldier, employed by the chief priests, under the authority of Pontius Pilate?

Sam: Yes, that is true. I had served the governor faithfully for over 20 years.

Steve: You were given the duty of guarding the tomb of Jesus Christ after his death, is that right?

Sam: Yes, I was.

Steve: Why were you called into duty for this?

Sam: Let me answer that by reading this passage:

Matthew 27:62-66 - “Next day, that is, after the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, After three days I will rise. Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, he has risen from the dead, and the last fraud will be worse than the first. Pilate said to them, You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can. So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”

I was one of those soldiers guarding the tomb.
Steve: So, what happened?

Sam: It was unbelievable. We should have been better prepared; and had more soldiers on our crew. But, for various reasons, we did not. And for whatever reason, we really didn’t expect anyone to attack us. They knew they were no match for our training, discipline and brute strength! But, then the unthinkable happened.

Steve: Go on. Describe it for us.

Sam: We were doing our watch in the middle of the night, and all of a sudden, we were all hit on the back of the head at the same time and fell unconscious. The cowards couldn’t even face us like real men, face to face, sword to sword.

Steve: Wait a second. They knocked you unconscious?

Sam: Well, the rest of the guard was; but I was not. But, to keep them from killing me, I pretended to be knocked out.

Steve: What happened next?

Sam: The Disciples rolled away the stone, took the body of Jesus out and walked away.

Steve: Why didn’t you stop them?

Sam: Hey, I’m strong and courageous, but I’m not stupid! The rest of the guard was knocked out, and I would not have been able to do anything. So, I decided to stay alive so that I could report the truth, and show them to be the imposters they were, following the worst imposter of all – Jesus Christ.

Steve: Thank you for your strong, brave and true testimony today Sam!

Judge: Cross examine Greg?

Greg: Yes Please. Sam, you read a passage of Scripture in your testimony, to explain how the soldier guard at the tomb came to be. But, you conveniently left out another passage of Scripture shortly after the one you mentioned. Let me read it for you:

Matthew 28:11-15 – “While they were going, behold, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, Tell people, his disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep. And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.”

How do you answer that?

Sam: All right. Yes, the chief priests did meet with us. And yes, they told us to say that we were sleeping when the soldiers came to steal his body. They thought that was a better story than to admit that we were defeated by the lowly disciples in hand to hand combat. They didn’t think the real story of being knocked out would be believable; so we went with the sleeping tale. And yes, we accepted the money. I needed it for my family vacation that summer. What should I care that the story was a little off?

Greg: Sam, you didn’t see the disciples steal the body of Jesus because they didn’t do it. In fact, here is what really happened isn’t it?

Matthew 28:2-6 – “And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said…He is not here, for he has risen, as he said…”

He did rise from the dead, and you fainted because of the appearance of the angel, isn’t that true?

Sam: That’s garbage. I’ve never been afraid, not one day of my life. Nothing scares me. I have looked death in the face and laughed. I like scary roller coasters and haunted houses. I’m sticking with my story. Jesus did not rise from the dead because I saw his dead body being carried off by his disciples!

Greg: No more questions for this witness your honor.

Steve: The Nations United Together rests your honor.

Judge: Ok, then, Greg, you can call your first witness for the Disciples of Christ.

Greg: Your honor, the first witness I call is one of the disciples, Thomas Didymus

Judge: Please turn in your Bibles to John 20. In the Bible in front of you, it is page 941 or 962.

Greg: Thomas, you are called Didymus, which means Twin. Are you a twin, and how did that affect your life?

Thomas: Yes, I have a twin brother, Tim. When I was growing up, though, people would say to me: Tommy, why can’t you be more like your brother Timmy? How can you be twins when he is so much more talented than you? I heard comparisons like that from my parents, my teachers, my baseball coaches; and even the girls. I grew up doubting myself, doubting everything.

Greg: But you did do something that your brother Timmy did not – you became a disciple of Jesus Christ. Is that right?

Thomas: Yes. But it certainly wasn’t because I was anything special. I was one of the original 12 men that Jesus chose to follow and be trained by Him as disciples. But, all of us were just regular guys, with all kinds of relationship issues, personal issues, sin issues. Jesus chose me to follow Him, and it was the first time in my life that I really believed in something – no- in someone - with no doubts. Jesus Christ changed my life and I came to fully believe in who He was and what He did.

Greg: Thomas, did Jesus Christ rise from the dead?

Thomas: Yes, he did.

Greg: Any doubts?

Thomas: No. I am 100% positive!

Greg: Tell us Thomas: why you are so positive?

Thomas: Because I saw him. He appeared to me and I saw him. He spoke to me: “Peace be with you”, he said. He showed me the wounds he still carried from his crucifixion. We were all shaken by the events that had taken place. He took time to encourage me, to encourage all of us. Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Greg: Thank you Thomas. Your witness Steve.

Steve: Thomas Didymus, that was a nice touching story about your twin brother and everything. But Twin is not what they called you on the playground was it? Twin is not what the girls whispered behind your back. Twin is not what was written often in your high school yearbook. What was your nickname Thomas?

Thomas: [softly] doubting Thomas

Steve: What was that? We couldn’t hear you very clearly. What was your nickname? In fact, what have you been called by everyone who has read your account in the Bible, for the last 2,000 years? Speak up!

Thomas: Doubting Thomas

Steve: That’s right: Doubting Thomas. Greg tried to explain that away; but the fact is, this is who you were and this is who you are today – doubting Thomas.

Greg: I object! Judge, he’s badgering the witness.

Judge: Do you have a question Steve?

Steve: Yes, your honor. Thomas, Greg conveniently left out some details of your encounter with the so-called resurrected Christ. I want to read that passage of Scripture; and my question is: Is this how it happened?

John 20:24-29 – “Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe. Eight days later, the disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. Then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him, have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Is this how it happened Thomas?

Thomas: Yes – exactly how it happened

Steve: uh-huh. Well then, your doubting personality is exposed right here in Scripture for all to read for the rest of eternity. I bet you were cringing when you found out the Apostle John wrote this about you. Isn’t it true, Thomas, that when the disciples told you they had seen the risen Christ, that even though he allegedly had told you often that he would rise from the dead, that you didn’t believe it! You said: unless I touch the nail marks in his hands and the spear mark in his side, I will never believe. Is that what you said?

Thomas: I’m not proud of it; but…yes

Steve: You’re not really sure what you saw, are you Doubting Thomas? Perhaps Jesus didn’t really rise from the dead, but you wanted to believe he did. In fact, it was probably an aberration, a vision, a dream, wasn’t it? Jesus didn’t appear to you. You didn’t touch his scars. If he appeared to you, it was in a dream! Isn’t that right?

Thomas: No. I saw him.

Steve: [sarcastically] sure, doubting Thomas, sure

Greg: Objection!

Steve: Withdrawn. Your honor, I’m done with this witness.

Judge: Greg…your next witness?

Greg: I call to the witness stand…Mary Magdalene

Judge: Please stay turned in your Bibles to John, chapter 20. And let me remind you, as the jury: Keep asking yourself: What do I believe? You are hearing the beliefs of the attorneys, and of these witnesses. You are hearing what the Scriptures have to say. But, the verdict is up to you.
Greg: Mary, how did you know Jesus Christ?

Mary: I first met Him in a confrontational way. I was a very sick woman, physically and spiritually. I was possessed by many demons. My life was out of control. And one day, I came upon Jesus. The demons within me did not respond very well to the presence of God. They reacted violently, sending my body into convulsions.

Greg: Then, what happened?

Mary: Jesus confronted the demons and said: Come out of her. And just like that, I felt this incredible release. All the physical pain, all the emotional distress, all the psychological pressure I had experienced all of my life was gone…all gone!

Greg: Yes, the Scripture says:
Luke 8:2 – “And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.”

That must have been incredible. Then what did you do?

Mary: I did what I expect everyone would do when Jesus changes their life forever. I followed Him. In this case, I literally followed Him as he traveled around doing His ministry. I saw Him heal the sick, cast out other demons, confront the religious leaders, love the little children, and teach the truths of God.

Greg: Mary, Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

Mary: Yes I do. I know that He did.

Greg: How do you know?

Mary: If I may, I would like to read what happened to me right out of the Scriptures, for it is my testimony today. John, chapter 20, verse 11.

John 20:11-18 – “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you seeking? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples I have seen the Lord – and that he had said these things to her.”

Greg: Is this how it happened?

Mary: Yes – every word, every detail.

Greg: Would it be accurate to say that you know Jesus Christ is risen from the dead because you saw him, in person, 3 days after he died?

Mary: Yes, I did.

Greg: Your witness Steve.

Steve: Mary, how many times, exactly, did you sleep with Jesus Christ?

Greg: Objection!

Judge: Sustained. Counselor, re-word your question:

Steve: Mary Magdalene…there is a rumor that you slept with Jesus Christ on numerous occasions; and even gave birth to His child. Is this true?

Mary: No, there is no truth to those rumors. I was intimate with Jesus Christ; but only as intimate as every woman who has come to know Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. He is our truth. He is our Savior. He is our friend. I did love Him, but only in this way.

Steve: It has also been said that you were a prostitute. Is that true?

Mary: No. I did many things I am not proud of before Jesus Christ came into my life; but no, I was not a prostitute.
Steve: Just rumors then, huh? Even though these rumors have been spread over centuries, written in books and popular movies, you are denying them all?

Mary: I am. They are not true.

Steve: Well, the jury will have to decide if they are true or not. Let’s review some facts, which are not just rumors, shall we? You admitted to have demons in you; and if we believe the Bible, you had at least 7. Is that true?

Mary: Yes, that is true.

Steve: Is it also true that those demons caused you emotional and psychological trauma?

Mary: Yes, that is true.

Steve: You quoted Scripture as your testimony earlier, but you left out a couple of verses.

John 20:1,2 – “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

Are these true as well? That when you first saw the empty tomb, you thought they moved his body. You did not say: Oh, great, he rose from the dead! Isn’t that true also?

Mary: Yes, unfortunately, that is true. When I first saw the tomb was empty, I thought they moved his body.

Steve: Well, then, it is pretty obvious what happened Mary, during your alleged contact with Jesus 3 days after his death. I have consulted with several psychiatrists, and they have all confirmed the following. You try to tell me if this isn’t true , ok?

You were emotionally distressed, incredibly distressed when Jesus died. That was compounded when you went to the tomb 3 days later and found the tomb empty. And, you cannot deny that you didn’t think He was risen from the dead. Under all of your distress, your mind began playing tricks on you.

You did talk with the gardener; and then your psychological distress took over. You turned that gardener into Jesus in your mind. You really wanted to believe that he rose from the dead. So, you made it up in your mind. And that became your story: Jesus appeared to me. You were looking for attention, Mary, as you always have; and this was the best way for you to get it.

No one can corroborate your story because no one was with you. No one else saw him because he wasn’t there. This is how it really happened isn’t it Mary?

Mary: No – I really saw him.

Steve: Sure you did Mary. Sure you did. I have no questions for this witness your honor.

Judge: Anyone else Greg?

Greg: Yes, one more your honor. I would like to call Simon Peter to the stand.

Judge: Please stay turned in your Bibles here in John 20. Following this last witness’ testimony, we will hear the closing arguments.

Greg: Peter, you were one of the original disciples (followers) of Christ; and were known as an Apostle (a sent out one) right?

Peter: That’s correct.

Greg: Simon Peter, Tell us about when you became a follower of Christ.

Peter: It is written in:
Mark 1:16,17 – “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

The Lord called me, along with my brother Andrew, and we couldn’t help but follow him. My life has never been the same.

Greg: And isn’t it true, Peter, that you were the one, when many others were confused about whom Jesus Christ was, you were the one who had a clear answer?

Peter: Yes, in fact the Scriptures say:

Matthew 16:13-16 – “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say that the son of Man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Greg: Peter, did Jesus Christ rise from the dead?

Peter: Yes, He most certainly did.

Greg: When did you first realize that he had risen from the dead?

Peter: Well, on Sunday morning, 3 days after Jesus had died, Mary Magdalene came running up to us with some news:

John 20:2-7 – “So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.”

By the way, I had a pulled hamstring. That is the only reason John was able to outrun me that morning! I saw the empty tomb, the linen cloths, the face cloth. He was gone!

Greg: But, that is not all, is it Peter? It is not just that you saw the empty tomb; but you had more than one personal encounter after that moment. Right?

Peter: Yes, that’s right. Here is what happened:

John 20:19-21 – “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

We didn’t know what was going to happen to us. We were fearful. But, when Jesus appeared to us, we were at peace. I was so excited to see my Lord. It was true…He had risen from the dead.

Greg: Thank you Peter. I’m done your honor.

Judge: Please turn back 2 books to the book of Mark, chapter 14. Steve, you may begin your cross examination.

Steve: Peter, is it true that the phrase: “open mouth, insert foot” was invented because of you? Is it true that Jesus Christ, the one you say you were devoted to, said this to you?

Matthew 16:23 – “But he turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Peter: Yes, He said that to me, because I was suggesting that perhaps my plan was better than His.

Steve: Your attorney read the part of Scripture that had you proclaiming who Jesus was; but he forgot to read the rest of that passage, didn’t he? How convenient! What do you have to say about this part of the passage?

John 13:36-38 – “Simon Peter said to him, Lord, where are you going? Jesus answered him, Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward. Peter said to him, Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you. Jesus answered, Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”

That is what happened isn’t it Peter?

Peter: Yes.

Steve: Let’s find out what happened, according to your Scriptures:

Mark 14:66-72 – “And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, you also were with the Nazarene, Jesus. But he denied it, saying, I neither know nor understand what you mean. And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, This man is one of them. But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean. But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, I do not know this man of whom you speak. And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. And he broke down and wept.”

You, the supposed vocal leader for Christ, denied that you even knew who he was. You were the one that said you would go die with Him, and you couldn’t even have the courage to say you were a follower of Christ, let alone die with Him. Isn’t that true?

Peter: Yes. I was a coward; and I denied my Lord. I can’t believe I did that.

Steve: But, you did do that; and it brings into question your story that you saw Jesus Christ after your resurrection. You are a known, liar, Peter, who will just say the first thing that comes into his head, just to make himself look better. Why should we believe you now?

Peter: I don’t know; except to say it is the truth.

Steve: [sarcastically] Sure Peter. We believe you!
I’m done with this liar, I mean, witness, your honor.

Judge: Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. It is now time for the closing arguments. Once these arguments are complete, we will ask you to fill in your personal verdict cards. You will not have to turn them in unless you choose to. The Nations United Together will go first.

[hand out verdict cards]
Steve: Thank you your honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: In 1963 the body of 14-year-old Addie Mae Collins, one of 4 girls tragically murdered in an infamous church bombing by white racists, was buried in Birmingham, Alabama. For years family members kept returning to the grave to pray and leave flowers. In 1998 they made the decision to disinter the deceased for reburial at another cemetery. When workers were sent to dig up the body, however, they returned with a shocking discovery: The grave was empty. You can understand the family was distraught. Because of poorly kept records, they found the tombstone had been erected in the wrong place. But, no one, I mean no one, suggested that Addie Mae had risen from the dead. The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that an empty grave does not necessarily mean that someone rose from the dead. Jesus’ grave may have been empty, but perhaps some mistakes were made. Please consider that Jesus may still be dead.

You have heard the testimonies of 3 reliable witnesses. First, you heard from a religious expert, who proved to you that Jesus was not who he said he was. The only way they could try to prove that he was God in the flesh, the Savior of mankind, was to convince people that he rose from the dead. He broke the 4th commandment for Pete’s sake, concerning the Sabbath Day.

You also heard testimony from a medical expert who gave you a very credible possibility of what happened to the body of Jesus. And finally, you heard from a reliable eye-witness, a servant of the governor, a soldier, who told you what happened to the body of Jesus.

The Disciples of Christ have produced 3 witnesses who all have questionable character. Doubting Thomas doesn’t know what he believes, but had to make up this story to have something to hope in. Mary Magdalene admitted she was demon-possessed. Who can believe her? And Peter…here is a guy that supposedly preached to thousands but was unwilling to stand up before a little girl and admit that he knew Jesus. He needed to make up the resurrection story to make himself feel better.

Jesus Christ claimed to be the resurrection and the life. Come on…He also claimed to be bread, a door, and a light bulb! Can you really trust this guy to be sensible? Can you really trust what he says?

Ladies and gentlemen…It is clear. Vote False for the resurrection. Live your own life, apart from a God who expects too much. Enjoy your freedom for as long as life lasts. Because we all know that when this life is over, there is nothing else. Live it up and…God bless America!

Greg: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Let me remind of something very important to consider when writing down your verdict. This is a matter of faith. You will need to accept by faith that Jesus did not rise from the dead, or accept by faith that he did. Do you remember what Jesus said to Thomas?

John 20:29 – “Jesus said to him, have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

You have never seen Jesus Christ in person, but you can put your faith in Him: his death, burial and resurrection; rather than trusting in yourself, religion, or good works. You are blessed if you believe in this God you cannot see. What is your verdict?

I don’t know what you thought of the witnesses for the Nations United Together today. But, they are not unlike the other witnesses we hear every day in our world. We hear the religious voices talk about toleration and diversity; but to the extent that God’s Word is mocked and His ways opposed. We hear the religious voices telling us that as long as we try to live a good, moral life, then we can hope for salvation.

We hear the scientific and medical voices telling us that there is no God. We are told that the world came about by cosmic accident and we have evolved from monkeys. Every day, we hear more reasons why we are not responsible for our actions, and why it makes more sense to trust in human strength and wisdom rather than in a supreme deity.

And we hear lies every day about Jesus Christ, faith, and what life is really all about. You must decide whether you will put your trust in the word of man or the Word of God. Will you trust in your own efforts to get to God; or will you trust in Jesus Christ, who claimed He is the ONLY way to God?

You heard 3 testimonies from witnesses directly out of the Word of God. I admit that Thomas, Mary Magdalene and the Apostle Peter all had times of failure. They were all sinners. They were all, at times, weak in their faith. The fact that they failed often does not dismiss what they personally experienced. I think it makes a strong point, that Jesus Christ changes lives; and he chooses to use even those of us who still fail.

You do not have to be perfect to become a follower of Christ. You do have be willing to admit your sins, your short comings; and be forgiven by God as you trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. You will still sometimes doubt, but God can strengthen your faith and give you assurance.

We did not have the time today, but we could have brought before you over 500 witnesses that saw Jesus Christ with their own eyes after the resurrection, according to I Corinthians 15:6. Eye witnesses are the best ones. These personally saw Jesus Christ after He rose from the dead.

Today, the best witnesses are those whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ. They know He is risen from the dead because He has come into their lives; and they have accepted the truth of the Bible. For those of you who have truly trusted in Christ, you know the difference He has made. But, I know that many who have trusted in Christ are not living in light of the resurrection. That is: they are not presently walking intimately with Jesus Christ, sharing the love and truth of Jesus’ resurrection with others. That might be the commitment you need to re-make today.

The fact is: the only one who can convince you of the truth is the Holy Spirit. If He has convinced you of that today, then you will make the right decision. May God be with you.

Judge: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for you to mark your verdict cards. Please read it through carefully and make your decision. If you would like us to know about your decision, please leave your card on your seat or at the welcome center table following today’s service.