S. Mark 15:44-48 (NIV)
44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.
O. As I read this, I think of the evidence that is left for us - proving Jesus is who He claimed to be, the son of God, the Savior. This is just one piece of evidence that truly, as Josh McDowel wrote so many years ago, “demands a verdict.”
I observe that Pilate was suprised. Usually the victims of crucifixion would have to have their legs broken - yet Jesus was already found to be dead (He gave us His life). Because Jesus was said to be dead, Pilate sends a Roman centurion to verify this. Romans knew how to verify and certify death (likely for legal purposes), Yet Jesus was raised and shown Himself to be alive.
A. Ths short passage is one of many that disprove the “hypothesis” of many skeptics and prove, by evidence, that Jesus indeed was not only dead, but that He rose and appeared to many - proviing He was who He claimed to be, the Son of God, the Savior of the World.
P. Thank you Father for providing us simple and plain evidences that prove who you are and that Jesus is who He claimed to be. I pray for my family and friends who are skeptical, that they will examine the evidence and see for themselves and place their faith in Jesus. In Jesus’ name!
