For some unexplainable reason, I’ve recently begun to think seriously about what I really believe about Jesus Christ. Is he really who the scriptures say he is, and is he alive today?

This led me to wonder if a random group of churched people were asked that question today, how would they respond? My guess is that most would say yes. However, if this same group was asked how they knew that Jesus was alive today, some might struggle with their answers.

So, my purpose in writing is to try to find the answer by first looking at a few Old Testament prophesies that relate to Jesus Christ coming into the world, followed by New Testament confirmations. Second is to see clearly how Jesus specifically told his disciples details about his coming arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, leading to his ascension into heaven. Finally, I discuss details about how he was seen alive by many witnesses on 11 occasions after his resurrection.

Old Testament prophesies and New Testament realities

To begin, Micah 5:2 speaks of the coming king going forth from Bethlehem. Matthew 2:6 confirms this. Isaiah 7:14, written some 740 years before Christ, tells us that “a virgin will be with child and bear a son and she will call his name Immanuel.” Matthew 1:18 tells us how Mary, a virgin, was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 41:9 tells us that he would be betrayed by a trusted friend. Mark 14:43-44 tells of Jesus being betrayed by Judas.

In addition, the following prophesies and results were even more specific. For example, after the crucifixion, Psalm 22:18 notes, “They divided my clothes and threw dice for my garments.” John 19:23-24 tells of the soldiers at the foot of the cross “casting lots” for Christ’s garments. Zechariah 9:9 reads, “The king comes on a donkey of a colt.” John 12:14 tells of Jesus entering Jerusalem “on a donkey of a colt.” Then comes the story of Christ’s burial. Isaiah 53:9: “His grave was assigned to be with wicked men, yet with a rich man in his death.” Matthew 27:59 says, “There came a rich man from Arimathea who laid Jesus’ body in his grave.”

Jesus predicts his own coming fate

On at least three occasions, Jesus clearly warned his disciples about his coming arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

Matthew 16:21, “Jesus began to tell his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem, and told them what would happen to him there. He would suffer at the hands of the leaders and be killed, and raised on the third day.”

He made similar predictions in Matthew 26:1 and Luke 9:22. (Those three passages are enough to convince me that Jesus is alive today.)

Jesus appears after his death and resurrection

In John 20:19-29 Jesus suddenly appears before his disciples in an upper room with the door locked. He shows them his scars. In the second visit, Thomas was present, saw the scars and believed.

In John 21:1-14, we read the story about Peter and some disciples fishing (without luck) on the Sea of Galilee. Suddenly, Jesus, who is on the shore, tells them how to catch fish and they bring in a huge haul. Later, the living Lord joins them for a meal.

Matthew 28:16-20 tells the story of Jesus with his disciples on a mountain in Galilee where he challenges them (and us) with the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples. The disciples were also with him (Matthew 24:50-52) when Jesus ascended into heaven.

Then in I Corinthians 15:3-11, the apostle Paul sheds further light about those who observed the resurrected Christ. In verse 5 Jesus was seen alive by Peter; verse 6 by more than 500 people; verse 7 by James and the apostles; and finally, by Paul on the road to Damascus.

In closing, who could better summarize what you have just read than the Rev. Billy Graham? He writes, “After the resurrection, Jesus visited ordinary places and spoke to ordinary people. He came to some in a garden, to others at the lakeside. He met a group in the upper room and others on a hilltop. He shared their meals and their walks. He came to them when they were working and when they were waiting; when they were afraid and when they were hopeful; when they were doubting and when they were certain. He came to ordinary people … just like you and me.”

Now I really believe. How about you?