Apologetics – Does Jesus Really Exist?
Welcome back and thank you for returning. Today, we will be looking at a response that questions the existence of Jesus. As crazy as this may sound, it is a question that has been asked.
I can remember a time when you could believe what you saw. And if you didn’t see it but there are witnesses that could verify it to be true, you readily accepted it as true. Sadly, today you can present a picture to someone, or someone can see something happening right before their eyes, and the truthfulness of it would be in question. As disappointing as it sounds, it is not new. This believe that there is no such thing as truth is called postmodernism.
When Jesus performed miracles, signs, and wonders, many did not believe it (John 12:37). Thomas, one of the disciples who followed Jesus did not believe his fellow disciples when they mentioned Jesus’s resurrection (John 20:24-25). So, if you’re ever unfortunate to receive a response questioning the existence of Jesus, try not to be offended or surprised.
While evangelizing/presenting the Good News…
(Skeptic) “Well I do not belief Jesus actually existed. All that stuff is made up by you Christians to force your religion on others. Is there really evidence that Jesus actually existed besides what is in your Bible?”
(Christian) “Sir/Ma’am it really saddens me that you believe that. If you can spare a few minutes, I would love to answer your question.”
(Skeptic) “Sure, I have a few minutes.”
(Christian) “It’s very interesting that you asked that question. Have you personally done any research to verify that Jesus was only made up by Christians?”
(Skeptic) “Not really.”
(Christian) “Assuming that you believe Jews exist, I also assume that you know that they did not believe Jesus to be the Messiah whom their prophets of long ago prophesied to come and save them. Their religious leaders had him crucified. Surely you have heard of the Talmud. It is the primary source of Jewish religious law and theology. It has inputs from almost every Rabbi dating from around 450 B.C. to about A.D. 500. What’s important is it contains records of situations involving Jesus, which proves Jesus existed. Going back to the dates I mentioned. Have you ever heard of B.C. and A.D.?”
(Skeptic) “Of course. It’s used in dating and is used by almost everyone in the world.”
(Christian) “Exactly. So, that means you are aware that almost everyone in the world uses the dating system that was created according to the birth of Jesus. You can also find evidence of Jesus’s existence in writings by Roman scholars and historians. Keep in mind that the Romans were the conquers of the Jewish people. They were not their friends when Jesus walked the Earth.”
(Skeptic) “Well, you can’t believe what you read in books.”
(Christian) “Once again, I’m sorry that you feel that way. Have you heard of the Civil War? Did it actually happen?”
(Skeptic) “What American hasn’t and of course it happened!”
(Christian) “How do you know? You don’t look to be nearly 200 years old.”
(Skeptic) “I first learned about it in school in our history books. Plus, there were people alive that witnessed it and wrote down 1st hand accounts of the various battles.”
(Christian) “Hmm, so it was in historical books, witnesses gave first-hand account of it, to which it was compiled and put in historical books, and you read the book. Yes, some things in books are not true. A lie cannot exist for too long. With all the scientific brains out there and modern technology, to include carbon dating, it is extremely difficult for something to be made up and lasting more than 2000 years to not be debunked. Lastly, Mark Twain once said, ‘The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the fellow who can’t read a line.’ He was born in 1835 AD. If you’re interested, I know of a Good Book that can point you to and prove the existence of Jesus. It’s like a historical book.”
At this time, if they’re willing, tell them about the Bible app that they can download to their phone and refer them to begin in the Book of John. You can also let tell them if they have any questions about what they read in John, you are more than happy to explain it and you can exchange information. Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit on whether or not to ‘throw the net’ and or continue with your Gospel presentation.
“This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” – Jesus Christ (John 6:39-40 HCSB)
May the Lord, our Savior, bless you richly as you are equipped in His truths and protect you as you continue your race. – Kevin
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