"Finding Out" Study5-p19

IMAGINATION CAN PLAY TRICKS ON US. Things are not always what they appear. But we are soon corrected by the opinion of others, who from their own perspective are able see the reality more clearly than we can ourselves.

In the case of the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples had ample opportunity to confer with others and correct any misconceptions they may have had about the resurrection of Jesus. Far from correcting any wrong impressions, they were only the more confirmed in the belief that Jesus was indeed alive. Their eyes were not accustomed to deceive them. The reality was staring them in the face and speaking to them all.

Doubters should credit the disciples of Jesus with more intelligence than they do. They were seasoned men who were not easily fooled. The same goes for those who believed their testimony. Before risking conflict with the authorities over the resurrection of Jesus they would have satisfied themselves of its truth. After all, they were very close in time and place to the events.

SUMMARY: Many say that the disciples of Jesus were sincere men, but sincerely wrong in thinking Jesus had come alive. They say that the resurrection was the product of their imagination.

This is very unlikely, as many of the appearances were in daylight. And it is also inconceivable that so many should be deceived, and at the same time.

Moreover, the wild imaginings of the human mind are soon sobered by thoughts of pain! The threat of prison and death would prove an effective reality check. Yet in spite of the prospect of suffering, nothing could shake their firm conviction that Jesus had come alive.