#192 Lee Strobel & John Burke - The Resurrection
In this Shawn Ryan Show episode, Lee Strobel and John Burke examine the evidence for Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. They analyze early eyewitness accounts from the Gospels, exploring details corroborated by external sources and medical analysis. Burke and Strobel also discuss Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' life, the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection for humanity.
Strobel and Burke highlight the implications of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, from atonement and reconciliation with God to the promise of eternal life. They explain the centrality of a personal relationship with God as revealed through Jesus for spiritual transformation. The episode presents a Biblical perspective on the historical and theological context surrounding these pivotal Christian events.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Apr 17, 2025 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Evidence For Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus' Crucifixion Was a Historical Fact
According to Lee Strobel and John Burke, details from the Gospels corroborated by medical analysis provide strong evidence of Jesus' crucifixion. The excruciating flogging, blood loss, and asphyxiation leading to His death align with eyewitness testimony. External sources like Josephus and the Talmud attest to His crucifixion as well.
Early Eyewitness Accounts of Jesus' Resurrection
An early Christian creed outlines reports that Jesus died, was buried, resurrected, and appeared to many, including once-skeptics like the apostle Paul and Jesus' brother James. The disciples' transformed lives and willingness to face persecution suggest genuine belief in witnessing the risen Christ.
Empty Tomb Unexplained by Skeptics
Even Jesus' enemies acknowledged the empty tomb, claiming the disciples stole the body – an unlikely scenario given the disciples' suffering for insisting Jesus resurrected.
Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled In Jesus
Old Testament Prophecies Foretold Messiah's Coming
Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah, Micah, Daniel foretold details about the Messiah's birthplace, ministry, death, and resurrection – details fulfilled remarkably in Jesus' life according to Burke.
Jewish Sacrificial System and Fulfillment in Jesus
The Passover lamb sacrifice symbolized Jesus as the ultimate, sinless sacrifice to atone for sins, replacing the temple system which ceased after its destruction in 70 AD.
The Continuity Between the Old and New Testaments
Burke argues Jesus fulfilled Old Testament laws and prophecies, not abolishing them. The New Testament presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's redemptive plan begun in the Old Testament.
Meaning and Significance of Jesus' Death, Resurrection, Implications For Humanity
Jesus' Death Provided Atonement and Reconciliation With God
Burke states Jesus' sacrifice took humanity's punishment, offering forgiveness and eternal life. His prayer for forgiveness highlighted this act of love bridging the gap with God.
Resurrection Shows Jesus' Divinity and Power Over Death
The resurrection validated Jesus' claims of divinity according to Strobel. As the "first fruits," Jesus' resurrection body promises eternal life for believers.
The Call to Personal Relationship and Transformation
Burke emphasizes Christianity centers on cultivating a daily, personal relationship with the loving God revealed through Jesus to experience spiritual transformation.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Gospels are religious texts, and their historical accuracy is debated among scholars; some argue they were written decades after the events and may reflect theological agendas rather than historical fact.
- External sources like Josephus and the Talmud mention Jesus but do not provide independent corroboration of the Gospel narratives; Josephus's writings, in particular, are subject to debate over their authenticity and potential Christian interpolation.
- Early Christian creeds reflect the beliefs of early Christian communities but are not direct evidence of the events they describe; their origins and the context in which they were formed can affect their historical reliability.
- The transformation and persecution of the disciples could be attributed to a strong conviction in their beliefs, which is not exclusive to the veracity of those beliefs; people of various faiths have similarly endured persecution.
- Alternative explanations for the empty tomb, such as reburial or mistaken location, have been proposed by some scholars, though these are also subject to debate.
- The interpretation of Old Testament prophecies is complex and contested; some argue that the prophecies are vague, retrospectively applied, or that Jesus' life was shaped to fit them.
- The connection between the Passover lamb and Jesus as a sacrifice is a theological interpretation that not all religious traditions or scholars accept.
- The claim that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament laws and prophecies is based on a particular theological reading of the texts, which is not universally accepted even among different Christian denominations or Jewish interpretations.
- The concept of atonement and reconciliation through Jesus' death is a theological doctrine specific to Christianity and is not accepted by other religions or secular perspectives.
- The resurrection's validation of Jesus' divinity is a matter of faith and is not accepted by those of other religions or non-religious worldviews; historical evidence for the resurrection is debated among scholars.
- The emphasis on a personal relationship with God through Jesus is a Christian perspective and is not shared by all religious or non-religious people, who may find meaning and spiritual fulfillment in other ways.
Actionables
- Create a visual timeline of the events leading up to and following the crucifixion to deepen your understanding of its historical context. Use a large poster board or a digital drawing app to map out the key events mentioned, such as the Last Supper, the trial, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. This can help you visualize the sequence and significance of these events in a tangible way.
- Write a personal reflection journal focusing on the themes of sacrifice, atonement, and reconciliation. Dedicate a few minutes each day to write about how these concepts manifest in your life, relationships, and personal growth. Reflect on actions you can take to embody these principles, such as forgiving someone who wronged you or volunteering for a cause that helps the less fortunate.
- Engage in a creative project that represents the transformational aspect of the resurrection. This could be crafting a piece of art, composing a piece of music, or writing a short story that captures the essence of overcoming adversity or a personal rebirth. The act of creating something can serve as a metaphor for the transformative power of belief and the personal journey of spiritual growth.
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Evidence For Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
This discussion delves into the historical evidence supporting the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, highlighting eyewitness testimonies, ancient sources, and medical analysis that lend credence to these central events of Christian faith.
Jesus' Crucifixion Was a Historical Fact
Evidence from both biblical texts and external sources combine to provide a compelling case for the historical reality of Jesus' crucifixion.
Evidence Confirms the Brutal Details of Jesus' Crucifixion
Lee Strobel discusses the excruciating details of Jesus' crucifixion, supported by medical evidence. He describes how Jesus likely suffered from hematidrosis, which is the phenomenon of sweating blood due to extreme stress. This condition would have made Jesus' skin extremely sensitive to the horrific flogging inflicted by Roman soldiers, using a whip embedded with sheep bone and lead. John Burke adds to this narrative by examining Old Testament prophecy, which he believes foreshadowed the suffering Messiah who would be pierced and whose heart would turn to wax.
Throughout Jesus' grueling ordeal, He experienced hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss, which is supported by His inability to carry the cross and His intense thirst. Additionally, the act of crucifixion severely compromised His ability to breathe, eventually leading to asphyxiation and heart failure. When a Roman soldier stabbed Jesus in the side, the separate streams of water and blood, as reported in the Gospel of John, indicated a buildup of fluid around His heart and lungs – consistent with a pericardial effusion and confirming He was truly dead.
Sources Attest To Jesus' Crucifixion
The historicity of Jesus' crucifixion is further supported by Strobel through first-century reports, written accounts from Jesus' contemporaries, and five external sources including Josephus, Tacitus, the Jewish Talmud, and others. He also references the Journal of the American Medical Association, which concludes Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted.
Early Eyewitness Accounts of Jesus' Resurrection
The authenticity of Jesus' resurrection is bolstered by early reports, transformed lives of followers, and unlikely converts confirming the event.
Early Christian Creedal Statements Describe Jesus's Resurrection Appearances
An early Christian creed, dated within a few months of Jesus' death, outlines that Jesus died for sins, was buried, was raised, and appeared to several eyewitnesses, as noted by historian James D.G. Dunn. Lee Strobel reinforces the significance of these early accounts, as they were circulated during the lifetimes of Jesus' contemporaries who could have refuted them if false.
Hostile Eyewitness Testimony, Like Apostle Paul and Jesus' Skeptical Brother James, Confirms Resurrection
Apostle Paul and James, the brother of Jesus, once skeptics themselves, underwent dramatic transformations after purportedly witnessing the resurrected Jesus. Paul, who was intent on persecuting Christians, changed course dramatically, becoming an apostle and confirming the eyewitness testimony of disciples like Peter and John.
Disciples' Transformed Lives and Willingness to Suffer For Testimony Bolster Credibility of Risen Jesus
The disciples' readiness to endure hardship and suffering is evinced through their actions and testimonies, ind ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Evidence For Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The phenomenon of hematidrosis, while rare, is not universally accepted by all medical professionals as a diagnosis for Jesus' condition, and some argue that the accounts may be symbolic or allegorical rather than medical diagnoses.
- The details of Jesus' crucifixion, including the physiological effects described, are primarily derived from the Gospel narratives, which some scholars argue are theological texts rather than historical eyewitness accounts.
- The separate streams of water and blood could be interpreted in various ways, and some scholars suggest that this detail may have theological significance rather than being a straightforward medical observation.
- External sources like Josephus and Tacitus provide some historical context for Jesus' execution, but their accounts are brief and do not provide detailed corroboration of the Gospel narratives.
- The early Christian creed mentioned by historian James D.G. Dunn is a subject of debate among scholars, with some questioning the exact timing and origin of these creedal statements.
- The transformative experiences of Apostle Paul and James could be seen as subjective and personal, and some might argue that personal transformation is not necessarily evidence of a historical event.
- The willingness of disciples to suffer and die for their beliefs, while compelling, is not unique to Christianity and does not in itself prove the veracity of the re ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of historical events by creating a visual timeline that includes the medical and historical details of Jesus' crucifixion. Start by researching each assertion made, such as hematidrosis and hypovolemic shock, and then plot these on a timeline alongside key historical events. This will help you visualize the sequence and impact of these events on a personal level.
- Enhance your reflective practices by journaling about the transformative experiences of historical figures like Apostle Paul and James. Write about how their transformations parallel changes you've experienced or witnessed in others' lives. This exercise can offer insights into the power of personal convictions and the potential for change in your own life.
- Explore the concept of credibility through personal experiments by committing ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled In Jesus
Old Testament Prophecies Foretold Messiah's Coming
Prophets Isaiah, Micah, Daniel Foretold Messiah's Birthplace, Ministry, Death, Resurrection
John Burke brings attention to Old Testament prophecies that point to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He focuses on Isaiah's predictions made 780 years before Jesus' birth and affirmed by the discovery of the complete copy of the book of Isaiah among the Dead Sea Scrolls, which matches the modern-day Bible. Isaiah's prophecies include details like the coming child, referred to as "Mighty God," revealing himself in Galilee's specific region. Genealogies in the Bible confirm the Messiah as coming from the lineage of David.
Micah 5:2 singles out Bethlehem, a minor village, from where a ruler will emerge, connecting Jesus' birthplace with divine origins. Daniel 9's timeline fortells the appearance and death of the Messiah before Jerusalem's destruction, aligning with historic events up to 70 AD. Isaiah 53 predicts the "suffering servant" who would die to atone for humanity's sins. Psalm 22 details the Messiah's suffering in a manner consistent with crucifixion.
Odds Of Fulfilling These Prophecies Show Divine Inspiration
Lee Strobel shares the story of a friend convinced of Jesus' messianic identity upon reading Isaiah 53, leading to his conversion. Peter Stoner calculated the statistical probability of one person fulfilling 48 messianic prophecies to emphasize the divine nature of these events.
Jewish Sacrificial System and Fulfillment in Jesus
Passover Lamb Symbolizes Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
Burke describes Jesus as the sinless sacrifice in alignment with the Judaic lamb sacrifices for sin atonement. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," tying his ultimate sacrifice back to the Jewish sacrificial system. The Abraham narrative foreshadows the greater sacrifice provided by God, connected to Jesus's crucifixion. Golgotha's proximity to Mount Moriah, where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, symbolizes the continuation of divine provision.
70 AD Temple Destruction Highlights Jesus As Final Atonement
The discussion posits that the promised Messiah had to arrive before the temple's destruction in AD 70, with Jesus' death and resurrection meeting this criterion, making him the final atonement. The cessation of animal sacrifices in the temple after ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled In Jesus
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The prophecies mentioned are subject to interpretation, and some scholars argue that they could be read in different ways or applied to other historical figures.
- The genealogies in the Bible, particularly those relating to Jesus, have discrepancies between the accounts in Matthew and Luke, leading to questions about their accuracy.
- Some historians and scholars argue that the New Testament authors may have written the narratives to intentionally align with Old Testament prophecies.
- The statistical probability calculations by Peter Stoner have been criticized for their methodology and assumptions, which may not be statistically sound.
- The concept of Jesus as the final atonement is a theological interpretation that not all Jewish scholars or other religious traditions accept.
- The destruction of the temple in AD 70 as a marker for the Messiah's arrival is a Christian interpretation that is not universally acce ...
Actionables
- You can explore the historical context of biblical prophecies by visiting a local museum with ancient Near Eastern exhibits to better understand the world in which these prophecies were written. Museums often have artifacts, scrolls, and exhibits that provide insight into the culture and history of biblical times, which can help you grasp the significance of the prophecies and their fulfillment.
- Start a journaling practice where you reflect on the themes of sacrifice and atonement in your daily life, drawing parallels to the concept of the Passover Lamb. For example, you might write about times when you've made sacrifices for others or when you've sought forgiveness, considering how these experiences relate to the idea of atonement.
- Engage ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Meaning and Significance of Jesus' Death, Resurrection, Implications For Humanity
Jesus' Death Provided Atonement and Reconciliation With God
Jesus' Sacrifice Satisfied God's Penalty, Offering Forgiveness and Eternal Life As a Free Gift
Our sins create a divide between God's holiness and human imperfection. According to Isaiah 53, the suffering servant's wounds provide healing, taking the punishment for humanity's iniquities. John Burke sees Jesus' death as an act of love, dying for our sins and bridging the gap between God and us. This sinless sacrifice satisfies God's penalty for sin, offering forgiveness and eternal life as a gracious gift. The annual temple sacrifices of the Old Testament found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday during Passover, marking a final act that takes away the sins of the world for all time.
Jesus Bridged the Gap Between God and Humanity By Taking Their Punishment
The significance of Jesus’s death is further highlighted by John Burke's comment that God took the bullet for humanity's sins. Jesus’s prayer on the cross, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," repeated in the Greek imperfect tense, underscores the act of offering forgiveness and atonement. By accepting Jesus’ free gift, individuals can be reconciled with God forever.
Resurrection Shows Jesus' Divinity and Power Over Death
Resurrection Validated Jesus' Claims As Messiah and Son of God
The resurrection is a pivotal event that underscores Jesus' divinity and authority over death. Shawn Ryan emphasized that if Jesus claimed to be God, then died and returned to life, it would be compelling evidence of His claim. Lee Strobel is convinced of Jesus' divinity because of the historical evidence of his resurrection. Likewise, Jesus’ appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples further validate his identity as the Messiah. John Burke shares stories of modern individuals who had visions of the risen Jesus from various religious backgrounds, claiming encounters with a divine figure they believe to be Jesus, which suggests confirmation of Jesus’s divine nature and his resurrection.
"First Fruits" of Resurrection: Jesus' Victory Over Death Secures Believers' Eternal Life
Jesus's post-resurrection appearances, imbued with new abilities, imply his mastery over death. Additionally, Paul's description in 1 Corinthians 15 of Jesus as the "first fruits of the resurrection" presents Jesus as the promise of future resurrection for believers. This transformed, resurrected body, capable of interacting both in heaven and on earth, contrasts with the temporary resuscitated bodies of near-death experiencers.
The Call to Personal Relationship and Transformation
Goal: Receive Jesus As Lord and Savior and Allow Him to Transform One's Life
The personal nature of Christian faith encompasses mor ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Meaning and Significance of Jesus' Death, Resurrection, Implications For Humanity
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of atonement and reconciliation through Jesus' death is specific to Christian theology and may not align with the beliefs of other religions, which have their own understandings of sin, forgiveness, and the divine.
- The idea of Jesus taking on humanity's punishment can be seen as morally problematic or unjust by some, as it involves an innocent being suffering for the transgressions of others.
- The historical evidence for the resurrection is a matter of debate among scholars, with some questioning the reliability of the sources and suggesting alternative explanations for the early Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection.
- The notion of Jesus as the "first fruits" of resurrection and the promise of believers' eternal life is a matter of faith that cannot be empirically verified, and it is not accepted by all religious or non-religious worldviews.
- The emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus as the goal of Christi ...
Actionables
- Create a visual reminder of transformation by crafting a "transformation tree" where you hang written notes of personal changes or realizations on an indoor plant or a small tree in your home. This acts as a daily visual cue of your growth and the transformative power you believe Jesus has in your life. For example, you might write "Learned patience in a difficult situation" on a note and add it to your tree.
- Start a "forgiveness journal" where you write down moments where you've forgiven others or need to seek forgiveness, reflecting the theme of forgiveness and atonement. This practice can help you internalize the concept of forgiveness as a free gift, as you actively engage in forgiving and seeking forgiveness in your daily life.
- ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
