Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say [a myth]. (Mark 8:27–28, NIV 1984).
My Musings – A myth, a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. Or a legend, one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable. To those who say Jesus was a myth or legend, the Gospel accounts and Epistles do not count. Although there are many reasons that they do.
Four harmonious accounts from eyewitnesses (Matthew and John) or directly related by eyewitnesses to others (Mark and Luke). But not suspiciously identical enough to imply conspiracy, but rather corroboration. “Since I myself [Luke] have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:3–4, NIV 1984).
Many post-resurrection appearances, including “more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:6, NIV 1984). Enough to dispute the Gospel accounts if they misrepresented the truth.
Eleven of the twelve original disciples (Matthias having replaced Judas Iscariot) died horrible deaths because they stuck to their story. Deaths that could have been avoided had they recanted. Which they likely would have done if the story was a lie. “Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them.” (Hebrews 11:35-38, NIV 1984).
His harshest critic, who initially tried to eradicate the new faith, became a believer and was also martyred for his testimony about the risen Christ. “Last of all he appeared to me [Paul] also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:8–9, NIV 1984).
His detractors never produced a body. Why? Because “He is not here [the tomb]; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6, NIV 1984).
My Advice – A myth or a legend? That conclusion is not credible. The record is clear and verifiable. It is not imaginary. You need to believe because the testimony leaves no room for a reasonable doubt.
The Brew Is A Musing 