David Wilkerson reveals why God chose only 512 witnesses to the resurrection rather than displaying the risen Christ to all Jerusalem, showing that the proof of the resurrection was never meant to be a historical fact argued from a distance but a living reality experienced from the inside out.

Preached: April 23, 2000

Main Points:

• God could have sent the risen Jesus marching down the temple aisle to confront Caiaphas, appearing before Pilate through solid walls, standing in the middle of the soldiers still gambling over his robe. Wilkerson admits something in him wishes he had, but God had a better plan.

• The religious leaders sat through an earthquake, total darkness, rocks splitting, and the temple veil tearing in two, and still didn't believe. More miracles would have changed nothing for hearts that hard.

• Only 512 chosen witnesses saw the risen Christ because they were the only ones who could truly see him. They had already shared in his death, and now they shared in his resurrection life.

• Paul never walked with Jesus during his ministry, yet declared, "He was seen of me also," because the resurrection wasn't just something that happened to Jesus. It happened in Paul, and it's happening in you.

• If someone demands proof that Christ is alive, you don't need a history book. You look them in the eye and say, "You're looking at it." The resurrection is still happening, one dead soul raised to life at a time.

• The person sitting next to you at church may have been an alcoholic, an adulterer, someone chained by a sin they hated and couldn't escape. That changed life is the only proof the world needs that Jesus came out of that tomb.

• Wilkerson confessed feeling inadequate in fully describing Jesus, but said this: After all these years, he has put a love in my heart for him that keeps growing, and even eternity won't be enough to fathom the fullness of his glory.

https://wcmin.us/ss260405c