As we continue exploring the resurrection of Jesus, I want to share with you another important teaching.
Last week (read here), we addressed one of the theories used to deny the resurrection, and today, we are tackling another common claim—the idea that Jesus’ disciples stole His body and fabricated the story of His resurrection. This accusation has been used for centuries, particularly by skeptics in both the Jewish and Muslim communities, but when we examine the facts, we see just how impossible this theory truly is.
The tomb of Jesus was not left unguarded.
Roman soldiers were stationed there, divided into four groups, each taking shifts of three hours. It would have been impossible for all of them to fall asleep at the same time, giving the disciples a chance to sneak in and steal the body. And yet, even if such an absurd scenario had taken place, why weren’t these soldiers executed for failing in their duty? In Roman military law, falling asleep on watch was punishable by death, and yet there is no record of any guards being punished.
We must also consider the condition of the disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion.
They were devastated, afraid, and hiding, completely uncertain of what to do next. These were not trained warriors, but fishermen and tax collectors. How could such a group of fearful men have suddenly found the courage to fight off armed Roman soldiers in order to steal Jesus’ body? And let’s not forget about the enormous stone that sealed the tomb—one that weighed several tons. Moving it would have been a massive undertaking, requiring time and causing a lot of noise. Are we expected to believe that such a feat was accomplished without waking a single guard?
Another glaring contradiction in this theory is that if the guards were truly asleep, how could they possibly know that the disciples were the ones who took the body?
How can someone be a witness while they are sleeping? If the authorities truly believed the disciples were responsible for stealing Jesus’ body, why weren’t they arrested immediately? There was no manhunt, no attempt to bring them to justice—because the claim itself was false.
One of the strongest proofs against this theory is what was left behind in the tomb—the linen grave clothes.
A thief does not take time to carefully unwrap a stolen body before fleeing. The disciples, if they had really taken Jesus’ body, would not have stopped to remove the burial cloths and fold them neatly before running away. This alone proves that something supernatural had taken place.
But the greatest evidence of all is the radical transformation of the disciples themselves.
If they had stolen the body, they would have been living a lie. No one willingly suffers torture, imprisonment, and execution for something they know to be false. And yet, every single one of them boldly proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection, despite persecution. Peter was crucified upside down. James was beheaded. Thomas was speared to death. Nearly all of them were martyred, but none of them recanted. They endured suffering and death because they had encountered the risen Jesus.
The resurrection is not just a historical event—it is the foundation of our faith.
It is the reason we have hope, the reason we share the Gospel, and the reason we stand firm, even in difficult times. Here in Israel, we are constantly confronted with skepticism, but we remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth. Our mission is to shine the light of Yeshua, to stand boldly for the Gospel, and to share His love with both our Jewish and Arab neighbors.
Hallelujah!