Many believed in Him.

John 8:27-30, They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

There’s nothing like a crucifixion, burial and resurrection to certify your authenticity. Jesus makes it clear what will happen, who will do it and what the result will be. Even with this limited information, “many believed in Him.” We are on this side of the cross, arguably the most significant even in the history of the world since its creation. This event is confirmed by evidence, not the least of which is that a band of disciples who fled in fear returned after seeing Him alive to transform the world around them, even though all but one gave their own lives rather than recant their testimony about His resurrection. Do you believe it really happened?

We thank You that more than five-hundred witness confirmed Your rising from the grave; let Your joy abound in us to be Your witnesses today!

ESV Lectionary