Tommy John was in the middle of one of his best pro seasons in 1974 in Major League Baseball when he suffered permanent damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. Normally, this would have been a career-ending injury, but thanks to the surgical procedure named after him, his career was resurrected.

Think how incredible it was for Jesus’ disciples to witness His resurrection. During my freshman year in college, I had the opportunity to hear Josh McDowell deliver the most compelling talk on the resurrection of Jesus that I had ever heard. His groundbreaking book Evidence That Demands a Verdict is recognized as one of the twentieth century’s top 40 books! Little has changed in his approach over the past five decades when he speaks on the resurrection. Here are a couple of his most notable quotes about the resurrection:

“After more than 700 hours of studying this subject and thoroughly investigating its foundation, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, or it is the most fantastic fact of history.”

“No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.”

John 20 – The Power to Raise the Dead

John closes this chapter by repeating Jesus’ call to believe in Him. Still, many chose to neglect the truth of His resurrection. Others are like the professional baseball player who told his coach who was losing his temper, “Coach, you need to walk with Jesus.” The coach replied, “I’d rather walk with the bases loaded.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe in the resurrection as the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer. It proves He has the power to raise the dead.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – But He [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and even the end of the Earth.” Acts 1:7-8 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Resurrection