The Apologetics of Jesus A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters Norman L. Geisler Patrick Zukeran C Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 3 10/13/08 11:27:47 AM © 2009 by Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran Published by Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287 www.bakerbooks.com Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording— without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Geisler, Norman L. The apologetics of Jesus / Norman L. Geisler, Patrick Zukeran. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. ). ISBN 978-0-8010-7186-7 (pbk.) 1. Jesus Christ—Teaching methods. 2. Apologetics. I. Zukeran, Patrick. II. Title. BT590.T5G37 2009 232.904—dc22 2008032604 Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture is taken Scripture marked NLT is taken from the Holy from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNA- Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © TIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights All rights reserved. reserved. Scripture marked NRSV is taken from the New Scripture marked ESV is taken from The Holy Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good National Council of the Churches of Christ in News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights the United States of America. Used by permis- reserved. sion. All rights reserved. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King Scripture marked RSV is taken from the Re- James Version of the Bible. vised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Scripture marked NASB is taken from the Christian Education of the National Council New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © of the Churches of Christ in the United States 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, of America. Used by permission. All rights 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used reserved. by permission. Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 4 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM Contents Acknowledgments 9 Introduction 11 1. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Testimony 15 2. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Miracles 27 3. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of the Resurrection 47 4. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Reason 65 5. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Parables 79 6. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Discourse 89 7. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Prophecy 103 8. Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Arguments for God 115 9. Jesus’s Alleged Anti-Apologetic Passages 129 10. Jesus’s Life as an Apologetic 147 11. Jesus and the Role of the Holy Spirit in Apologetics 167 12. Jesus’s Apologetic Method 185 Notes 199 7 Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 7 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM Introduction That Jesus is one of the greatest teachers who ever lived is not in dispute, even by most non-Christians who are aware of his teachings. Certainly he is the ultimate model for Christian teaching. Given this fact, we can only conclude that Jesus was also the greatest apologist for Christianity who ever lived. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which means a defense. The apologist uses reason and evidence to present a rational defense for the Christian faith. Jesus was continually confronted with the need to defend his claims to be the Messiah, the Son of God. So by definition, he was an apologist. Despite the fact that Jesus was an apologist and that by common consent he was probably the greatest teacher ever, it is strange indeed that no one has written a major work on the apologetic methods of Jesus. This book is an attempt to correct that serious omission. Those who oppose apologetics in favor of a leap of faith without evidence will be disappointed in Jesus. Nowhere does he call on any- one to make an unthoughtful and unreasoned decision about his or her eternal destiny. Everywhere Jesus demonstrates a willingness to provide evidence for what he taught to every sincere seeker. Indeed, the Law and the Prophets, which Jesus came to fulfill (Matt. 5:17), inform us of a God who says, “Come now, let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18), and exhorts us to test false prophets (Deut. 13:1–5; 18:14–22). And those who were taught by Jesus exhort us to “give the reason for our faith” (1 Peter 3:15) and not to make a leap of faith in the 11 Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 11 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM dark but rather to take a step of faith in the light—in the light of the evidence he has provided in nature (Rom. 1:19–20), in our hearts (Rom. 2:12–15), and in history (Acts 17:30–31). Jesus’s apostles used apologetics in their preaching from the be- ginning of their ministry. For instance, Paul tells the Philippians, “I am appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:16 NASB). The apostle Jude (Jesus’s half brother) exhorts us to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3 NRSV). The classic text of 1 Peter commands us, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense [apologia] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 NRSV), and Acts 1:3 (NKJV) speaks of Jesus presenting himself with “many infallible proofs.” Based on the empty tomb and the resurrection, Peter argues that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah (Acts 2:29–36). In Acts 3 the healing of a man lame from birth is provided in the name of Jesus and as evidence he is the resurrected Messiah. The apostles use apologetics with the heathen at Lystra in Acts 14, arguing from na- ture that God “did not leave himself without witness” (v. 17 RSV). In Acts 17 Paul uses apologetics when speaking to Jews who had not accepted Jesus as their Messiah. He “reasoned with them from the Scriptures [the Old Testament, God’s special revelation], explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead” (vv. 2–3 NKJV). Later in the same chapter he reasons with the Greek philosophers on Mars’ hill, beginning with God’s general revelation and arguing for the existence of God from the things he had made (vv. 22–28). Giving evidence for God and Christ is a common activity of the Old Testament prophets. Moses is provided with miraculous evidence of his claim to be God’s spokesperson (Exod. 4:1–13), as is Elijah (1 Kings 18) and other prophets. God also gives evidential tests for a prophet in Deuteronomy 13 and 18. Apologists have long appealed to these events as a basis for their endeavors. In view of this, it is amazing that there is no major work available on the master apolo- gist himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. 12 d Introduction Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 12 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM Anyone who makes a truth claim—to say nothing about a claim to ultimate truth (John 14:6)—must provide evidence for that claim. Jesus does exactly that, and in so doing, he provides a pattern for apologetics that is of great value to the contemporary defender of the Christian faith. What could be more helpful than the model of the Master? First, we will look at Jesus’s use of testimony as an apologetic (chap. 1), followed by his use of miracles (chap. 2) and the resur- rection (chap. 3) to support his claims. Being the Logos (reason) of God, it is understandable that Jesus utilized human reason in his teaching (chap. 4). But hidden in his parables is a powerful apolo- getic for his deity (chap. 5). Of course, he also employs apologetics in his discourses (chap. 6). His appeal to prophecy is also offered as a strong indication of his supernatural claims (chap. 7). Implied in his teachings are indications of how Jesus would have approached the subject of arguments for God’s existence (chap. 8). Of course, an answer must be given for those who take some of Jesus’s statements out of context in an anti-apologetic way (chap. 9). And one cannot neglect the fact that Jesus not only had an apologetic but that his life was also an apologetic (chap. 10). In this connection, it is impor- tant to show the role of the Holy Spirit in convincing people of the truth of Christ (chap. 11). Finally, from all of the above we attempt to construct an apologetic method (chap. 12). I hope this will cast light on which of the current apologetic systems is closest to that of Jesus’s approach. The study of Jesus’s apologetics yields some rewarding results. It provides an example to follow, since he is the greatest of apologists. In so doing, such a study benefits not only the apologists but also every Christian who wants to be an effective witness for Christ to an unbelieving world. Introduction d 13 Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 13 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM 1 d Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Testimony A man lay ill for thirty-eight years beside the pool of Bethesda, along with a multitude of sick and lame individuals. Suddenly a stranger walks up to this man and asks him a strange question: “Do you want to get well?” As the lame man begins to explain his situation, the stranger orders the man: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!” (John 5:8). Immediately strength enters his legs and he rises and walks, carrying his mat as the stranger ordered. Soon afterward the Pharisees arrive, and a conflict ensues. What should have been a moment of rejoicing turns into a serious interrogation. The Jewish leaders confront Jesus seeking a reason and opportunity to kill him. Instead of praising God for the healing of the lame man, the focus of the Jewish leaders is on the fact that Jesus has violated their Jewish tradition. In his defense, Jesus presents some of the clearest and strongest teachings regarding his nature as the divine Son of God. Leon 15 Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 15 9/25/08 7:57:37 AM Morris states, “Nowhere in the Gospels do we find our Lord making such a formal, systematic, orderly, regular statement of His own unity with the Father, His divine commission and authority, and the proofs of His Messiahship, as we find in this discourse.”1 It is these very claims of divinity that lead to the hostility and eventual death of Jesus. Jesus’s Apologetic of Witnesses in John 5 Jesus’s response can be divided into three sections. The first section, John 5:16–18, records, “So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’ For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” Jesus claims that he is the divine Son of God and therefore the Lord over the Sabbath. His defense is his intimate and special relationship with the Father. Jesus partakes of the divine nature and acts in com- plete obedience and unity with God the Father. Jesus states that the Father is always at work in sustaining the universe, and because of his close relationship, he does this work as well. Jesus also calls God “my Father” in a special sense. The Jews understand God to be their Father, but Jesus means something unique in his relationship with God the Father. He is stating that he is of the same divine nature. Upon hearing this, the Jews consider Jesus not only a violator of the law but a blasphemer as well. In the second part of Jesus’s response (John 5:19–24), he de- clares: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, 16 d The Apologetics of Jesus Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 16 9/25/08 7:57:38 AM even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. Here Jesus affirms that he cannot act independently of the Father. The things that the Father does, the Son does too, not in imitation but in virtue of his sameness of nature.2 Jesus does not act from his own initiative but in perfect union of will with the Father. This union is illustrated in the authority to give life. It was under- stood that the Father raises individuals from the dead. In the same way, Jesus claims authority to give life (v. 21). From the authority to grant life, Jesus states that he is given the authority to judge all things (v. 22). The Jews believed that they would stand before the Father on judgment day, but here Jesus states that the authority to judge has been delegated to the Son.3 The Jews understood that eternal life rested on their positive response to God’s Word; Jesus states that eternal life rests on their response to him and his Word. He has the authority to grant eternal life (vv. 24–27). In claiming authority over these realms, Jesus is proclaiming his equality with God. In fact, the two are so united that failure to honor the Son also means a failure to honor the Father (v. 23). Such extraordinary claims offend his audience, and Jesus under- stands their mind-set. According to Old Testament law, a person’s own testimony is not valid in a Jewish court of law. A testimony is valid only if there are two or three witnesses who testify to the truth of an individual’s claims (Deut. 19:15). Jesus knows that these people need not only solid testimony to confirm his claims but also testimony that will convict them of their error regarding their understanding of him. In this third section, Jesus presents an apologetic defense using the testimony of key witnesses to uphold the claims he has made of himself. He declares: Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Testimony d 17 Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 17 9/25/08 7:57:38 AM If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say? John 5:31–47 Jesus’s Apologetic Use of Five Witnesses In his defense, Jesus states that there are five witnesses who testify on his behalf: John the Baptist, his own works, the Father, the Old Testament Scriptures, and Moses (John 5:32–46). Jesus uses the word testify (or testimony) ten times in this passage. An important aspect of his apologetics involves confirmed testimony or witnesses. Another key Greek word in this passage is martyria (meaning testimony or witness), which John uses five times. It appears eighteen 18 d The Apologetics of Jesus Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus: A Caring Approach to Dealing with Doubters, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2009. Used by permission. Geisler_Apologetics_KK_slb.indd 18 9/25/08 7:57:38 AM