Jesus gave only one sign to prove His divine identity—His resurrection. The keyphrase, “Jesus’ Only Sign: The Resurrection and the Birth of His Church,” is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:39, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” This points directly to His death and resurrection, and through that, the birth of His Church. This post explores this powerful truth and how it applies today.
The Prophetic Clue: Jonah, Three Days, and the Resurrection
Jesus compared His resurrection to Jonah’s experience (Matthew 12:40). Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish; likewise, Jesus would be in the heart of the earth.
Jonah: A Sign from the Old Testament
Just like Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, Jesus is a sign to the world. The fish story may sound symbolic, but it reflects a real historical event that prefigured Jesus’ resurrection.
Resurrection: The Fulfillment of the Prophetic Sign
Hosea 6:2 says, “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us.” Early Christians saw this as pointing to Christ’s resurrection. As predicted, Jesus rose on the third day—the sign that proved everything He said.
Jesus’ Resurrection Ignites the Birth of His Church
The Church did not begin with a building or an institution—it began with an empty tomb. Jesus’ resurrection became the foundation of the Church.
The Disciples: Witnesses of the Only Sign
Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb. Thomas touched His wounds. Their transformed lives testify to the resurrection.
Pentecost: From Resurrection to Spiritual Birth
Acts 2 shows the Spirit’s outpouring. Peter preaches boldly: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32). That day, about 3,000 were baptized. The Church was born not from doctrine alone, but from a risen Christ.
How the Resurrection Changes Lives
Even today, Jesus’ resurrection changes lives. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9) turned him from persecutor to apostle. In modern times, countless testimonies echo that transformation.
From Death to Life: Paul’s Story
Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). His letters shaped early Christian theology.
Modern Testimonies of Resurrection Power
Books like “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell present modern evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. Testimonies abound—addicts set free, atheists becoming believers, broken families restored.
The Sign That Still Speaks Today
The Church’s Enduring Mission
Jesus’ Only Sign: The Resurrection and the Birth of His Church reveals God’s ongoing mission. The Church, born through resurrection, is still called to proclaim it.
The Church as the Body of Christ
Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And God placed all things under His feet… and appointed Him head over everything for the Church.”
Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit, poured out after the resurrection, empowers believers. Books like “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan remind us of that same Spirit working today.
Why Jesus’ Resurrection is Still the Only Sign We Need
In a world chasing signs and wonders, Jesus offers one: His resurrection. It’s enough. It’s the proof. It’s the power.
More Than a Sign: A Relationship
Believing in the resurrection invites us into a relationship, not religion. Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Are You Living the Resurrection?
Does your life reflect the power of Jesus’ only sign? Let the resurrection shape your faith, your choices, your identity.
Jesus’ Only Sign and the Church’s Global Expansion
Today, the Church is global. From Jerusalem to Brazil, South Korea, and the U.S., the resurrection unites believers worldwide.
Early Church Growth Rooted in the Resurrection
Historical scholar N.T. Wright says, “Without the resurrection, Christianity would have faded into history like other movements.”
Church Growth Today: Still Rooted in the Risen Christ
In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the Church grows rapidly. Why? Because Jesus lives. And He changes lives.
Living Proof: Saints, Martyrs, and Ordinary Believers
Throughout history, the resurrection inspired believers to live boldly. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, saw the risen Jesus before his death (Acts 7:55–56).
Saints Who Stood for the Resurrection
Apostles like Peter and Andrew died because they would not deny the risen Christ. Polycarp, an early church father, declared, “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has never done me wrong.”
Today’s Witnesses
Everyday Christians who stand for truth and serve others are living proof of Jesus’ power. Missionaries, teachers, parents, and neighbors display His resurrection in their daily lives.
Jesus’ Only Sign: A Call to Faith and Action
Jesus did not promise many signs, but one sign that would validate His mission. That sign was the resurrection, and it leads to action.
Faith Rooted in a Living Savior
Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The resurrection gives substance to our hope.
Action Fueled by the Spirit
Romans 8:11 says, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you… He will also give life to your mortal bodies.” That power fuels our purpose.
Final Reflection: Why Jesus’ Only Sign Is More Than Enough
The resurrection is not just history—it’s the heartbeat of the Christian faith. It proves Jesus is who He says He is. It launched the Church. It transformed the world. And it still speaks today.
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” — Matthew 28:6
Jesus’ only sign is enough for those who believe. Let the power of His resurrection birth new life in you—and let that life shine for others to see.
Suggested Christian Books for Further Study:
- “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus” by Gary Habermas and Michael Licona
- “Surprised by Hope” by N.T. Wright
- “The Resurrection of the Son of God” by N.T. Wright
- “Jesus the King” by Timothy Keller
- “The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller
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