The Arrow that Flies Back

The fifth arrow flies back, into the past.

The Good News of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection started in history. Some people react to that. They claim that the present is all that matters. Yet they themselves depend on the past. Every day, they use information that began as events in the past: date and place of birth, family name, given name, residence, and much more. Memories form and inform much of our experience. After all, the past was once the present; and the present is just the overflow from the past. All time is connected.

Did He Really Die? (Or, When Was I Born?)

When you look at the past, you may wonder, “How do we know that Jesus actually died before He was placed in the grave? How can we be sure that His dead body came back to life?”

In answer, try this question about yourself, “Can I be sure of my own birth date?” Don’t you depend on your parents’ report? All that we know of history—and much of our personal lives—comes from such reports and records. We especially depend on “testimony” from “eyewitnesses” who were present. This is the same reliable way we begin to learn about Jesus Christ. For example, Peter spoke as an eyewitness to those who had been present at Jesus’ death.

Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up… This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses (Acts 2:22-24,32).