The New Testament tells us that there were many people who encountered the risen Jesus in bodily form: women at the tomb, frightened disciples behind locked door, two travellers on the road to Emmaus etc. Doubtful Thomas even had the opportunity to touch Jesus’ wounds. They all found it difficult to understand and accept that Jesus had truly risen from the dead.

"He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time" (1 Corinthians 15:6) and "presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3). The disciples would hardly have wanted to die a martyr's death if they had not been certain that Jesus had risen from the dead.

After his resurrection, Jesus didn’t show himself to his accusers or the whole world. The empty tomb was the only proof for them. His body was never found.

No amount of detective work, or trying to reason things out, will ever convince someone of Jesus’ resurrection. Faith comes when you have an encounter with Jesus. Jesus is in Heaven with His Father, but His Word - the Bible - continues to speak to people around the world. His church is proof that Jesus is alive.

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
(John 20:29, ESV)