Last week I was traveling for a speaking engagement and spent some time in a small village by the sea. I wandered through a few shops and eventually stumbled on a local art store. As I looked around, the owner asked where I was from and why I was visiting. When I mentioned I was in town for a Christian conference, it led to an hour-long spiritual conversation.

He shared a variety of reasons for his struggles with Christianity. I listened to his concerns, and we went back and forth in a lively dialogue about reasons for belief. He was thoughtful and engaging and had studied a variety of religions. Ultimately, he said he found all of them lacking.

Midway through our conversation I asked him, “Do you think the resurrection is true?” When he said he didn’t believe Jesus had risen from the dead, I followed up by asking, “ Why do you think the disciples went from cowering in fear when he was crucified to being willing to die for their faith?” He admitted he didn’t understand why they would do that for a made-up story.

For me, that question points to one conclusion: something truly significant happened. Why else would 11 men who deserted their friend in his greatest moment of agony later become willing to die for him—especially if it were all a ruse? People may lie to avoid being caught or to escape punishment, but it makes little sense to keep proclaiming a lie that puts you directly in harm’s way.

But if the story is true? Then the resurrection changes everything.

We hope this week’s episode of The Deep Dish, “Why We Can Trust the Resurrection,” will be an encouragement to your faith. As Easter approaches, perhaps you can share it with someone in your life who may be doubting or struggling to believe the claims of Christianity and it can lead to an encouraging discussion about the best news the world has ever received: He is risen!