Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #192: Lee Strobel & John Burke - The Resurrection

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #192 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in an in-depth conversation with distinguished guests Lee Strobel and John Burke. Both guests bring extensive backgrounds in Christian apologetics and ministry, delving into the profound topic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This long-form summary captures their key discussions, insights, and theological explorations surrounding the resurrection, its historical evidence, and its significance for faith today.

Opening Discussion: Guardian Angels and Divine Communication

Timestamp: 00:54 - 01:52

The episode begins with a brief dialogue touching on the concept of guardian angels. Lee Strobel introduces new analysis supporting the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin as Jesus' burial cloth. John Burke emphasizes the biblical basis for guardian angels, referencing scriptures like Matthew 18:10 and Acts 12:7, which depict angels intervening in human affairs.

Notable Quote:

Lee Strobel [00:55]: "There's some really powerful new analysis of the Shroud that indicates it may very well be the burial cloth of Jesus."

Personal Experiences and Divine Promptings

Timestamp: 02:30 - 05:00

Shawn Ryan shares his journey to faith, highlighting his experience in Sedona and conversations with mentors like Eddie Penny, a former SEAL Team 6 member. He describes seeing the number "4:44" repeatedly, interpreting it as a sign of guardian angels watching over him. Lee Strobel and John Burke recount their longstanding friendship and collaborative faith journeys, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in their lives.

Notable Quote:

John Burke [04:11]: "So if I can just like put up this antenna and be receptive, God speaks to us."

Biblical Foundations of Guardian Angels

Timestamp: 07:52 - 15:24

Lee Strobel delves deeper into the biblical evidence for guardian angels, citing passages from the Gospels and the Book of Acts. He references early Christian scholars like Jerome, Thomas Aquinas, and Martin Luther, who affirmed the existence of guardian angels. John Burke supports this by sharing accounts from near-death experiences (NDEs) that corroborate the biblical portrayal of angels as protectors and messengers.

Notable Quote:

Lee Strobel [11:53]: "We're cautioned, I think, through the experience of John in Revelation, not to worship angels."

Near-Death Experiences as Confirmation of the Resurrection

Timestamp: 12:04 - 21:05

John Burke transitions the conversation to near-death experiences, illustrating how these encounters affirm the resurrection narrative. He shares diverse testimonies, including that of Jim Woodford, an agnostic pilot, who during his final moments, encountered angels and experienced a vision of Jesus. Strobel adds historical weight by discussing the Shroud of Turin and its potential connection to Jesus' burial.

Notable Quote:

John Burke [12:05]: "If Jesus died on the cross, then according to Isaiah 53 and all these prophecies, we can know that he rose from the dead."

Historical Evidence Supporting the Resurrection

Timestamp: 64:47 - 93:21

Lee Strobel presents a comprehensive analysis of the crucifixion and resurrection, addressing common skeptic objections. He references medical journals affirming Jesus' death on the cross and highlights prophecies from Isaiah 53 that predate Jesus by centuries, underscoring their fulfillment in the resurrection. John Burke adds that early Christian creeds, emerging within months of the crucifixion, attest to the disciples' encounters with the risen Christ, further solidifying the historical credibility of the resurrection.

Notable Quote:

Lee Strobel [78:56]: "This event in history, but it was an event foretold hundreds and hundreds of years in advance, which gives it that much more credibility and supernatural implications."

The Holy Trinity and Divine Relationship

Timestamp: 104:26 - 144:27

The discussion evolves into the theological concept of the Holy Trinity. Both Strobel and Burke explore how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit coexist as one God, vindicating biblical scriptures and personal experiences from NDEs. They use analogies to illustrate the mystery of the Trinity, emphasizing that while it defies complete human understanding, it aligns with the profound interconnectedness reported in spiritual encounters.

Notable Quote:

John Burke [125:42]: "We have no record anywhere of anyone ever surviving a full Roman crucifixion. But we have multiple reports of his death in the documents of the New Testament."

Modern-Day Implications and Personal Transformations

Timestamp: 144:27 - 212:59

John Burke shares transformative stories of individuals from various religious backgrounds who encountered the risen Jesus through NDEs, leading them to faith. He emphasizes that these experiences are consistent globally and reinforce the reality of the resurrection. Strobel adds that such encounters highlight God's desire for a personal relationship with each individual, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

Notable Quote:

John Burke [206:13]: "But he kept saying, that's him. Jesus is here. Jesus saved me."

Physical Evidence: The Shroud of Turin and Beyond

Timestamp: 217:35 - 223:35

The conversation touches on physical evidence supporting the resurrection, notably the Shroud of Turin. Strobel discusses recent analyses suggesting its authenticity, while acknowledging historical controversies surrounding its dating. They explore how this artifact, along with pollen studies and 3D reconstructions, continues to fuel debates and affirmations of Jesus’ burial and resurrection.

Notable Quote:

Lee Strobel [184:24]: "There's some really powerful new analysis of the Shroud that indicates it may very well be the burial cloth of Jesus."

Conclusion: The Significance of the Resurrection

Timestamp: 222:43 - End

In concluding the episode, both Lee Strobel and John Burke reiterate the centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith. They highlight how the resurrection not only validates Jesus' divinity but also offers believers hope for eternal life and a personal relationship with God. Shawn Ryan reflects on the profound testimonies and historical evidence presented, affirming the resurrection as a pivotal truth that bridges divine promise with human experience.

Notable Quote:

Lee Strobel [222:55]: "The Jesus we can know is not just for forgiveness of our sins. It's to realize that God entered into our very suffering."

Final Thoughts

Episode #192 of the "Shawn Ryan Show" offers a compelling exploration of the resurrection, intertwining biblical prophecy, historical validation, and personal testimonies. Through the expertise of Lee Strobel and John Burke, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the resurrection's authenticity and its transformative impact on faith. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Easter and the foundational belief in Jesus Christ's victory over death.

Listeners who missed the episode can tune in to experience a rich dialogue that bridges historical evidence with modern-day faith journeys, providing both intellectual and spiritual insights into one of Christianity's most pivotal events.