CHRIST RESURRECTION: REALITY OR DREAM
by Saumiman Saud
(Luke 23:56b – 24:12, I Corinthians 15:17)
Death is our biggest enemy. Thus we do different things trying to avoid it. We rush for medicine at the slightest manifestation of certain symptoms. If the medicine does not work, we go to the doctor. We go on strict diet to maintain a stable body weight. We keep on exercising to stay healthy. We take vitamins to stay young. All these are done to resist or at least delay death.
So was Jesus. As a man, He also had to deal with death. He said: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:42; KJV). This means if possible, He did not have to take up the cross. In Gethsemane, He prayed bathe in blood. He prayed repeatedly three times, asking the same thing, till He finally He surrendered Himself to God’s will.
At such horrifying moments, one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot appeared. He brought the soldiers with him to capture Jesus. At that night, Jesus was brought to court. He was not judged fairly. He was scourged with whips which have small pieces of metal or bone at the tips. He was punched, kicked and tortured. People mocked Him and spat at Him. In the end, to save his status, Pilate decided to crucify Him, and free Barabbas, the criminal.
Golgotha testifies, because Jesus was crucified there. For people at that time, the cross was a sign of humiliation and defeat, but Lord Jesus transformed it to a sign of victory. Why? Because Jesus not only died on the cross, but He also rose from the dead. The Bible says that early in the morning, women headed to Jesus’ tomb. They had prepared spices and perfumes for Jesus’ body. What happened? Apparently the stone had been moved, and the tomb was open. Jesus was no longer in His tomb. Luke 24:6 (KJV) says: “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee”
What is the meaning of resurrection for us? I think there are three implications. Christ’ resurrection is real; it is not a hallucination or a dream. His power exceeds everything. There are three things that we can learn from this. Christ’ resurrection shows:
1 Truth overcomes Lie
Jesus teaches the Truth, but He was captured and killed because of this Truth. He was
falsely accused. This world of lies often makes us feel that way too. We often hear how it’s easier to start a Night Club than to start a church. We also hear how good people are punished. When one speaks the truth, he is hurt. Thus people say it’s safer to lie. Telling the truth will result in problems. What should we do then?
Jesus’ resurrection is real. If we could not prove it, His resurrection is still undeniable. But if we had to prove it, then here are a few arguments:
An empty tomb is a real evidence. But skeptics can say that maybe Jesus was buried in a different tomb. Maybe Jesus only passed out, so His disciples stole His body. But is it possible that the guards were guarding the wrong tomb? That tomb was sealed. Even though medical science back then was not as advanced as it is today, those people who crucified Jesus were not stupid that they couldn’t tell the difference between someone passed out and a dead person. The questions should be asked to the guards. The guards said that “a thief” stole His body. But Jesus’ disciples did not have weapons. Weren’t the guards supposed to guard the tomb? Why didn’t they stop the ‘thief’? Since the thief ran away, why weren’t they punished? What really happened? Weren’t they just lying?
Judas’ kiss in Gethsemane and the 30 sliver coins could not stop Jesus. The nails in His hands and feet, the spear in His stomach, the stone blocking His tomb cannot stop His resurrection. Thus apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 15:17 (NIV): “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” If Jesus had not risen, then today we have been tremendously deceived. The sacrifice of Jesus’ disciples and martyrs is in vain. Our faith is also in vain.
2. Good overcomes Evil
Evil or sin wants to destroy Jesus. But Jesus rose; that shows the finitude of evil. The world tries to weaken our faith, but Christ’ resurrection strengthen our faith. There are many ways that people use to weaken our faith. Some theologians disregard Jesus’ resurrection. They say that resurrection is a myth. Dan Brown, the author of the Da Vinci Code, wrote that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene; the Bible never says that. Then recently, the Gospel of Judas appeared. We don’t know their motive, but probably they want to weaken our faith.
Yet all these ‘spiritual’ evils are unable to destroy our faith. Lord Jesus’ resurrection overcomes all evil. To proclaim oneself as a true believer, one must act righteously. Without good works, our faith is in vain. On the cross, Jesus revealed His integrity. To the ones who crucified Him, He said: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34; KJV). He loves them. He forgives them. He even received one of the criminal who repented.
What about us? How do we deal with people who are mean to us? Is this the time for revenge? How do we stand up for our actions? Faith is invisible, but our actions are visible. How can one be called faithful, if his actions reveal otherwise? If Christ’ resurrection has defeated evil, why are we still losing?
3. Love overcomes Vengeance
The world hates Jesus, but God loves this world. Thus in John 3:16, we read: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV).
The love of God is agape, an unconditional love. Thus even though He is hurt, humiliated, scorn and even crucified, He will still love them. Lord Jesus is not vengeful. He does not keep track of our sins. The love that He revealed overcomes vengeance.
Let’s think for awhile. Let’s evaluate ourselves. Have we ever tried to count how many times we love those who hurt us? How many times have we hurt those who hurt us? Maybe we don’t have the courage to retaliate directly, simply because probably they are your superiors. But holding grudges against them already counts as revenge, right? We have done this too many times.
Recently I received a text message from a friend, who told me a story about a congregation that filed charges against their minister in the court of justice. Was this an Easter present? If the priest was charged for criminal activities, that is understandable. But if he was charged because of his ministry, then this is questionable. What happened?
Sometimes there are no outside temptations that make us fall. Our own free will and acts tempt us. Keep in mind that believers are not ‘clowns’ who are always ready to be mocked. Believers are role models of integrity, commitment, character, honesty and kindness. Sometimes a group of people could destroy a whole community of believers. Do not smear the Holy Resurrection of Lord Jesus; His love overcomes vengeance. If you hold grudges against someone, then you should be questioned.
What can we learn through Christ’ resurrection today? 1. Truth overcomes lie, 2. Truth overcomes evil, 3. Truth overcomes vengeance. So let’s rise and welcome this victory. Let’s unite and hope in absolute assurance.
Self-Reflection:
1. Christ’ resurrection was a victory for believers. Every true believer will surely take part in that victory. As a believer, have you experienced this victory? Are you still bound by sin? Often times Jesus had won, but we still lose.
2. What is the source of your fatigue? Is it because you don’t feel close to Jesus? Maybe you hardly hear His voice? Maybe you hardly talk to Him, so you don’t know what He wants? True believers are those who read the Bible, pray and eager to get closer to God. What about you? Do you desire to do the same?
