Resurrection

The Bible says that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified (executed), his body placed in a tomb, and three days later came back to life. This is the central story of the Christian faith. But did the resurrection really happen?

Here are three faith-based responses:

1. Yes - and it was a physical, bodily resurrection. This response is suggested by scriptures such Matthew 28:9 (two women grab hold of Jesus's feet) and Luke 24:36-43 (Jesus speaks of his "flesh and blood" and eats a meal).

2. Yes - but it was a spiritual resurrection, not "flesh-and-blood." This response is suggested by scriptures such as Luke 24 (a story in which his followers do not recognize him, and in which he mysteriously vanishes), and John 20 (in which Jesus is able to pass through locked doors).

3. The resurrection is a metaphor: it describes the moment when the disciples realized that everything Jesus stood for would last indefinitely, despite his death. This realization gave "new life" to their movement. Some scholars have suggested this; they mention the Gospel of Mark, which - in its original form - did not mention the resurrection. (This was "corrected" by later editors who were dissatisfied with Mark's ending, and they added their own endings which told of the resurrection.)

Even though there are different ideas about the resurrection (even in scripture!), it is clear that something happened. Crucifixions were common in ancient Rome; at times, the roads were lined with bodies hanging from crosses as a warning to would-be revolutionaries. When a leader was executed, the movement he started generally died with him, but the movement Jesus started exploded across Rome and gained new life in the years that followed.

Most of us at Bixby Knolls Christian Church prefer response #1 or #2; some are willing to consider #3; and some just aren't sure. We are, after all, a congregation that allows for diverse theological viewpoints. However, one thing we all agree on is that the God of the Universe is the God of New Life and New Beginnings, the God who makes all things new, the God whose love is stronger than even death.

No matter which response you choose - or if you are just not sure - you are invited to join us for our Easter worship. Join with us as we celebrate the joy - and the mystery - of new life. For worship info, click here.