Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ

Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ

Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are just as relevant in today's world as it ever was, if not more so because of the type of society in which we live. While many may think of Jesus and his story as a myth or something completely outdated for today's times, the argument is better seen from the perspective that because our society has evolved the way it has, the truth and reality of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection are more important than ever. While these events are seen as symbols for many Christians, they are more than that because the very foundations of Christianity rest upon them and this is just as true today as it will ever be. As society becomes more inclusive, the death and resurrection of Jesus becomes a compelling act of love and sacrifice beyond measure.

The truth of Jesus' death remains whatever year it may be. The most compelling piece of information regarding the life and death of Jesus is that his crucifixion was necessary so that he could be the sacrifice for all believers. His crucifixion was an event that was not restricted by time or any sense of it. When Jesus was crucified has no bearing on the meaning of the events. The only thing that matters when we look at the events is that they did occur. His death on the cross serves as something tangible that Christians believe is their reason for salvation. The significance of the crucifixion is not limited to time. These events mean the same thing to believers today than they did 2000 years ago. Jesus' death and resurrection serve as the ultimate sacrifice for all believers. In a day and age where very few make their lives a sacrifice, this event is powerful. Many people today will not even be nice to each other on the street or in the store. Jesus' sacrifice says that he willingly gave his life for those he did not even know. If we stop and look at this for what it is, it demonstrates the kind of giving we should reciprocate.

Today's society may need the truth of Jesus crucifixion more than ever because we are becoming a society that is more removed than ever. While technology has allowed us communicate with others across the globe, it has essentially made us slaves to technology, interacting with real people less and less. This lack of interaction makes the meaning of Jesus' life and death more and more important as they still bring hope to believers. We are bombarded with images of wars, fighting, death, and dying every single day. Out society has become desensitized to these images and what they really mean. The significance of Jesus' crucifixion is vitally important in today's society because while life may seem hopeless in a certain sense of the word, it is not and when we stop long enough to remember this, we should be compelled to honor Jesus' sacrifice.

Jesus' resurrection is equally important in today's world because it offers a sign of hope to all who believe. Many people think that we are living in the "last days" and they wonder in what direction our society is headed. The resurrection holds the key to God's promise of salvation because death did not and cannot imprison Jesus or the believer. Matthew writes how the key to salvation is Jesus' resurrection when he says, "He is not here; he has risen" (Matthew 28:6). Luke reinforces this when he tells others that Jesus has risen just as "he told you" (Luke 24:6). Luke reinforces this when he tells the others that Jesus has risen "just as he said" (Matthew 28:6). These verses illustrate how important resurrection is to the faith Without resurrection, the promise would not be the same Philip Hefner writes that as philosopher and sociobiologists explore the meaning of sacrifice, they have come to understand the significance of Jesus' resurrection. Sacrifice is central to the Christian faith and "press the Christian to recognize that the truth contained in the symbol of sacrifice extends further than parochial and devotional preoccupations often allow" (Hefner 438-9). Sacrifice is the "leading thread that runs through the total tapestry of God's creation" (439). This is as true today as it was 2000 years ago and as true as it will be 2000 from now.