Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia
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JESUS ROSE
FROM THE DEAD
he resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his dreadful crucifixion and entombment is central to the Christian faith. We quote Paul when we say if Jesus had not died, as some religionists claim, we are to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19-20). Yet the resurrection from the dead is not easily understood or disproved. Let alone a resurrection that took place more than 2,000 years ago. Other detractors of our faith also claim that the resurrection or disappearance of important people in various cultures and religions of the world has been proffered to suggest that there is nothing unique about Jesus rising from the dead.
Firstly, the Bible has many examples of people rising from the dead. The Prophet Elijah raises a boy from the dead (I Kings 17:17-24). Elisha raises the son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-16). It is always understood that it is the power of God that raises the dead but in 2 Kings 13:21 there is an interesting story of a dead Moabite when on being touched by Elisha’s dead bones, sprung to life. In the New Testament, we find that Jesus himself raised the dead boy in Nain (Luke 7:11-17); the ruler’s daughter at Galilee (Mark 5:35-42); and Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1-14). In fact, Jesus expected his Apostles to do likewise (Matthew 10:8). The Apostle Peter also raised Tabitha in Joppa (Acts 9:36-42); and Paul too raised Eutychus in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).
We need not dispute nor try to disprove the resurrection or disappearance if, any, of the great culture-heroes, religious leaders, saints or teachers. However, there is nothing to prevent us from coming to terms with our own understanding of the resurrection of Jesus.
Completely and surprisingly, the Bible goes to great extents to show that the resurrection of Jesus was not a grand farewell or exit for a greatly loved “spiritual person.” Neither was it a myth created as a ploy to prevent the disciples and followers of Jesus to hunt for his
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