The Resurrection
of Jesus Christ
READ: Matthew 27:27-44
REV WILLIE BOTHA
An unequalled transformation
E
arly the Sunday morning
Mary Magdalene went to
the grave. When she arrived at
the grave, she made a disturbing
discovery. The stone was rolled
away from the grave, which only
meant one thing: They took the
body of Jesus and buried it else
where. After having brought the
disturbing news to the disciples,
she returned to the grave, where
she cried about Jesus having
died and his body being missing.
Little did she know about the
radical change that took place
that morning. She understood
the breaking through of the light
when Jesus called her "Mary"
that morning. with the cross, becomes the cross
of reconciliation. The symbol of
mortal shame becomes the sign
of the highest honour. The same
applies in respect of the grave.
The place of death and decompo
sition becomes the birthplace of
eternal life.
With the resurrection a trans
formation took place, a radical
change. These changes are reflect
ed in the changed value which
we attach to Christian symbols.
The curse which we associated The resurrection of Jesus removes
all fear: Fear of the world, the
guards, fear of further persecu
tion. Fear of the cross, the night,
the grave.
s passie.
A transformation takes place
in Mary as well. The saddest of
the sad becomes the gladdest of
the glad when Jesus revealed his
identity to her. The same applies
to Thomas, who was so shattered,
who had no hope due to the
crucifixion. His joy resulted in
the confession: My Lord and my
God.
Eventually the resurrection also
breaks through our own fears.
This is the most extensive trans
formation ever, since it represents
a victory over time. Time has
lost its hold on humanity. At
the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
time gives way to eternity. The
slow demise of man is no longer
a threat, but a way of growing
towards eternal life with God.
Death lost its sting and instead of
fearing death, it is something that
believers can look forward to. It
does not only transform our end
which has become a beginning,
but it also transforms the way
in which we can live every day.
When man lives for something,
towards something, it makes a lot
more sense, there is more purpose
and more joy about life itself.
The importance of the resurrec
tion is sadly downplayed. It is the
celebration of the glory of God.
It is the revelation of the bound
less possibilities which a different
God places within our reach.
SENWES Scenario • JUN/JUL 2017
53