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| image found at: http://www.romanempiretours.com/ |
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| Left, Tou Yang |
Today I invite to my blog Tou Yang who will be my guest blogger. He will take a few minutes to give you some background on the Roman world and what Resurrection means to him. Tou is a student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an intern at Christway United Methodist Youth Ministries.
The Power of Jesus’ Death and
Resurrection In Everyday Life
The Roman Empire used
violence as a way to control large populations throughout their conquered
lands. One example of this violence was through crucifixion on a cross such as
endured by Jesus. Crucifixion was not only seen as a consequence for not
conforming to Roman law but it was also a form of humiliation to the individual
and the individual’s family. This act was meant to oppress the very spirit of
the people and to dehumanize the non-Roman citizens. This made Jesus’
crucifixion not only physically painful but also psychologically painful to the
local population and Jesus’ family.
Jesus’ resurrection
was proved God’s victory over death but just as important it gave hope to the
followers of Jesus that victory was possible in the face of Roman oppression. “Carrying
the cross” was no longer something to be feared but instead became an empowering
image and a sign of hope over the punishment of death. Even though Jesus’ movement
was broken with the death of its leader it was made whole again both physically
and spiritually by the news of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. The fact
that Jesus’ death did not mean the end of his believers or the end of Jesus’
ministry gave inspiration to future apostles such as Paul to share Jesus’
message with full confidence.
Jesus’ victory over
the cross and oppression is still a powerful and relevant message for today. Everyday
hundreds of millions people all around the world face oppressive social and
political systems meant to destroy the will and beliefs of the individual. Through
Jesus’ example there is hope for redemption and restoration even in the worst
conditions. Not that suffering should be a part of life nor that oppression is
needed to understand the resurrection of Jesus but that suffering and
oppression is not the end of life. That even when we face the brokenness of
everyday life no matter big or small we can be reassured of God’s ever
restoring power and victory over oppression. The power of Christ’s death and
resurrection is not only connected to an event that happened 2000 years ago or
a future apocalyptic event but can be understood and relevant everyday of our
lives. That is the true power of Easter.
That is the true power of the love of God.
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