What does it mean for the bible to say that Jesus rose from the dead? Does it mean that he came back to life exactly as he was before? Does it mean that had he not ascended into Heaven that he would have died of natural causes or accident or disease? Does it mean that he may have had to face yet another crucifixion? Does it mean he may have wed, had children, and experienced old age?
For the deeply devout Christian, these questions are essentially moot. Even as a mental exercise, the premise is simply, or nearly, absurd. And yet, I think about such things.
For instance, I am a little older now—north of 60. I am a different man than I was at 30. Jesus’ earthly life came to an end at thirty-something. His human passions may have evolved over time just as every other person does. The creeds tell us that he was fully human and fully divine. I would be interested in the human Jesus that had a pedestrian life like the rest of us.
But again, these are pedantic ruminations for the community that has faith as its primary spiritual gifting. Details matter little. Jesus is risen; he is alive. He will return for his church. Period. End of discussion.
For the record, I am in that camp, too.
I am not questioning the doctrines and dogmas of centuries of understanding and practice. I am simply curious about who and what was the nature of Jesus after his resurrection. I want to know how Jesus fully relates to my problems, my concerns, my sins, my fears, and so on, especially as I age.
What is scripturally reported is that Jesus was the same and different when he arose from the dead. Thomas, a disciple, would not believe it was him until he placed his hands where Jesus had been wounded. The other disciples experienced Jesus suddenly present with them in a locked room. And Mary Magdeline did not recognize Jesus’ appearance only his voice.
Each of these point to something remarkable about the nature of Jesus’ resurrected body. He was still himself and hyper-dimensional (a word I just made up). Perhaps extra-dimensional is a better try. Regardless, he seemed to be something that we too will or can become. Ourselves and not or perhaps more.
The Apostle Paul talks about the moment we die in this body and what the new nature is of our next body. He states, “There are (also) heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.” He continues and likens humanity as a seed. We are small, full of potential, and unaware of what we will become. That’s a nice metaphor.
What seems to be true is that we will either become something new or we will return to what we were meant to be. Adam and Eve were perfect before they chose imperfection, for example.
There is neither time nor space here to consider every ramification of the resurrected Jesus. But what is obvious is that, if Jesus rose from the dead to eternal life, the way is available for us, too, through him.
Perhaps, the better questions in all of this are, do you believe it happened? If so, how will you respond? It’s worthy of consideration.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
