Peter EspeutEASTER IS coming! For most Jamaicans, this does not create as much excitement and expectation as does Christmas, with its customs of festivities, family gatherings, food and, yes, presents. In truth, we are much more comfortable with the baby Jesus, who does not threaten us or challenge us in any way; the Bethlehem story with its shepherds and wise men from the east would get a 'G' rating as suitable for general audiences. It makes for good and wholesome children's theatre, with innkeepers and angels and the like.
The Easter story, however, would probably be rated 'R' or even 'X' because of the violence and the cursing and the blood and the gore. Last year's Passion of the Christ true to life evoked feelings of revulsion in many who saw it. The Jesus who would stand firm in front of the religious and secular authorities of the day the Sanhedrin, King Herod and Pontius Pilate and who challenges us to take up our cross daily and follow him, is an intimidating figure, for those who would take him seriously.
A POWERFUL EVENT
No, most of us prefer Christmas. Christmas celebrates a powerful event it is true the fact that divinity embrace humanity (the Incarnation), and the two became one in the person of Jesus the Christ. The fact that God became one of us, elevates the status of humanity, and makes the loud statement that humanity, therefore, cannot be so bad after all!
But as powerful as the truths behind the Incarnation are, it did not in itself lead to Redemption. For Christians, that is where Easter comes in!
The events of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are packed with the reality of meaning. The Hebrews in Egypt were saved from death by the blood of the Passover lamb, which eventually led to their liberation from slavery; God's people were enjoined to keep this day holy forever as a remembrance (Ex 12:14). As Jesus ate the Passover with his closest friends that Thursday night, he announced that from now on when we eat the bread and drink of the cup, we will do it as HIS memorial. He proclaimed that the Passover unleavened bread and the Cup of Thanksgiving were HIS body and blood. His blood, which would be shed the next day, would liberate us from slavery to sin, and would conquer death
forever!
THE FIRST COVENANT
The first covenant between God and his people was signed with the blood of oxen being cast on skin on the outside of our bodies (Ex 24:6). The New Covenant, which would transcend the old, would be signed with the blood of Jesus inside our bodies. Think of a pawn shop: You turn something valuable over to the pawnbroker (as collateral) in return for a loan; when you have the money to pay (plus interest) the price, you are able to redeem your valuables. The whole human race which, because of The Fall, somehow became separated from the original close union with God, and fell into the hands of the evil one, were bought back redeemed by Jesus himself. Every human being has been redeemed by the actions of Jesus: Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians, everyone. This was not something we did or asked for. Easter is the celebration of our redemption, a free gift from God. In truth, it is a much greater event than Christmas, and should be accompanied with much greater jubilation and feasting!
RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
Jesus went on to rise from the dead. Following him with our own crosses will lead to our own personal Calvary, and eventually to our own resurrection from the dead. His glorified body is an indication of what our own bodies will be like when we are risen, at the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth. There is the promise of a coming Kingdom of God where all the elements of God's creation will be in right relationships with each other. I can't wait!
What we need to do now is to grasp (for ourselves) the fact that we have been bought and paid for, and to choose to make the fruits of that redemption a reality in our own lives. We have to say YES to what was done for us. It is at this point that salvation begins to be ours.
This coming Sunday known as Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday we walk along with Jesus on that Via Dolorosa. It is not too late to join in. See you in church!
Rev. Peter Espeut is a sociologist and is executive director of an environmental and development NGO.
