The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. 

I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research.

First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s renewed creation (through the resurrection of Christ) was also on a Sunday.

Second, after creating the world we are told that God’s work was “finished” (Genesis 2: 1-2). After completing his own work in the world Jesus said, “It is finished” on the cross (John 19:30).

Third, God breathed into Adam’s nostrils to give him life (Genesis 2:7). Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). He gave them new life to go out and be his ambassadors.

Fourth, the first human, Adam, brought death into the world. The ultimate human, Jesus, brought life into the world.

Fifth, the first human, Adam, was set in a garden (Eden). The ultimate human, Jesus, was discovered in a garden after his resurrection (John 20:15). Mary thought he was the gardener. Her statement was somewhat ironic. Why? Because in a manner of speaking, he is in fact the gardener of God’s renewed world. That first Easter Sunday was the new Day One.*

Are all these details coincidences? I don’t think so.

John’s Gospel powerfully captures an inspiring, life-altering, and rock-solid truth: the resurrected Christ ushers God’s renewed world into our lives. And it’s even more than that. The resurrection foreshadows what life will be like for all of his people when that renewed world is fully implemented. 

No more death, just life.
No more darkness, just light.
No more sin, just righteousness.
No more evil, just love.
No more tears, just joy.
No more crosses, just crowns.**

Easter weekend is over. But the resurrection isn’t over. 

Life can be hard. We are still in a fractured world. But Jesus makes all things new. And he himself is the personal guarantee of what’s to come. 

If you are walking with Christ, you are walking into a future of hope.

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Notes and extra content:

–*These details are from two books: N.T. Wright, The Resurrection and the Son of God (Minneapolis: Fortress Press), 2003; N.T. Wright, The Challenge of Easter (InterVarsity Press, 2009).

–**This statement is inspired by puritan William Penn who said, “No cross, no crown.”

–“The Perfect Blood of the Lamb.” This year’s Good Friday message. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.