The Resurrection of Jesus Paradox

Luke 24:1-6

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” ESV.

 

Introduction

First thing in the morning, the women (traditionally the Mary’s and a Joanna) come to the tomb with their burial spices, fully expecting to find Jesus’ remains. All the first-hand accounts agree that it was early morning. Matthew 28:1 and Mark 16:2 refer to the dawn or early morning, while John 20:1 notes that it was still dark when they headed out towards the tomb.

 

 

Let me give you two keys to understanding how to navigate this morning’s Resurrection Sunday message. 

Key One: You need to know what it means when we say God is Sovereign. That God is Sovereign means that He is Omnipotent (all-powerful); God is Omniscient (all-knowing); God is Omni-Present (He is there at all times and in all places); God is Omni-Benevolent (He is infinitely good and perpetually loving). Let me say it this way… God can do what He wills to do when He wills to do it; He is timeless, ageless, limitless, gracious and good, He is just, He is wise, He is the original know-it-all, He is Holy. He is present in time and outside of time at the same time, and at the end of each day, He is love beyond love, and He is before all beginnings and after all endings.

 

 

Key Two: You need to know what it means when we say God is a Paradox. That God is a paradox means that, as the only Sovereign God ever to exist, it is in His creative nature and unlimited capability to present conclusions that seem senseless. His reasoning and logical parameters often appear contradictory to the reasoning and logical parameters of humankind. Without faith and the knowledge of who God is, it is difficult for the human mind to overcome or comprehend a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true.  Let me say it this way… God can appear to contradict Himself in His Word, His Will, and His Ways, yet at the same time by His Spirit reveal to us that His Word is always true, His Will is always done, and although that His Ways are not always our ways and His thoughts are not always our thoughts – His Kingdom will still most assuredly come.  

Just to make certain we have a right and righteous connection between the Sovereignty of God and the Resurrection of Jesus Paradox, let’s conclude our thoughts biblically. 

 

 

Genesis 1:1-3

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” ESV.

 

 

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ESV

 

 

Mark 10:27 ESV

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 

 

 

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 

 

 

John 12:23-26

“And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” ESV

 

John 11:25-26

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

 

Content and Context

Having set our course, I want to share some powerful realities regarding the events and realizations of Resurrection morning that have spoken to my heart and transformed my mind. I can’t emphasize the significance of these realizations too much; primarily because they represent how most of us process and understand resurrection, and also because of how we as Christians continue to relate to the realities of a Risen Savior: 

 

They did not go to the tomb believing in resurrection. 

The fact that they took burial spices along with them to anoint the decaying body tells us what their expectations and mindset were.  Even after Jesus had given them six solid advance resurrection directives, they still came prepared and expecting to use ancient spices and juices to embalm the dead and lifeless body of Yeshua – the Christ. 

 

They did not go to the tomb of Jesus expecting it to be empty.

They were surprised and astounded at what they saw, or did NOT see. They were even skeptical and disbelieving of the resurrection of Jesus when they heard later that morning that the tomb of Jesus was empty. In fact, based on the reactions recorded in the Gospels, it appears that it was the last thing they expected. It was the beginning of the Resurrection of Jesus paradox. 

 

Each disciple and follower deeply loved Jesus of Nazareth. 

Yes, they knew Jesus, yes, they loved Him, and many had left behind family, friends, and position to follow Jesus. They deeply loved Jesus of Nazareth. In respect and love, they would refer to Him as their Lord, Master, and Rabbi (teacher). However, their fear of men and what was unknown to them about WHO GOD IS paralyzed their faith, making it impossible to access the levels of belief needed for a Resurrection paradox. 

 

None of His followers understood the sovereignty of the Son of God.

Jesus had literally said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 

 

To understand the sovereignty of God in Christ Jesus, one must understand the nature of the paradox. They themselves had been witness to many signs and wonders from the power and mercy of Jesus. Signs and wonders are for unbelievers – truth and the reality of Who GOD IS is for those who have believed and are becoming persuaded. Had they fully understood the divine sovereignty of Christ, had they known and believed in the Resurrection paradox, they would have done things so much differently. His followers were about to know what they did not know about WHO the SOVEREIGN IS. Here it is: To kill Jesus of Nazareth was to give life to Jesus the Messiah. “In Him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

 

In the Resurrected Christ, God was revealing a paradox they did not yet believe. 

Ironically, the first people who had to be persuaded of the resurrection of Jesus were the followers of Jesus and the disciples themselves. Interestingly, they may have been taught from the laws and precepts of the wisdom of the ancients and prophets of old, but they did not think, process, or prepare themselves as if there was a resurrection about to occur. But it was time. Mark 10 gives the most vivid insights into the Resurrection of Jesus paradox. Jesus tells them precisely what will happen to Him in Jerusalem. He gave specific details. They did not ask Him about what He said at all. Instead, they ask Him to do for them what they want. Jesus says, “What do you want me to do”? They respond… “let us sit at your right and on your left when you get to your kingdom.” Jesus asks, “Are you sure you can drink that cup?” To drink that cup will mean that whichever of you is first must be a slave to the rest, and whoever among you is greatest will have to serve everyone else.” They could not fully believe because they did not fully know. But they would…

 

The Angels revealed a remarkable Resurrection paradox to the ones who came early to the tomb – it was the first of many. 

The eternal paradoxical question regarding the Resurrection of Jesus the Savior, “Why are you seeking the living among the dead”? The Mary’s did not have to waste their money on the spices and juices to preserve the body of Jesus – His body was now generated. The body of the Son of God was not decaying – it was manifesting itself as the eternal and never-ending glory of God.  Yes, the words of the angels bring back to mind the words and prophetise of Jesus. The women cannot keep to themselves what has just happened at the tomb—they return to report a resurrection of Jesus to the eleven and those with them.  Though the women are convinced by the angel messenger, the rest are not – but they will be… 

 

The Resurrection of Jesus paradox continues to reveal realities still unknown.

Our struggles are real – much like the struggles of the disciples and followers of Jesus. We have focused on ourselves – our profiles, our lists, our likes, our feelings, what is fair and what has been unfair, whether we get to sit on the right or left, what could have and such. The Resurrection paradox was not about the disciples or the faithful Mary’s. And so it is today, the Resurrection paradox is not about us. It is about Jesus – Who He Is – period. Before you get into your feelings, let me say that all of it was for us – the Resurrection certainly wasn’t for Him. So let’s get on with what it was truly all about and what can happen in our lives once we realize Him as our forever reality. 

 

Jesus to the clueless Peter – pre-resurrection paradox… “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Jesus to the ladder-climbing disciples, pre-resurrection paradox…

“You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles use their titles and authority to abuse the people.  But it is not going be that way with you.  Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of the rest. Even I did not come here to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

 

Processing

The first physical evidence at the tomb of Jesus that something out of the ordinary had taken place was evidenced by the massive rolled-away stone. This stone, as was typical of ancient tombs, covered the entrance. It was laid in a channel that had been carved out for it. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. The women were at a loss, filled with perplexity, maybe even panicking. The mystery behind what they have seen is broken by the appearance of two men in clothes that gleamed and glowed, a description that suggests that these are angels.  The angelic appearance further frightens the Mary’s, who bow to the ground in reverence. They somehow know heaven is visiting the earth, and they are witnessing a manifestation of the presence of God. The reason becomes clear in the angels’ response.

 

It begins with a mild rebuke that is also an explanation: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Put simply, Jesus is alive, so do not expect to find Him in a tomb. Then the angels ask them to recall the promise He made to them in Galilee. “Remember how he told you, … ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” God is not surprised at the resurrection of Jesus, and neither should they be surprised. Adonai – God the Father, the great cosmic creator, ordained and planned what took place. From the arrest through the death to the Resurrection, Jesus walked in God’s will – and now apparently He has walked out of His own grave.

 

Despite the report from the Mary’s, many of the disciples were skeptical about a possible resurrection of Jesus. At first, they regard the women as hysterical and still distraught with grief and sorrow. The NIV translates the Greek word that is used as Lēros; meaning – foolish or delirious tale. The other disciples think the Mary’s must have dreamed or thought they heard from an angel proclaiming resurrection. The Gospel of Luke implies that most of the disciples do not believe their story, except for perhaps one or two present.

 

Yet Luke 24:12 indicates to us that Peter cannot let the resurrection of Jesus idea go. He has finally learning what he has always needed to learn – WHO was Jesus? It is important for Peter to trust in what Jesus had proclaimed about His death and life multiple times – but Peter’s breakthrough moment came when he realizes through first-hand experience, that in times of mortal fear, crushed faith, and the predictable weakness of our flesh that we must go back and remember who God is. Again, Yeshua… sovereign, timeless, unlimited, unprohibited, without boundary, capable of anything, anytime, anywhere – including a resurrection of the dead. Time to go back and recite the truth that you know and not the doubt that you feel. Think about how powerful the exchange between Jesus and His disciples recorded in Luke 9:20… (Pre-resurrection paradox)

 

Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 

At that time, Peter had not fully realized that just because what he sees, hears, and feels is real, it does not mean that what he had seen, heard, and felt was a reality. There is no one like Jesus – “The Christ of God”. Fast forward to the post-resurrection paradox. Peter gets up and runs to the tomb, sees the linen clothes by themselves, and quickly leaves. Now his mind is racing, scripture says “he marvels” about what he now knows has come to pass. There is not much debate among Biblical interpreters about whether Peter believes and that at this point, his faith is restored.  

It is hard to call Peter out as doubting here. Initially, he attempts to verify what he has heard about Jesus and a resurrection, but his curiosity only increases, and then he moves quickly to “vet” the story even further while the other disciples are incredulous and disbelieving. In addition to his recent experience with his public denials, this turn of events has surely taught him to not only trust what Jesus says, but to act in faith because of who He is. Peter is determined not to fall into the trap of his past behavior and weakness of faith and trust issues with WHO JESUS IS. This time, Peter will not deny Him, he will not disappoint Him, and He will not take His eyes off of Him. He will see the living among the dying, He will believe the end is just the beginning, He will understand that to be the greatest, you must be servant to all.

 

This leads us to the conclusion of my forever Easter message regarding the Resurrection of Yeshua the Christ! The Resurrection Paradox. The Resurrection of Jesus Paradox is the origin of God’s revelation to the human heart. The reality of God will always defy and differ from what is real to men and women like us. Knowing the paradoxical nature of who God is in Christ the Messiah fills the gaps and bridges the breach for us. Jesus coming out of that grave was the ultimate paradox for those who will follow, those who serve, those who forgive, those who love. Jesus practiced what He preached – He still does. He was and is willing to serve, even willing to humiliate Himself to meet the needs of those around him. He avoids publicity and fame, dismisses enthusiastic crowds, and shushes the newly healed. He is then willing to risk everything for the sake of truth. When on trial for His life, He boldly confesses His identity as the Son of God and the prophesied Son of Man. He demonstrates the wisdom of losing his life to find it, humbling Himself to be exalted, and serving all to earn the loyalty of His followers.

 

To the ignorant ideology of the world, it is as if during His entire ministry Jesus is a walking contradiction. He is not – He is a paradox. He is the Resurrection Paradox; and since the beginning, He is the Sovereign Eternal Word… The Word who became flesh to save us.  The one who lived to die and died to live… only so that we might live. Yet now, nearly all acknowledge His overwhelming success. He lived out His paradoxes to an awestruck and astounded world, proving their validity and revealing reality. 

 

Conclusive Words: A Sovereign God Makes Possible The Resurrection of Jesus Paradox

Despite how real what you see, what you feel, and what you think are… There remains a reality containing a truth that can defy logic, go beyond reason, take the wisdom of man and make it fall before the foolishness of God. He chose the foolishness of the paradox to shame the wisdom of men. He chose what is weak in this world to shame the strong. The one who said there is no death in the Resurrection just does not understand life.

Dying is Living

Living is Dying

Dead is Alive

Alive is Dead

Beginning is Ending

Ending is Beginning

Forever is a Moment and a Moment is Forever

Surrendering is Conquering

Weakness is Strength and Strength can be a Weakness (ask Samson)

Departing is Arriving 

Leading is Following 

Serving is Leading

Following is Serving

First can be Last and Last can be First

Calm in the Storm

Peace in a Time of Trouble

Lose your Life to Save your Life

Give Yourself to Redeem Yourself

Love for the Unlovable

Forgiveness for the Unforgivable

Hope for the Hopeless

Possibilities for the Impossible 

Honor for the Dishonorable (ask Zacchaeus)

Those Humbled are those Lifted Up

The Greatest is the Least and the Least is the Greatest

Losing is Winning and Winning is Losing

Even when you think it’s over – the stone is rolled away – it is just starting

Dr. Steve Isaac