Introduction

The crucifixion, intended as a deterrent by Rome, is intedened to kill people in a demeaning, painfully slow way. The intention was to deter anyone from rebelling against Rome.

A successful execution is when someone stays dead. A really successful crucifixion is when one is deterred and broken against any hope of rising above the empire.

The irony of the cross is that Christ faces the consequences of being nailed to the tree like a covenant breaker. He does so showing that this age is not a place of rest because he is an innocent man sent to death.

It important to note that while Rome miscarries justice we witness heaven’s court overturning the miscarriage of justice. The death of Christ is necessary to bear the penalty of sin. However, the resurrection is even more necessary because it testifes to Christ’s innocence. Luke wants us to understand that the death was not a failure, a plan B, but it was the intended plan to overturn the fall’s consequences.

Resurrection Revealed

The women, witnessing the burial, returned to the tomb on the first day of the week with spices, expecting to find Jesus’ body. Instead, they encountered two angels in dazzling apparel who reminded them of Jesus’ prophecy of his resurrection, leading the women to believe and share the news that Jesus had risen.

We are forced to see that we do not prepare Christ for this age. It is Christ who redeems, secures, and is preparing us to dwell with him in paradise. Christ is our shield and defender who secures our place.

Resurrection Rejected

Two disciples, Cleopas and another, walk to Emmaus. They are lamenting Jesus’ death and dismissing the women’s resurrection testimony. Jesus, unrecognized, joins them and rebukes their lack of understanding, explaining how the prophets foretold his death and resurrection. He then explains the scriptures, revealing himself as the Messiah and fulfilling the prophecies.

Our problem is that we fail to see the depth of sin. Our bigger problem is we fail to see the resurrection power that is working with in us.

Resurrection Regarded

Two men on the road to Emmaus invite a stranger, who is Christ, and their eyes are hidden from seeing him. They express their disappointment that Christ has died. They see this as Christ’s failure rather than a necessity for Christ to fulfill his mission.

Christ teaches them that this is what the prophets said. Christ is the embodiment of God’s word. He fulfills the mission. He is the perfect God-Man who is hung upon the tree as a covenant breaker. The cross is not becasue Christ failed, but because Christ had to fulfill this mission.

They end up inviting Christ to stay with them for the night. During a meal, Christ breaks bread, revealing his identity to them before disappearing. This encounter emphasizes Christ’s role in preparing us for glory and highlights his patience and mission despite our doubts and misunderstandings.

Conclusion

The cross is significant because it represents the depth of sin and the necessity of what it takes to overcome the consequence of the fall. Christ’s sacrifice for redemption does not end in death, but ultimately in resurrection. Christ’s resurrection is heaven’s veto to the world’s death sentence. It is because Christ has been raised that believers currently possess new life and a guarantee (down payment) of eternal life in Christ and with him in paradise forever.

Let us never minimize the significance of the resurrection. Let us push forward in the confidence that our Lord is our shield and defender. He is the Lord of life and not death. As we take hold of Christ by faith we share in that victory.