To some people, Jesus is just another dead man in a long list of religious zealots or crowd-fabricated leaders. Many cannot wrap their sensibilities about the idea that he resurrected. Nevertheless, this is core; the ultimate miracle.
Acts 25:19
Instead, they [Jewish leaders] had some points of dispute with him [Paul] about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. [Festus speaking to King Agrippa]
Christianity is a miracle-based faith. Becoming a follower on the Way includes several leaps of faith. During this time of year, we have the first miracle to digest: a baby born to a virgin. Then we get a 12 year respite. After that, but then, this same Jesus, as a boy, engages learned scholars in the temple after a high holy day. That’s no less miraculous. But then, nothing. For twenty years, Jesus lives and works in obscurity.
Just by his appearance at the waters of John the Baptist and his baptism there, Jesus’s short ministry begins by a miraculous voice… dove… light… whatever. And then he goes into the desert for forty days without food or drink. Only a miracle could allow for that kind of fast.
From there, it’s one miracle after another. Is his death and resurrection such a surprise?
If the first leap is made, that Jesus is God come down to dwell among human beings… Emmanuel… then the none of the subsequent miracles are really miracles, they are a “norm” in the world of God.
Jesus is not another dead man. He is alive because God is alive. And to be on the Way is to connect with God’s Spirit and live the life that God is calling people to live. I can be alive in Christ Jesus.
Meditations from Zion 