What was the article trying to communicate? According to the Time religion editor, John Elson, he wrote in his story, “Princeton Theologian Paul Ramsey observes that ‘ours is the first attempt in recorded history to build a culture upon the premise that God is dead.’” Elson described the idea of God as dead in different terms based on upon various thinkers, from God’s irrelevance to God’s non-existence.

What were some of these academics basing their bold claims on? The evil happening in the world at the time and the emptiness of the church in response to it.

The ideas presented by Time Magazine, had some similarities to first century Christians at the literal death of Christianity’s founder – Jesus of Nazareth.

For three years His Followers had believed in Him for the future of themselves, and their nation. Peter, the leader of Jesus’ Apostles once said to Him, “See, we have left everything and followed you…” (Matthew 19:27) But then the unthinkable happened. He was arrested on false charges in the dead of night. It is written, “Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.” (Matt. 26:51) And throughout the night, Israel’s corrupt leaders convicted Jesus on false charges which required death by crucifixion. It was a cruel and torturous form of death, that left Jesus nearly unrecognizable. The prophet Isaiah predicted how awful it would be, “…his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance…” (Isaiah 52:14)

In just a matter of hours, it seemed as though the three years of Jesus’ teachings and His movement was dead and irrelevant. Even though Jesus accurately predicted all this would happen in order to prepare His followers, they were left discouraged and fearful.

While the disciples were in isolation and mystified by all these events, there was something unfolding, which they did not understand.

Isaiah declared how the Jewish Messiah, who would also become the Savior and Deliver for all the world, would need to “be high and lifted up” (Is. 52:13) on a cross. Why? Because this was the only way He could save people from their sins. For Jesus did not come to save people from political oppression or the injustices of an evil world. This is something neither His followers nor enemies, fully understood. He came to save people from the very thing that makes the world evil. Sin. And there was only one way for that to be done. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, had to die. Why? Because then His perfect blood would provide the necessary payment and penalty for sin. He would voluntarily do for the world, what no one could ever do for themselves. 

But one thing had to happen to secure it all. Jesus must not only die, but He must defeat death. How? By conquering it.

As the world lay dark and His followers were reeling in disillusionment, a seismic moment in history shook the world to its core.

Jesus rose from the dead!

As His followers went to weep at His grave, angels appeared to them saying, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)

The death and resurrection of Jesus reveals to the world that God is alive and more relevant than ever. This story declares that our feelings, opinions and circumstances do not have the final say. No! It is the empty cross and empty tomb that declare what truth is. Jesus is alive! 

A prayer for you – Lord God, we believe you are the truth, not the things happening all around us. We confess our selfishness and prideful ways. Help us to turn to you in repentance and faith that we might be made new by the resurrection power of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.