THE CHURCH IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (24)

 THE MISCONCEPTIONS 

John 20:1-10

Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Matthew 28:11-15

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

The case for Jesus' death and resurrection is a historical fact; not only does the Bible testify to it, but several other legitimate and unadulterated books and historical figures lend great credibility to its validity. However, there are quite a few jokers and religious bigots who unsuccessfully attempt to oppose this claim. But this never comes as a surprise.

Yes, it is never a surprise. While there was a joyous celebration and rapid spread of the good news of His resurrection, the Roman guards, under the influence of the chief priests and religious elders, were given a large sum of money to undertake a counter-mission: to proclaim that CHRIST NEVER ROSE but was STOLEN. Sincerely, you won't find anyone—then or now—who distorts the resurrection of Jesus without being financially induced to glorify their ignorance. However, this reckless drive does not stop the disciples from spreading the news they know and are convinced of.

In the same vein, many today distort the resurrection of Jesus because of their LIMITED KNOWLEDGE. The disciple who outran Peter in John 20 did not go into the tomb first to ascertain the news—perhaps because of his youthful strength and vigor. Maybe he was a trained athlete; whatever the reason, he outran Peter. Fortunately, Peter was more mature, although his strength might have been waning, and he was slower in movement. But his understanding far outweighed the outrunning skills of the other disciple. When the other disciple stayed at the entrance and stooped down to see the linen, Peter, who arrived later at his own pace, went into the tomb and there ascertained what he had been told. He saw the linen cloth and face cloth; the arrangement indicated that Jesus was alive. I presume that the other disciple would have a shortsighted and limited testimony regarding the resurrection of Jesus.

Similarly, I see many today who have a limited understanding of who Jesus was and is and the extent of His power and love for humanity. Some disciples who surpass us in wealth and popularity, and many who command respect in the Christian community due to their large and developing congregations, are now distorting the Scriptures. I listened to one recently who, while interpreting the generosity of Joseph of Arimathea and his audacious approach to Pilate requesting the release of Christ's body, concluded that there are things poor people cannot do for Jesus. He suggested that there are places poor people cannot reach for Jesus because of their poverty. He did this to disdain and cast aspersions on the poor—an unfortunate state that is relative and transient. What a pity! I recognize this as one of the shortsighted disciples of Jesus; they have limited encounters. Another popular figure recently asked, "DID YOU SEE JESUS VISITING ANY POOR PEOPLE?" He answered, "NO." He told the congregants that poverty is a curse. It is good to agree with Paul that, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." (1 Corinthians 13:9-11). Unfortunately, many of us are unable to abandon our childish attitudes. The greatest sin occurs when we think we know and see, but we are ignorant and blind.

These men have a large audience and command mass media. Unfortunately, they possess limited knowledge but have outrun many because of their influence and fame. 

As there were in the days of Christ people with misconstrued knowledge of the resurrection power of Jesus, so it is today with those who have reduced His saving and loving power to money and transient affluence. It is disheartening to note that in today's church, one of the things that many pursue after their salvation experience is wealth and money rather than holiness and righteousness.

What a shame that people have destroyed the work of God because of food: "Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God." (Romans 14:20).

"Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Corinthians 8:8-9). It is high time we began to reemphasize Paul's admonition among ourselves. Indeed, we are no worse off if we are not rich, and no better off if we are. For it is clear that riches will not commend us to God. 

"Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." (Hebrews 13:9 ESV).

It is high time for Christians to rise up in a mature and spiritual manner to correct the misconceptions of these misguided disciples of Jesus who possess little knowledge of the dynamics of God's love.

Be guided, friend, and be open to explore the blessings of divine providence.

Peter Abdul-Razaq OLAYINKA  

A Serving Missionary with Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara.  

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