The Doctrine of Revelation: The Storyline of Scripture (Part 16)

We focus too much on Jesus’ death. Does that seem strange for a conservative Evangelical pastor to say? I am sure it does, but I stand by it. There is so much more to Biblical Christology than just Jesus’ death. In fact we usually reference the resurrection once a year (Easter) and the incarnation once a year (Christmas) but we spend a great deal of time talking about his actual death. Don’t misunderstand me, the death of Christ is a central event in Christian theology. In fat without it there is no genuine Christianity. Yet how often do we focus on the life of Christ and the theological importance that it has? The life of Christ gets some cursory comments in sermons as we talk about miracles, or as we discuss Jesus’ preaching, or perhaps even his discipleship methods. But Jesus’ life is a crucial part of Biblical Theology. The life of Christ also fulfilled some of the great themes of the Scriptures; we cannot ignore it or diminish it and remain faithful to the storyline of Scripture.

The life of Christ begins with the recognition that he is fulfilling the responsibilities which Adam and Israel could not.  Jesus is even identified as the Second Adam, the Greater Adam (1 Corinthians 15; Romans 5). We can recall that at the point of his creation Adam is given charge over the created world, to rule and subdue it. But he royally fails. The Serpent comes and begins to trick and rule over him! But this isn’t what happens with Jesus. Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves and they stop. Jesus walks on water, curses a fig tree, and heals diseases. It’s pretty clear that Jesus is in control and rules over nature. He has subdued it. And when Satan comes to tempt Jesus, Jesus shuts him up (Matthew 4:1-11). And this too parallels Israel’s life.

We know of Israel’s being led out into the wilderness to be tested, and how they quickly succumbed to idolatry and weakness. They doubted God continually and they made false gods to worship. But here is Jesus being led through the Jordan river, like Israel had been, and taken out into the wilderness where He too is tempted to forget God and God’s plan. But Jesus does not fall prey to Satan’s temptations like Israel had. Jesus too perfectly reflects the Father to the world. He draws people to Himself, whether it is a woman at a well or a demon possessed man. Jesus is fulfilling the mission that had been given to Israel, but which they had lost.

You see the life of Christ is not just the precursor to His death, it is a significant part of the storyline of Scripture. Much, much, much more could be said. Whole books have interacted with this theme. But the key for us is to see and understand that the life of Christ is a hugely important piece for the story of the Bible and without we still have part of the story untold and incomplete. The Life of Christ matters greatly for our story and for our salvation!