Easter – Jesus is the winner!
Series: EIFACH muetig – with Jesus as a role model | Bible text: Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:51–56
The death of Jesus and his resurrection are often only associated with the fact that he died as a sacrifice for our sins. But it is much more – Jesus is the victor over death, every power of evil and sin! He has conquered all of this! There is still resistance, but this is the enemy’s last stand. The victory is complete! Through Jesus, I can lead a victorious life myself as his follower. He gives me the strength and the authority to do so!
As a family of four with small children, we have a routine every evening that usually looks the same. It starts after dinner and ends with the singing of a song. We always sing «A miner Stell» together. This song emphasises that Jesus suffered for me and that he laid down his life for me. In my place. Everything about this song is true – I would even say that it reflects the prevailing view of what happens on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is the Lamb who died in my place. This is probably the most prominent view in our church. This view is not wrong, but it is only one aspect of what Jesus accomplished with his death and resurrection. This morning I would like to shed light on an aspect that is becoming increasingly important to me. This is the idea of «Christus Victor» – Jesus is victorious! The resurrection sermon will be on this topic. It is important to emphasise that it is not a question of either or, but of both!
Jesus wins!
On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus Christ was condemned to death and died on the cross. In the text reading from Luke 12:1–8, we heard that the tomb was empty on Sunday morning. The resurrection makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the victor! I assume that his death and resurrection are real events anchored in history. I will therefore not go into this any further. This is not out of embarrassment, but because it would go beyond the scope of this article. I would be happy to provide more information in a personal conversation. «Christus Victor» – Jesus as the victor. But what was he victorious over?
Jesus conquered the power of death. Even as small children, we are confronted with transience. Be it the death of a favourite pet or a grandparent. On the one hand, children are very unconcerned about the future, but many are afraid of death. It’s not necessarily any different for us adults either. There is something final about death. Medically, the boundary of death can be moved more and more, but it cannot be cancelled! Every life takes place somewhere between conception and death! But Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25–26). He gives life in abundance (John 10:10). He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the bread of life (John 6:35) and he is a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). Life is the starkest contrast to death – and Jesus is life! «Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to all people» (John 1:4 NLB). Life is the opposite of death.
At Easter, Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. Even before these events, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and nights. There, the devil tried to persuade him to worship him. But Jesus remained steadfast. However, the forces of evil are still trying to win people over to their side today. One of the ways they do this is by pointing out the inadequacy of us humans. But Jesus took every accusation against his followers to the cross and destroyed them. All their guilt has been forgiven. Because he is also the substitute who died. But to what end? He triumphed in all of this. «In this way, God has disarmed the rulers and powers of this world. He has publicly exposed them by triumphing over them through Christ on the cross» (Colossians 2:15 NLB).
But the core of evil lies in sin. Death and the forces of evil are also connected to it. But Jesus is the victor over sin! The main point of sin is wanting to be God yourself and not wanting to accept God as such. God created the earth wonderfully. He created it to promote life for people. Whenever he has created something that promotes life, God pronounces an «it was good» in creation. But the first humans followed the call of the adversary and wanted to be like God. This brought sin into the world. It is my own will with which I can decide what I want to do or not. The battle between God and the devil is already visible and promised here at the beginning of human history. «From now on I will put enmity between you and the woman and your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head and you will bite his heel» (Genesis 3:15 NLB). What remains in man is the tendency to selfishness. Despite good intentions, the sin within us tempts everyone to do more than just good! This contradicts our humanistic view of the world. Some find it difficult to accept that man is a sinful being, i.e. an evil being in the eyes of God. Some can clearly agree with this, as they have evil people in their environment. But: the line between good and evil runs right through your heart and mine. Even with the best of intentions, not only good comes out. Before there was no death, but now the desire to be God (sin), death and the battle between God and the devil appear in the snake on the tree. «For the wages of sin is death; but the undeserved gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.» (Romans 6:23 NLB). Sin, the forces of evil and death go hand in hand and are contrary to God’s nature. That is why we need redemption. And – Jesus Christ has triumphed! Hallelujah! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest victory ever won! The relationship between God and man is restored and creation is renewed. His followers share in his victory.
The battle continues
But God is still in the battle! And his followers are right in the middle of it! «Be prudent and vigilant and always be prepared for an attack by the devil, your enemy! He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for a victim to devour. You should resist him through your firm faith. Realise that all faith is a giftäBelievers in the world go through these sufferings» (1 Peter 5:8–9 NLB). How can this be? Has the devil not been defeated? Of course! But the consummation is yet to come. I have heard a fitting comparison. 6 June 1944 went down in history as so-called D‑Day (Decision Day). This military operation had a significant impact on the further course and outcome of the war. Nevertheless, it still took over a year until the end of the war on 2 September 1945. Estimates are difficult, but during this time, in addition to military and civilian victims of the war, around one to one and a half million people, mainly Jews, died in the extermination camps. The war was over, but the end was yet to come. This image helps me to bring together the victory of Jesus Christ and the current world situation.
Jesus Christ is victorious and this also has an impact on me as a follower of Jesus. This certainly doesn’t mean a crude «believe it and you will be healed». Nor does it mean that every difficulty has now disappeared. But: the victory of Jesus ends many things. If you are ashamed of something you have done or not done! Hey, Jesus has won and says, come to me. I forgive you! If you judge your life based on your performance and fail again and again! Hey, Jesus, his victory means that your value is determined by his love and acceptance and not by your performance. If you are a person who has to deal with yourself or with people who don’t measure up to the world’s worldly standards! Hey, Jesus saw you as worthy and won the victory for you. If you have fears and worries! Hey, Jesus Christ, has triumphed with his love over all fear! If we have decided to follow Jesus, then we are a new creature. We don’t have to become one. We already are! (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is there! We have to make it visible in our lives. As followers of Jesus, we are able to live victoriously! «For the children of God overcome this world; they conquer through faith in Christ. And he who wüWould the battle against the world be won if not by the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?» (1 John 5:4–5 NLB). I am not saying that all difficulties will disappear. I’m not saying that sickness and suffering will disappear. Living victoriously means orientating ourselves towards life. Life here, but also beyond. It means the life that symbolises Jesus Christ. Here on earth and beyond. It means life in contrast to death. We can share in the victory and let God change our lives. It is a life in freedom. Certain things may look like loss at first. In my faithfulness to God, I gain a lot.
We don’t have to do it in our own strength, but God has given us the authority. «I have given you authority over the enemy; you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing and no one will be able to harm you» (Luke 10:19 NLB). The victory that Jesus won is carried on by the Holy Spirit. This lives in the followers of Jesus and is the power to live victoriously. But I also have a personal responsibility.
This raises the legitimate question as to whether it is not then again my own performance with which I want to please God. Here I would answer that a life of victory is based on Jesus» performance, taking on responsibility, but giving Jesus more and more space in my life. Because I don’t want to please God with my achievements, but rather create space for him and live in this freedom that he has fought for me! I would like to conclude this sermon by reading a longer passage from 1 Corinthians 15:51–56, where we find a powerful promise for the end of the battle that concerns all followers of Jesus.
Possible questions for the small group
Read the Bible text: 1 Corinthians 15:51–56
- Jesus is victorious! What is the first thing that comes to your mind?
- How do you experience the three things sin, the forces of evil and death? How do you recognise the victory of Jesus Christ in these three things?
- Living in victory means orientating yourself towards life. And «life» is an image for Jesus. How could you actively shape this in your life?
- Where do you need to proclaim the victory of Jesus Christ in your life and take active measures to make it more and more visible?
- What does the tension of Jesus Christ’s victory on the cross and the ongoing struggle do to you? Where do you struggle with God?
