Let me propose this angle in addition to the limitless significance of the resurrection of Jesus. See the resurrection as a reward for the greatest volunteer the world has ever had. A precedence that can inspire millions of anonymous volunteers around the world. However, no matter how unsolicited this piece may seem inspiring to some. Others may not like this proposal. Volunteers will even protest the title. But certainly most will agree with the statement that Jesus is the greatest volunteer. So let’s start with this common ground and work out the differences later in this article.
Biblical writers have various descriptions of Jesus’ voluntary act. But I like the Pauline version in Philippians 2: 5-8 (NIV): “In your mutual relationships, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being God in nature itself, did not regard equality with God as something for his own benefit; rather, nothing was done by taking the very nature of a servant , made in the likeness of humans.“
The Gospel records cases in which Jesus insists on submitting to the voluntary process despite the supposed favor of those who know him as the messiah. When John the Baptist seems reluctant to perform the ritual of baptism, Jesus prevails over him: “Be done now, because that is how it is convenient for us to fulfill all justice.” (Matthew 4: 14-15)
Many times, Jesus rebukes his disciples in their actions to seek redress for injustice and discrimination against their dignity. Unwelcome in his attempt to bridge the gap between warring cultures, he suffers discrimination in a Samaritan village. When James and John hint at punishment for the humiliating experience, Jesus forbids it. (Luke 9: 51-55). Jesus calmly tells Peter to keep the peace, in the latter’s attempt to fight the savagery of his captors: “Do you think that I cannot go to my Father, and he will immediately put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? “(Matthew 26:53)
He washes his disciple’s feet at the height of the leadership fighting position during the Last Supper. Lobbying by John and James and their mother for a position in the kingdom could have sparked internal conflict. Therefore, no one seems willing to ask the menial questions of what used to enjoy taking turns. Jesus volunteers.
Jesus consistently exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism in his lifestyle and teachings. He willingly obeys all the requirements of the law, although in some cases, he deliberately circumvents unreasonable man-made insertion and imposition of God’s requirements. Successfully complete the final challenge in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Subsequently, divine justice expedites the award ceremony of the world’s greatest volunteer. Saint Paul wonderfully uses this decisive factor for the narration of Jesus’ voluntary act: Therefore, God exalted him to the highest and gave him the name that is above every name, so that before the name of Jesus every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow, and every tongue will recognize that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2: 10-11)
I am not advocating the revenge mentality. The Bible abhors the practice of giving favors or rendering service. Jesus even throws a strange rebuke to the perpetrators and perpetuators of this type of mindset in Luke 14: 12-14. “When you give a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends, brothers or sisters, relatives or wealthy neighbors; if you do, they may invite you to return and you will receive payment. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, andyou will be blessed. Although they cannot pay you, you will be rewarded in the resurrection of the righteous. “
Volunteers certainly don’t expect rewards. The last parable of the Gospel of Matthew (25: 31-46) confirms this with the scene of great surprises. In the end, during the award ceremony, when the chaff is separated from the grain, the sheep and goats are divided, the result exceeds expectations. But the volunteers get their prizes.
It is true that volunteers do not expect prizes. But who can question God’s divine justice to reward the faithful? Is there something wrong with seeing the resurrection as a reward for volunteering?
