Jesus the firstling

In this life, we run the risk of being persecuted for Christ. We give up the temporary treasures and joys of this world. If this life were everything we get, why should we give up something? If we give up everything for this one message that is not even true, we would rightly be ridiculed.

The gospel tells us that we have hope in Christ for a future life, because it depends on the resurrection of Jesus. Easter reminds us that Jesus came back to life - and He made us promise that we too will live again. If he had not risen, we would have no hope in this or future life. Jesus is truly risen, so we have hope.

Paul affirms the good news: “Christ has risen from the dead! He is the first that God raised up. His resurrection gives us the assurance that those who died believing in Jesus will also be resurrected" (1. Corinthians 15,20 New Geneva translation).

In ancient Israel, the first grain harvested each year was carefully cut and offered in worship to God. Only then could the rest of the grain be eaten (Leviticus 3: 23-10). When they offered God the sheaf of firstfruits symbolized by Jesus, they recognized that all of their grain was a gift from God. The firstborn offering represented the entire harvest.

Paul calls Jesus the first fruit and at the same time says that Jesus is God's promise for a much greater harvest that is still to come. He is the first to be resurrected and thus also represents those who will be resurrected. Our future depends on his resurrection. We follow him not only in his sufferings but also in his glory (Romans 8,17).

Paul does not see us as isolated individuals - he sees us as belonging to a group. To which group? Will we be people who follow Adam or those who follow Jesus?

"Death came through a man," says Paul. In the same way "the resurrection of the dead also comes through man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall live" (1. Corinthians 15,21-22). Adam was the first fruits of death; Jesus was the first fruits of the resurrection. When we are in Adam, we share his death with him. When we are in Christ, we share with him his resurrection and eternal life.

The gospel says all believers in Christ come to life. This is not just a temporary benefit in this life - we will enjoy it forever. "Each in turn: Christ is the firstfruits, after that, when he shall come, those who are his" (1. Corinthians 15,23). Just as Jesus rose from the grave, so will we be resurrected to a new and incredibly better life. We cheer! Christ is risen and we are with him!

by Michael Morrison