Most people would agree that Jesus must have been a really nice guy. One notable figure called him one of history’s noble souls. As inspiration or aspiration, Jesus is one heck of a role model, up there with Gandhi, Socrates, Mother Theresa, my grandmother, and perhaps millions of others. (Well, even in that company he ranks higher). He is worthy of anyone’s emulation. He has guided countless millions to live to higher purpose and noble humanity. In this he ranks with Lao Tse and the Buddha. It takes nothing away from Jesus to be included in this company.
For many this is as far as they go. But Jesus is far more: he offers salvation, freedom from sin, and the way to eternal life. Without the resurrection, the rest of the Gospel is interesting biographical sketches with little to distinguish it from so many others. Christmas would have no particular significance and Pentecost would not exist.
Jesus is unique in all the ages. There is no other human being who did what he did on Easter Day. The Resurrection changes the essence of our lives. We as Christians do indeed gain much from our emulation of Jesus, but our lives are redeemed by the risen Christ. And that is so much more.
