Self-consciousness of Jesus’ death and resurrection: historical, cultural and theological context

Jesus from Nazareth valued his death as a possibility for one suffering and death to provide meaning for many. Jesus’ self-giving death is the peak of his whole ministry. This proves that death can be interpreted as a gift for others what is also witnessed by the Last Supper. Through Christ’s personality, his teaching and fate God proved his loyalty to the previously made promises. Christ did not try to teach the new Law, but proclaimed the approach of God’s Kingdom. Therefore, Christ’s news about God is that “today” salvation has come among us, today is Lord’s merciful year, today God’s kingdom has started functioning practicably in Christ. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). Jesus’ attitude towards his death is concurrent to his whole life. The saying “You die like you have lived” particularly applies to Him. It is exceptional that Jesus’ order to love one’s enemies undoubtedly applies to Him as well, comp. Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”. He did not fight and gave himself easily into his enemies’ hands. He is also benevolent to all sinners. Jesus proclaimed that God loves them, invites to community and provides with mercy. And therefore His death is also for them. He also served the poor. Biblicist H. Schurman was the first to describe Jesus’ from Nazareth life as pro-existentia which means that Jesus strived to serve both God and those who profess Him. His life was devoted to others and thus His pro-existentia becomes pro-nobis – “life for us”. Therefore, if he lived for others he also died for others. Jesus approved of pharisaic belief in eschatological resurrection of the body. [...