Astronauts' Odyssey
Fig. 01 “The Space March”
Astronauts hold one of the most captivating occupations imaginable. They're out there exploring the unknown, diving headfirst into the mysteries of the universe in ways we can hardly comprehend. Months of rigorous training are required, preparing them to adapt to different atmospheres and rehearse the intricacies of their upcoming missions. It's a profound honor that demands remarkable mental strength to endure.
Consider the exhilaration of launch day. Can you feel the excitement? The astronauts all lined up, helmets in hand, decked out in those iconic bright orange and white space suits, shimmering under the spotlight. They strut down the runway like heroes in slow motion, with crowds of admirers and family members cheering them on every step of the way. Right before they step into that spacecraft, they shoot one last look at the crowd, brimming with anticipation, before they blast off into the great unknown.
That same energy and sense of anticipation and bravery are reminiscent of another scene: Jesus carrying the cross. Both moments are about someone boldly stepping into the unknown, into what we can't handle on our own. However, unlike the cheering crowds at a shuttle launch, Jesus faced a hostile mob as he bore the weight of the cross. Mocked as the "King of the Jews," insults and cruelty marked his journey to Golgotha. Though tradition suggests a moment of farewell with his mother and other women, the finality of Death loomed large, seemingly blocking out any hope of resurrection. Those mocking crowds on the road to crucifixion embody our fears of Death just as much as those adoring crowds at a space shuttle launch capture our sense of wonder and awe.
On the cross, Jesus embarked on a journey into the unknown realm of Death, tasting its bitterness on behalf of all. Hebrews 2:9 speaks of his descent into mortality, paving the way for humanity's salvation:
"But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone."
When astronauts venture into space, they're offering us a glimpse into the cosmos that few can offer. They're making wonder possible, all while carrying the weight of fear on their shoulders. Later, Hebrews 2: 14-15 talks about how Jesus's journey through Death and resurrection conquered the power of Death, which comes from the fear it instills. Just as astronauts push the boundaries of human exploration, Jesus transcends the confines of mortality, showing us that Death is simply a doorway.
Fig. 2 “Exploring the Wounds”
Following his resurrection from the dead, Jesus began appearing to his followers. However, one disciple, Thomas, remained uncertain. In John 20:25, Thomas famously declared,
"Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Thomas's request seems reasonable, given his commitment and the recent traumatic events. He had devoted three years to following a teacher who was publicly executed just days earlier. When Thomas demands proof, it's not out of skepticism but a deep hunger for an authentic experience.
Many Christians criticize Thomas for his disbelief, yet this judgment often overlooks the emotional rollercoaster Thomas and the other disciples endured. We forget the raw emotion of those days following Jesus's death. Not only was their Rabbi gone, but one of their own, Judas, had betrayed him, and they were being hunted as well. It was hard to know who to trust. Now, news breaks that Jesus is back, and hope sparks anew. But can they trust it? Can they dare to hope again after all they've been through?
Imagine getting a gift from that one friend who's clueless about gift-giving. Awkward, right? The tension arises from feeling disconnected from the gift. The gift feels out of touch with the celebration. While Jesus is undoubtedly the greatest gift from God, he wasn't what people expected for their circumstances. Peace and forgiveness seemed inadequate against oppression and hostility. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says:
"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:39-41)
But here's the twist: all gifts need unwrapping to be appreciated fully. So, how was the gift of Jesus opened? It gets unwrapped when he allows the darkest forces to nail him to a cross, revealing the depth of his love. At the Last Supper, he symbolically broke bread and offered it as his body, signaling the time to unwrap the gift.
If Jesus allowed evil to reveal the depth of God's gift, why not Thomas? Why not you? When Jesus finally appeared to Thomas, he granted his request, offering him tangible evidence by allowing him to touch his wounds. Through this encounter, Thomas found reassurance and tangible proof that it was safe to hope again. Take a cue from Thomas. Be bold and ask for evidence to seek that firsthand encounter with the risen Savior. Because when Jesus shows up, he's not bringing a mediocre gift. He's bringing hope!
