The Original Hero

America loves a hero. Whether it is the puny player who suddenly rushes across the end zone to win the game for a hard luck football team, or the bravery of passengers who take on terrorists on a doomed flight,we have all experienced that mixture of pride, awe and gratitude that causes a lump in the throat or a tear on the cheek. We wonder: would we be as brave? As selfless?

Why do we hunger for heroes? There is something in us that loves a hero because we are made that way. And that takes us back to the original hero, if you will, who was brave, courageous, selfless and full of boldness. Jesus knowingly went through a gruesome, pain-wracked crucifixion on behalf of us-even though he prayed with all his being that he wouldn't have to go through it. That's a hero.It's an old story that needs re-telling because too many in this day think Easter is just another shopping season: clothes for the family, candy and stuffed animals for the kids, cute stuff for the house. Too many of us don't know the story of Jesus' death, take it for granted, or have heard of it so often we are not moved anymore by its power.

So back to the story of the original hero. Jesus, the man who lived on earth, lived a double life. On one hand he was just like you and me: he got hungry, lonely, enjoyed being liked and successful, loved his family, and had good close friends with whom he enjoyed sitting around, eating, drinking and swapping stories.

But Jesus felt a higher call to follow and serve God no matter what it cost him. He knew the urgent needs of his people and that political answers didn't go far enough.

Jesus also knew he was more than a man; others began to recognize it too, as he gave counsel, comments, and comebacks that left his religious and political adversaries gasping for words (see especially the Gospel of Matthew 22:15-46). Friends and foes both recognized "something more" in this man as they observed his special love, mercy and healing powers.

His death of course was not the end, and that is where religious faith comes in. It is what makes Jesus more than just a martyr for a worthy cause. It may take a leap of faith to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the Bible and other historical accounts indicate, but it is not that farfetched. Historians Josephus (c.37-110 AD), Ignatius (c.50-115 AD), Justin Martyr (c.100-165 AD) and Tertullian (c.160-220 AD) all wrote about the authenticity of the resurrection. Their writings validate the accounts of the Gospel writers.

Of course, ultimately, it boils down to faith, and what you want to stake your life on. Jesus shows us not only what spectacular heroism is all about, but also that the unspectacular lives of ordinary men and women like you and me can have meaning, purpose and direction. The fact is that Jesus ultimately triumphed over death, and we will too.

The cool thing is that all of us, being made in the image of God, have a little of Jesus' spunk and spirit in us too. If we are truly made in the image of God, and Jesus was made in the image of God, I think we crave and are drawn to stories of heroism because it is something God put in us as "original material." Our craving and joy in stories of heroism point us once again back to the wonderful way our Creator made us, and gives us one more reason to celebrate the true joy and meaning of Easter.

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Contributed by Melodie Davis from her weekly columnANOTHER WAY (http://www.thirdway.com/aw/).For information on using Another Way in a local newspaper, contact:ANOTHER WAY, 1251 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801-2497; or call1-800-999-3534; fax at 540-434-5556; or email me at:Melodie@mennomedia.org