Parallels Between Jesus’ Birth, Death and Resurrection

Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter Converge

Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash

What author, when writing a book, does not use literary devices such as repetition to help the reader understand what is most important? In the Bible, parallels (a type of repetition) alert us to key theological themes, help us follow God’s covenant promises throughout history, and point to the fulfillment of prophecy. Here are some examples:

• Sin begins with the first Adam but is conquered by Jesus, the last Adam.

• In Genesis, humanity is barred from the Tree of Life; in Revelations, the saints are given access to the Tree of Life.

• Abraham prepared to sacrifice his only son on Mount Moriah (Jerusalem Temple Mount). God sacrificed his only son near Mount Moriah (just outside the ancient city walls but still within the same general area).

Since Jesus is the focal point of the Bible, the hero of the story, we find not only Old Testament prophecies about him but also symbolic parallelism within his lifetime. A delightful new discovery for me are the parallels related to his birth and death:

1. Birth: Jesus was born of a virgin (Luke 1:26-33).
   Death: He was buried in a virgin tomb (Luke 23:50-53).

2. Birth: Mary witnessed Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:5-7).
   Death: And she witnessed his death (John 19:25-27).

3. Birth: Some scholars believe that Jesus was born in a cave.*

   Death: He was buried in a tomb, a rock-cut cave.

4. Birth: An honorable man named Joseph provided a place where Mary and her newborn could rest (Luke 2:4-7).
   Death: An honorable man named Joseph (of Arimathea) provided a place where he laid Jesus’ body to rest (Matthew 27:57-60).

5. Birth: Jesus was wrapped in strips of swaddling cloths (Luke 2:5-7).
   Death: He was wrapped in strips of burial cloths (Mark 15:46).

6. Birth: Anointing oils such as frankincense and myrrh were used to worship him (Matthew 2:7-11).
   Death: Anointing oils such as myrrh and aloes were used to honorably bury him (John 19:38-39).

7. Birth: Herod tried to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:16).
   Death: Another Herod did not stop Pilate from killing him (Luke 23:7-12).

8. Birth: Jesus was “born King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:1-2).
   Death: He was crucified as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:35-37).

9. Birth: The chief priests and elders advised Rome (Herod) about the prophesied child king (Matthew 2:3-6).
   Death: The chief priests and elders advised Rome (Pilate) to eliminate the grown king (John 19:5-6, Luke 23:13-23, and Matthew 27:20).

10. Birth: Unlikely people—shepherds and wise men from the east—believed in him (Luke 2:15-17; Matthew 2:1-2).
    Death: Unlikely people—the thief on the cross and a Roman centurion and his guards—believed in him (Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27:54).

Jesus’ mission went beyond the grave—he rose again, conquering sin and Satan and our worst enemy, death. Without Easter we would have no reason to celebrate Christmas! Here is a parallel tying Jesus’ birth to the resurrection:

• Birth: Angels proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ coming to shepherds who were considered a low social class (Luke 2:8-14).
  Resurrection: Angels proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to women who were considered second class to men (Luke 24:4-7).

As you reflect on these parallels, what stands out to you? I am astounded by the level of craftsmanship in God’s masterpiece story. The parallel refrains of Jesus’ birth and death seem to be saying over and over, “Look at him, look at him!” And so we do. And we sink to our knees before the manger; we sink to our knees before the cross; we sink to our knees before the empty tomb, overcome with wonder, gratitude, and joyous relief. For Emmanuel, “God With Us,” is risen as King of kings and Lord of lords.

O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

*Cursory summary:

There is no definitive archaeological evidence or direct biblical account, but early Christian tradition identifies a cave in Bethlehem, now part of the Church of the Nativity, as Jesus’ birthplace. Evidence supporting this tradition comes from early Christian writers like Justin Martyr and Origen, who stated the birth took place in a cave because no lodging was available. The tradition is also supported by the fact that in the first century, many homes in the region were built against hillsides or used caves as stables for livestock.

*Another Interpretation: Born in a Stable, a Cave, or a Tower?

Reference:

https://preacherpollard.com/2012/10/18/parallels-of-christs-birth-and-death/