It
is believed by some to be the most significant
biblical archaeological finding since the Dead Sea
Scrolls, or maybe ever. A box,
carved out of soft limestone, made to hold the
bones of a first-century Jew, surfaced in the
hands of a private collector in Jerusalem late
last year.
The inscription on the side of the box
reads, “James, son of Joseph, brother of
Jesus.”
There you have it: apparent
proof that a man named James, who lived a long
time ago, possibly in Jerusalem, had a father
named Joseph and a brother named Jesus. Scholars,
though not fully agreed on the authenticity of the
inscription, do concede that, if the box and its
writing refer to the figures in the New Testament,
this would be the first actual archaeological
evidence of the Jesus ever
found.
The
finding has inspired much interest among the
professionals. Already,
colloquia, news conferences, debates, and articles
in newsmagazines and journals abound. The
experts discuss at length the genuine nature of
the penmanship, the rarity of such a three-name
inscription, and the highly unusual combination of
relationships expressed on the box.
Of
course, they deliberate over the problems,
too.
The box is empty—there are no bones. Fixing the
age of the box and its full inscription is
difficult (although there is general agreement
that it is characteristic of the first
century.)
The box was in a private collection,
presumably purchased from a “dealer.” Thus we
don’t know for certain its origins. The names
are among the most common in first-century
Judaism.
Indeed, the inscription in and of itself
could be pseudipigraphic (essentially first
century graffiti.)
Archaeology—it’s a great thing. I love
biblical archaeology. I would
love to go on a dig someday, stand in those
places, see those artifacts, touch that dirt, and
connect with those ancient people and events. As a
scientific endeavor, archaeology has validated a
great many connections between people, events, and
the biblical accounts. What if it
has now turned up actual confirmation of the
historical reality of this Jesus we call the
Christ?!
The
initial flush of excitement at this suggestion is
tempered by a still, small voice somewhere inside
that whispers, “Slow down and be careful
here.”
As
much as we value the science of archaeology, we
affirm that ours is a faith which is seeking
understanding. A rational
faith—yes, in that our minds are fully
engaged.
We affirm the logical necessity of an
historical Jesus and the cross and the
resurrection. We
acknowledge that eye-witnesses gave attestation to
these occurrences. We assert
the importance of the historical reality of the
experiences—and we believe the Book gives a
reliable account of these moments in
time.
There is, nevertheless, a living dimension
to this faith of ours which is not dependent upon
evidence found in stone. Faith
begins not so much with logic, but in the desire
for and acceptance of a relationship with the
living God.
Perhaps we should consider putting a
greater emphasis on other “hard” evidence, which
is all around us, even “in” us: the saving
grace of God in Christ make us new creatures,
grants us eternal life, and secures an inheritance
kept for us by the power of God
Himself.
The
greatest evidence is a changed life that faces
each day unfailing hope and joy.
Seeing is wonderful, yet how much more
blessed are those who do not see yet believe. In these
days, when people are seeking signs in their
search for meaning, and security, and hope, point
them to a living God who reveals Himself in
Christ, who when asked for a sign, said, “You are
looking at Him.”
Desiring to be living evidence along with
you, demonstrating unfailing hope and
joy,
Pastor
Chuck
