King Tut and King Jesus

One of the most remarkable archeological discoveries in history occurred in 1922 when the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen was unearthed. For over 3,000 years, the concealed tomb hid an elaborate coffin containing the corpse of the boy king.

Buried along with the coffin were a treasure-trove of artifacts, including furniture, dismantled chariots, jewelry and musical instruments. Popularly known as King Tut, museums around the world have delighted visitors with many of these ancient relics from his tomb.

In stark contrast was the tomb of another king: Jesus. In his case, just days after his burial the tomb was found empty. And the only items discovered inside were the burial linens and cloth that wrapped his body.

Though Jesus lived a humble life far from the castles of pharaohs and emperors, he was still a king. When the Roman governor Pontius Pilate interrogated Jesus, he asked him if he was a king.

Jesus answered in the affirmative, but added, “My kingdom is not of this world.”

Not only were the realms of King Tut and King Jesus worlds apart, but the impact of their lives left vastly different legacies.

The enduring signs that remain of King Tut’s reign are the pyramids his followers built as a monument for him and other pharaohs.

The followers of Jesus, however, didn’t build a monument for him. Rather, they began a movement, which continues his reign even today in the hearts of men and women.

Modern scientists and scholars have been able to study the corpse of King Tut since its discovery, but when Jesus’ disciples showed up at his tomb, they encountered angels who declared to them, “He is not here! He is risen!”

Consequently, the pyramids in Egypt have been a constant reminder throughout history that the pharaohs are dead, but this Sunday Christians around the world will celebrate Easter, an annual reminder that Jesus is alive!

The wonderful news is not only that Jesus defeated death, but his resurrection holds the promise of eternal life for all who believe in him, as Jesus himself proclaimed: “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will live even though he dies.”

This means that by faith our destiny is not that of King Tut, but that of King Jesus. As the Bible declares: “If we have been united with him in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”

That is truly a reason to celebrate this Sunday!