The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Nelson Mandela
Seeing the Patterns of 'Crucifixion and Resurrection' in Real Life
On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela became a free man, but his freedom came after a 27-year crucifixion. The story of Jesus Christ is the story of all those that have been crucified unjustly. It says that after some time, be it 3 days or 27 years, you will be resurrected.
The Crucifixion of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a practicing lawyer before he decided to join the fight for the freedom of black South Africans. He saw apartheid as an unjust system of racial discrimination and separation that not only separated blacks from whites, but made the black population second-class citizens in their own country of origin.
Madiba joined the ANC in 1944 initially advocating for nonviolent resistance, then later, he co-founded the ANC's armed wing in 1961 after peaceful protests were met with violent government responses. However, it became his gift as a great orator that made him particularly influential, holding rallies that attracted thousands. His name became a household name and a symbol of hope for black South Africans. As Mandela became a threat to the power and authority of the all-white governing party, he was labelled a terrorist and shipped him off to Robben Island.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
The historical Jesus spread his ideas throughout the land of Judea and other lands occupied by the Romans. He was then crucified for the claim that he was the King of the Jews (Mark 15:2, where Pontius Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" and Jesus replies, "You say so."). This was treason, and the Romans killed anyone who challenged their authority.
Putting the historical Jesus aside, we can also see why the mythological Jesus would have been crucified. He challenged the Jewish institution to change their ways, to make improvements, and to update their rules, such as with the introduction of forgiveness and removing the custom of stoning sinners to death as seen in John 8:7, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."
What is Behind Both Crucifixions?
All three examples (including the historical Jesus) show the same pattern: Those who threaten the powers and positions of the lords of the garden are often painted as snakes and cast off to the furthest corner of the land—in other words, they are crucified.
The Resurrection
After three days, Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In the mythological story, the resurrection of Jesus symbolises his vindication as such teachings were non-discriminatory and just for all. The story of the legend says, "You will be vindicated if you are on the right side of history."
Similarly, Nelson Mandela was on the right side of history, and he was finally vindicated, becoming the first black President of South Africa on May 10, 1994. He went from being the lowliest of citizens (a political prisoner and a charged terrorist) to the leader of the kingdom of a nation.
Key
Crucifixion: This is not the literal death of a man. This can be social ostracization, unfair dismissal, public defamation, boycotting and more.
Resurrection: This does not mean the literal revival of a dead body. This means public commendation, restoration of position, promotion to a higher positions and more.
Next:
Where else can we see such patterns in real life? Why did Mandela’s resurrection take so long? What is the correlation of the snake about? These questions will be answered in upcoming posts… Subscribe to be kept in the loop.