FXF Stories: Jesus's Resurrection - Nameplate Rebirth

The story of Jesus's resurrection is the hallmark of Christian faith. For if he didn't rise, then he would be no more than you or I, falsifying the prophecy and making him a liar; with it destroying any reason to be having faith. The fact that he got up, then, is really important, the cornerstone of our hope, so let's take a look at the story of his resurrection, The Easter Story, and it's automotive counterpart, The Nameplate Rebirth.

Passover was just around the corner and the Priests, who hated Jesus, were looking for a way to kill him, but inconspicuously, that way there wouldn't be a poor reaction from the people. This the premise, they plotted a way to kill Jesus, at which point in the initial stage the catalyst became one of the twelve disciples themselves, Judas, who in return for 30 pieces of silver, agreed to hand Jesus over to the high priests.

A couple of days later, it was time for Passover itself, and with it, The Last Supper. Here, at The Last Supper, Jesus met and ate one last time with all of his disciples before everything would be set in motion for his eventual death. Here, Jesus made the covenant that sets the stage for modern communions, where it's said: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:22‭-‬25 NIV. While they were eating, Jesus broke the news that one of them would betray him later that night, each one fervently denying it, but as predicted it would come to pass.

After eating, Jesus and his disciples got up to go to The Mount Of Olives, here Jesus told them: "You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Mark 14:27‭-‬28 NIV. Despite this, Peter fervently cried out that he wouldn't deny knowing Jesus, but this too, Jesus would predict.

From the Mount, they then went to a place called Gethsemane. Here Jesus prayed to God pleading, "Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 NIV. The disciples were supposed to stand guard, but they all fell asleep, waking just in time to bystand Jesus's arrest, perpetrated by Judas and forces sent by the high priests. Judas kissing him on the cheek, they seized Jesus and took him to the high priest. Jesus was then put on trial, and due to false testimonies, was deemed blasphemous, and he was then condemned as worthy of death. He was handed over to guards and beaten.

From the head priests, Jesus was brought to Pilate. As part of the Passover, the government, led by Pilate, let go free one prisoner that they have imprisoned. Here, the people get to pick, and riled up by the priests, the crowd picked Barabbas, a murderer, instead. When asking what he ought to do with Jesus, they shouted "Crucify him!", and following through on their wishes, he ordered as they asked.

Jesus was beaten profusely, mocked by soldiers. He was dressed in a robe and given a crown of thorns as those mocking bowed before him. They took off the robe, returning him to his own clothes, and led him to a place called Golgotha ("the place of the skull") where he was crucified between two rebels, one on each side. One of the criminals Jesus was crucified with yelled at him, shouting for Jesus to save both himself and them, but the other rebuked him, saying: “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40‭-‬43 NIV.

At noon, Jesus called out, “It is finished” John 19:30 NIV, and died. To make sure, the soldiers pierced his side, and satisfied that he was dead, gave the body to Joseph who took it away to be placed in a tomb with a big, immovable boulder as it's door, and Roman guards to prevent The Disciples tampering with the body.

Three days later, as Jesus had for told, he rose again. As the women approached the tomb, the stone had been rolled away! Angels Of The Lord appeared to them, saying, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”Luke 24:5‭-‬7 NIV. They ran back to tell the disciples what had happened, and once Peter went to see it, they all believed it to be true.

After some time, Jesus later went and made himself known to his disciples. From here, he ate with them and then took them out of the city of Bethany to a mountain in Galilee. Here, Jesus raised his hands and blessed them. Then he ascended into heaven to be eternally sat at the right hand of God.

So what does this have to do with cars?

Good Question.

The auto industry is laden with a similar idea called Nameplate Rebirth, in which it utilizes the nostalgia of past vehicular hits to make substantial profits either spiritually with its enthusiast base, or monetarily with its customer base. One of the most important and substantial last gasp efforts for companies, the nameplate rebirth a huge gamble that either makes or breaks car companies.

So why do it?

It's immeasurably powerful.

Just like Jesus's resurrection gave eternally the power to save the human race and live eternal lives, the nameplate rebirth, if done correctly, can offer the same results. It's dangerous though, because if a new version of a timeless classic is AN ABSOLUTE FLOP, then it has the ability to monetarily and spiritually bankrupt the company, potentially having the power to ruin its predecessor as well.

This is now a more and more involved technique to generate sales, as model fields get more and more packed with good options, great dynamics only get your foot in the door these days. That said, if you offer up the continuation of a timeless classic, not only can you sell the name, but shamelessly the production of the vehicle can be streamlined in many areas such as design and basic, fundamental conceptualization (Engine Size, Placement, # Of Doors, etc).

The biggest gamble in the Auto Industry, then, mirrors the biggest gamble in the Christian faith; both having immeasurable power, yet only activated by the immense FAITH it takes to contribute your full weight onto seeking its implementation as part of your life.