During a recent presentation about the body in the resurrection, I referred to various images in nature. Paul also does that in 1Corinthians 15:35-51. One of the most famous, but also most striking images of new life is, undoubtedly, the caterpillar transformed into a butterfly. In biology it is called a complete metamorphosis or transformation. One of the best known, but also most striking images of new life is, undoubtedly, the changing of a caterpillar into a butterfly. In biology that is called a complete metamorphosis or transformation. We see this phenomenon also in all kinds of maggots that, over time, become flies, mosquitoes or beetles. Such a metamorphosis is said to be complete, because the animal then does not change any further. When the caterpillar emerges from an egg, it has only one goal: eat as much as possible in a very short time. Especially gardeners fear the caterpillar, because it can do a great deal of damage to their crops. Caterpillars are, relatively speaking, the fastest growing organisms in the animal kingdom and some species, in only 20 days, become no less than 10,000 times heavier!
When the caterpillar has gorged itself to the full, the process of pupation begins, during which the caterpillar turns into a kind of "mummy". In this phase the metamorphosis takes place, after which, out of the cocoon, (wonder of wonders) a butterfly appears, which is fully complete! No growth stages anymore, as in her former caterpillars-existence, but from the outset, everything is perfectly complete. This is a most beautiful type of the resurrection! Besides, the butterfly does not eat anymore, but it sucks nectar, which is the precursor of honey. This, in turn, is a picture of the sweet Word of God. All this characterizes the new, multicolored butterfly-existence. Not anymore like a caterpillar, clinging to the earth, but moving freely in the spacious sky. Not creeping, but fluttering. That is real living!
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Translation: Peter Feddema
