My wife and I have an ongoing disagreement.
She hates being told what's coming in a movie or a TV show. She wants to be surprised. She's even reluctant to watch the preview; in her opinion they give too much away in that short two-minute teaser.
I, on the other hand, have no problem with previews or episode descriptions. They help me decide if I want to watch, or if I'd rather invest my time elsewhere.
I came across a study some time ago that helped define my thinking on this.
Two researchers at the University of California-San Diego suggest that spoilers don't spoil stories. Instead, contrary to popular wisdom, they might even enhance our enjoyment of a story.
The study ran three experiments based on 12 short stories. Each version of the story was read by at least 30 people. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the study participants preferred the "spoiled" versions of suspenseful stories.
For example, in one case, participants were told before reading the story that a condemned man's daring escape is all just a fantasy before the noose snaps around his neck. That spoiler alert helped them enjoy the story even more. (I know - sounds like a morbid story. Had I been on the research team I'd like to think I'd have suggested a nicer plot twist.)
One of the researchers had an interesting theory about why people liked getting a spoiler alert. He said, "It could be that once you know how (the story) turns out... you're more comfortable processing the information and you can focus on a deeper understanding of the story." (Science Daily, Spoiler Alert: Stories Are Not Spoiled by Spoilers, ScienceDaily.com, 8-11-11).
I was thinking about this in connection with Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It's the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection that makes the events of the crucifixion good. Good Friday is a sober and solemn remembrance of the ugliness of sin. Jesus experienced the just punishment for the sins of the world. He experienced death for us. That demonstration of love has no equal. Then he rose from the grave conquering death and offers the gift of spiritual life to everyone who will receive it.
Someone put it this way: "It may be Friday... but Sunday's coming!"
The good news of the resurrection makes the cross a beautiful and cherished symbol. But not without the empty tomb spoiler alert. The fact of His resurrection confirms that He is exactly who He said He is. He's God the Son, sent from the Father to redeem us. That's the message of the gospel that Easter celebrates. A message that the apostle Paul said was a message of first importance. Personal consideration of this message is vital for all of us.
Let me give you one more spoiler alert. And by giving this one away, I won't get a dirty look from my wife.
The same Jesus who conquered death on that first Easter morning has promised He's coming back. Jesus said of Himself, "For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done" (Matthew 16:27).
We don't know exactly when that time will be and so He calls us to be ready.
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 25:42).
Are you ready to meet Him?
