The
existence of God is denied by millions.
However, world religions, historians and most people agree in the
existence of Jesus. Agreement gathers around
what He did calling Him a good man, miracle-worker or powerful teacher. Interestingly though, when we move from “what
Jesus did” to “who He was” division begins.
The
main point of tension is this statement - Jesus is the one true God in human
flesh. Despite centuries of heated
disagreement such a statement reveals who He really is. It all started with Jesus who once said about
Himself, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9), or in other
words, “When you see me, you see God.”
Again,
most people also agree Jesus died, but why did He? Those who actually conspired to put Him to
death tell us it was because He claimed to be God. They once accused Him saying “you, being a
man, make yourself God” (John 11:33).
His fierce opponents did not realize how they were helping the world to
know who He truly was. Jesus ultimately died
because He claimed to be God, which He did openly for all to see and hear. Then three days later He rose from the dead
validating everything He spoke of.
Why
does this point of Jesus being God matter, because it changes everything. What if an atheist who agreed in the
existence of the historical Jesus also believed He was God? It would change everything. What if a Muslim who accepted that Jesus was
a great prophet also believed He was God?
It would change everything. What
if a Jew who agreed that Jesus was a great teacher also believed He was true
Messiah? It would change
everything. Most importantly though,
what do you believe? A good man cannot
forgive your sin. Only Jesus can. A miracle-worker cannot remove your guilt and
shame. Only Jesus can. A powerful teacher cannot redeem your life
from the pits of despair. Only Jesus
can. Believe in Him with all your heart,
soul, mind and strength. May Jesus be
your hope for today.
