Sunday, March 3, 2013

Why Jesus?

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His Name. John 20:30–31 (NLT).

Jesus changed the course of world history for ALL people. He is not only the turning point of human history but of eternity. Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God (Mark 1:1; Mark 8:29–30). God the Father, John the Baptist, Jesus’ miracles (or sins), the Scriptures, and many other people all confirm and acknowledge that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the World (John 4:42).

God sent Jesus into this world to reveal the glory of God to people. God guided the course of human history to climax with Jesus’ arrival as the eternal King of all the earth. Although Jesus is God incarnate (in the flesh), He entered human history as a Man and a Servant.

Jesus was a Jew, the Son of Abraham, and a King from the line of King David. He held the role during His public ministry on earth as prophet, priest, and king. Most important, this Jesus from the humble town of Nazareth was the long awaited Messiah and the promised Deliverer predicted from the Old Testament. Jesus is the Savior of all people, and He ultimately fulfilled God’s promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) to save people from their sins (Luke 15:1–32; Luke 19:10).

No one can ever be Jesus’ equal because Jesus is the Great Ruler of time and eternity, the Messiah, and God. Jesus is greater than King David and Abraham. He lived a life without sin and in full obedience to God. Even at Jesus’ birth, many people recognized Him as a King. Herod tried to kill Jesus at birth and evil tried to stop Jesus in the wilderness but three Wise Men (also called Magi) worshiped Him as King.

As the Messiah, Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for ALL people (Mark 10:45; Mark 14:24). The life and ministry of Jesus increasingly show the never ending love of God for people (John 3:16).The death of Jesus paid the penalty for sin and purchased freedom for everyone who believes in Him by faith (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6). He died in the place of sinners on the Cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through faith in Jesus’ death, anyone can be reconciled to God and saved from eternal separation from God (2 Corinthians 5:18–21). Jesus’ death for all people is proof of God’s love for the world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

Jesus went to Jerusalem as the humble, Suffering Servant. Before His execution as a criminal, He proclaimed judgment on the nation. Then He rose from the dead to fulfill God’s plan, and launch His Spirit-driven mission to all the world. The risen Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, is the Savior of the whole world.

The entire message of the Bible is that Jesus has come to save the world. Jesus unites all people of all groups - Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles), male and female, rich and poor - through His love and the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:26–29; Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 2:14–22; Ephesians 3:6). So, let us stand firm in faith with Jesus!

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God bless you! You are loved by God (Romans 5:5).