One morning when I was having my bible study, my dad’s friend came over and we had a conversation and he questioned me:You worship one who himself was killed in the hand’s of wicked men! How can he protect you or me when he couldn’t protect himself from evil? Such a brilliant question! I would put it this way…
First,The person who spent his entire life teaching people things like:“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.(Matthew 5:38-39)and ‘“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:43-44)Now, had he in this situation called down angels from heaven or used force, would his life not be contradicting his teachings? But He stood firm in following what he taught till the last drop of blood flowed down from his body!
Secondly,There have been many emperors, powerful men who fought and won many battles, the likes of Alexander the great, Napolean, our very own King Ashoka… the list goes on, But how many have overcome death by coming back to life after one died?This also confirmed what he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ‘ (John 11:25)This is the greatest Hope of mankind, that God has a plan for the human race and there is a life after and he was the only way to attain that!As this also confirmed his other words, ‘Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. ‘ (John 14:6)
Thirdly,Which is more powerful,“Taking a life or giving a life?” I Anyone can easily pluck a leaf or cut a tree or an animal but can we give life to it?Others are counted great by the no. of people they killed whereas Christ gave life, Healed the deaf, dumb, leper and even raised people from the dead!when Peter cut the ear of a servant who came to arrest Jesus, Jesus rebuked Peter and healed his ears..
Finally,Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection, he could have gone 40 days earlier? up to this point he had pretty much done everything that he come to do: declared the kingdom of God, healed the people, taught the word, trained the disciples etc , but then the most important thing was not yet done… what was it?when Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane right before being arrested by the roman soldier, he prayed,”lord let this cup be taken away, but not my will but yours be done!” What he was actually saying was, “Father, now that everything is done, if there is any other way through which mankind can be forgiven of their sins and their souls saved forever, please let me off the cross, but if there is no other way for mankind to be saved then I am willing to pay the price for the forgiveness of their sins!It was His LOVE for us despite our fallen nature that compelled him to the cross.
Isaiah 53:4
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
I would like to close with this, When Jesus was hanging on the cross, two criminals were also hung on both sides. Both were witnessing the same things, heard the same wordsand saw the same things. But, their response was poles apart. First Criminal mocked..”Jesus, Aren’t you Messiah? save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him, “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.’
Friends,We too, Like the two criminals have the same TWO choices! Either MOCK like the FIRST or like the other accept our wrong doingsand seek FORGIVENESS and inherit eternal life!
if you have any questions do comment or email us! May GOD help you understand.Thank You!
If you reject his Love and forgiveness, what Hope is there for you?
