What Will You Do With Jesus?

Oct 4, 2014 2709

by Bilyana de Soto

sitting by the seaJesus’ teaching was novel and radical on so many fronts.

His words cut to the chase and divided his audience between those who wanted to stone Him and those who couldn’t wait to hear more. Those who thronged, heard the most unusual claims and invitations.

Historically his listeners certainly had a handle on a prophet in their midst. But Jesus, to be sure, sounded too much like He was making out to be God in their midst. Imagine the whispers that must have gone around like, did you just hear Him say…

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. (John 7:37)

I am the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)

The most confrontational moments came when Jesus’ listeners saw salvation personified in Him as the Son of God. They heard the most important message ever preached. No one ever spoke like this man!  The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:45-46) This was no ordinary man. Yet most, it seems didn’t understand, and failed to believe and become heart-converts. Jesus’ message was not well received by hard-hearted and religiously seasoned masses. Creeds and codes do well to create religions but little for a personal encounter with Christ.

To this day in the world, in the heartland of Christendom and in your heart and mine, the same claims divide. To this day, the invitation is not just hear about me, but hear from me, it is not the creed or any number of fundamentals that is the way, but “I am the way”. From Pilate to our day the question is the same – What will you do with Jesus?

Bilyana De Soto

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