Choose To Believe In Jesus Today, Would You Please?

It’s Easter weekend. We honor God today because of what He did for us. He gave His only Son to die for us on the cross. This is a historical fact. Many people saw Him die and many people saw Him alive again after His death. Please read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I love reading God’s word. I love reading about Jesus.

I urge you to look at Jesus and his life in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Look to find out more about him through the entire Bible. The Old Testament all points to Jesus. The Old Testament has prophets and kings who look to save God’s people but none of them are good enough. Prophecies about Jesus are all through the Old Testament and so many saviors or leaders pop up. But none of them are good enough. When Jesus comes along, HE IS GOOD enough. He is born of God, perfect in every way. He lives a sinless life and faces every kind of temptation. Notice how different He is. He doesn’t seek attention. He avoids it in so many cases. He leaves the crowds. He tells people He has healed not to tell anyone. He doesn’t look to make Himself known but He is known and God makes Him known. He leaves all of that up to His followers and His Father in Heaven.

Jesus is so great! He loves us so very much. He could have bowed out and not saved us at any moment. There’s a real tension there.

“Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:39 HCSB

You see Jesus praying to the Father to let this cup pass away. There is an internal struggle to look to find another way to save us. He doesn’t want to go through with the gruesome horrific death that He knows he’s about to experience. Even more, He knows that all of our sins – all of the world’s sins – are about to be cast on Him. That’s the worst part I’m sure. In Jesus' mind, He could handle the natural part of death but going to separation from God the Father and taking on the world’s sin is something difficult. But Jesus is obedient, submissive, up to the task, and full of love for us, all the people of the world. Those of us who accept Him and those of us who won’t. He died for all of us. He loves everyone one of us. That in itself is mind-blowing and inspirational.

“Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Matthew 26:42 HCSB

He wants God the Father’s will to be done. He knows what’s coming.

After being arrested in the dark of night under false accusations instigated by the religious leaders, he is speaking with the Governor who had the power to let Him go.

“Now Jesus stood before the governor. “Are You the King of the Jews? ” the governor asked Him. Jesus answered, “You have said it.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn’t answer.”

Matthew 27:11-12 HCSB

He remains silent and makes no defense. Again, accepting His Father’s will and looking to be killed in our place. He’s the Lamb of God, taking on our death and our sin.

“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Matthew 27:46 HCSB

Upon His death, God forsakes Him. Once all the sins are upon Jesus, God has to be separated from Jesus. Because of that, when we choose to believe, we can be reconciled to God. Jesus is separated so we can be reconciled!

In Matthew, the next thing Jesus says to His followers after His resurrection is, “Good Morning.”. I like that! And “Don’t be afraid.” That phrase is something God says to us often in His word, DON’T BE AFRAID.

“Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning! ” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

Matthew 28:9-10 HCSB

Jesus was murdered through a judicial system with false accusations but He did it all for you and for me. He could have easily gotten out of it by arguing His innocence naturally. He could have easily gotten out of it by calling on legions of angels to help him.

“Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me? ” “I’m not a Jew, am I? ” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done? ” “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.” “You are a king then? ” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”

John 18:34-37 HCSB

I love this interaction. Jesus explains the situation pretty clearly.

Again, Jesus is clear and in authority even in his moment of death…

“Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me? ” “I’m not a Jew, am I? ” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done? ” “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.” “You are a king then? ” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”

John 18:34-37 HCSB

Jesus is so awesome.

Read what he has to say. Compare your life to His. Live life like His as much as possible. A life lived loving God, serving God, and loving others and serving others.

He laid down His life for you and not only did He do that but He took on your sins so that you could be reconnected to God.

Please pray to him today. Pray a prayer like this…

“God, please help me trust You. God, I have sinned. I have done other people wrong in my life and I have also done things that were wrong to you. I want to do better but I also want your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Would you please forgive me? I believe that Jesus, your only Son, died on the cross and took on my sin so that I could live eternally with you so that I could have life and have it in abundance! Thank you, God! Thank You for Your power to raise Jesus from the dead 3 days later and for Your promise for eternal life for me. I give my life to You and I accept You as my Savior. Would You please be King of my life? I choose to believe in You!”

If you prayed that prayer and believed, you are a son of God and a friend of Jesus. Please tell others and even tell me if you want at [email protected].

I pray your life is flourishing. Read Matthew and John and keep reading God’s word. If you abide in it and in Christ, you’ll fall in love with God’s Word and will be like a tree planted near water.

Intend to Live!