Dear Explorer,
Read John 5:31-40
Here we have an explanation of why Jesus can be trusted when He claims to be the Messiah. He lays it out clearly.
What is the first reason Jesus can be trusted? (John 5:33-35)
Because of the testimony of John the Baptizer.
What is the second reason He can be trusted? (John 5:36)
Because of all the proof He's given by His miracles and healings.
What is the third reason He can be trusted? (John 5:37)
God spoke audibly at Jesus' baptism. I believe Jesus is saying that God has spoken – but the Pharisees didn't listen or hear it because their minds were closed. But it doesn't change the fact that God has spoken, and we'll see other instances of God speaking audibly to groups of people about Jesus.
What is the fourth reason Jesus can be trusted? (John 5:39-40)
The Jewish Scriptures are the same as our Old Testament and gives us over 300 prophecies that predict some aspect of Jesus' life. Jesus says that the Pharisees were searching the Scripture to support their own religion – not to see truth! But the truth is there – over and over and over God predicted Jesus' arrival.
Read Mark 3:6
And
Read John 5:41-47
Jesus says that we readily accept people who claim to be great. But we reject the One who really is. And if we reject Him, we lose all hope of eternal life, the forgiveness of our sins, and a right relationship with God.
These are divisive words – fighting words for many religious people, in that day and in ours. Many people are comfortable believing in “a Supreme Being” but refuse to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. The religious leaders of that day became so angry that they determined to kill Him. Why? Because only one of three statements can be true. (I give credit to C.S. Lewis for stating these 3 possibilities).
Either Jesus IS who He said He was
Or
He was a liar
Or
He was a lunatic (insane).
There's really only these 3. It is ludicrous to say He was a great teacher or prophet. What great teacher or prophet would lie? (God's Law says such a prophet is not from God and should be stoned to death). No, He was not a prophet or a great teacher! He was either the Son of God or He was not. If He was not, then we need to recognize that everything He said was either lies or the ravings of a mad man. And anyone who tells you He was just a great teacher, or a prophet sent from God, needs their heads examined!
Accept Him as truth, or reject Him as liar or lunatic, but don't fool yourself into believing there's anything in between.
If you are unsure, I encourage you to be honest with yourself and with God and ask God to help you figure out exactly who Jesus was and is. This Bible Study is a great way to begin your search. Let me know if you have questions.
In His service, dale
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