Mad, Bad, or God?
Notes
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The Importance of Story
The Importance of Story
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Faith Filled (insert faith survey photo)
Faith Filled (insert faith survey photo)
John 14:6
John 14:6
Recent studies show that the majority of the world believes in God or a higher power of some kind. This doesn’t mean all the same god, people describe God in very different ways: personal deity, transcendent divine, higher power, or universal spirit. Despite the differences though, overall people believe in something or someone that is above us. All that to say, when someone says that they are god, it is a big deal! And Jesus—the Jewish teacher who lived in the first century CE—did just that.
universal deity. Of course, people describe God in very different ways: personal deity, transcendent divine, higher power, or universal spirit. Nonetheless, we believe something or
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
someone is above humanity and the universe as we know it. So when a particular person
According to recent studies, the majority of the world’s population believes in God or a
According to recent studies, the majority of the world’s population believes in God or a
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
universal deity. Of course, people describe God in very different ways: personal deity, transcendent divine, higher power, or universal spirit. Nonetheless, we believe something or
universal deity. Of course, people describe God in very different ways: personal deity, transcendent divine, higher power, or universal spirit. Nonetheless, we believe something or
professes to be God, it’s a big deal. And Jesus—the Jewish teacher who lived in the first century
someone is above humanity and the universe as we know it. So when a particular person
someone is above humanity and the universe as we know it. So when a particular person
CE—did just that.
professes to be God, it’s a big deal. And Jesus—the Jewish teacher who lived in the first century
professes to be God, it’s a big deal. And Jesus—the Jewish teacher who lived in the first century
Is Jesus God? Billions of people believe so. And his life has certainly altered the course of human history. Let’s explore the possibility.
For starters, it’s hard to imagine any human being actually embodying God. What would that
CE—did just that.
CE—did just that.
There are more than enough reasons to believe that Jesus was not and is not truly God.
There are more than enough reasons to believe that Jesus was not and is not truly God.
look like? How does God become a person? Does this God-person go back and forth between
For starters, it’s hard to imagine any human being actually embodying God. What would that
For starters, it’s hard to imagine any human being actually embodying God. What would that
spirit and human? Can this God-person get sick and die as a human? That wouldn’t be very God-
look like? How does God become a person? Does this God-person go back and forth between
look like? How does God become a person? Does this God-person go back and forth between
like.
Besides, doesn’t Christianity believe in only one true God? Then how could Jesus be God? Does this have something to do with the Trinity? And why would God become a person in the first place? These are all mind-blowing questions. But let’s suppose for a minute that God can become a human. He is God, after all. If he can create the universe, he can certainly enter into it. If he did become a human, how would he act? What would he do? What would he say? And are the things Jesus did and said the kinds of things we would expect from God? Is Jesus God? Billions of people believe so. And his life has certainly altered the course of human history. Let’s explore the possibility.
spirit and human? Can this God-person get sick and die as a human? That wouldn’t be very God-
spirit and human? Can this God-person get sick and die as a human? That wouldn’t be very God-
God? Does this have something to do with the Trinity? And why would God become a person in
like.
like.
Historical Evidence For The Existence of Jesus
Historical Evidence For The Existence of Jesus
To start off, if you wish to examine the life of Jesus, you are also examining the Bible. The big question is, what historical evidence is there for Jesus? To be honest, there are multiple sources, from different time periods, and from different belief systems. What I mean is that the sources that prove the historical Jesus range from a number of years, but more importantly they were written in the shortest time period in comparison to other ancient writings. Not only that, but there are parts of the Bible that show the historicity of Jesus, but also other ancient writers. With that, of course the New Testament is written by followers of Jesus, therefore many people would assume it is biased. Despite this there are Roman, Jewish and philosophical sources that all speak about the historical Jesus!
Besides, doesn’t Christianity believe in only one true God? Then how could Jesus be
Besides, doesn’t Christianity believe in only one true God? Then how could Jesus be
the first place?
These are all mind-blowing questions. But let’s suppose for a minute that God can
God? Does this have something to do with the Trinity? And why would God become a person in
God? Does this have something to do with the Trinity? And why would God become a person in
There are more mentions of Jesus in ancient literature than Tiberius Cesar who ruled the Roman empire during Jesus' time. One of the most important extra-biblical witnesses to the Jesus of history comes from a man named Josephus, a Jewish historian. He was not a Christian, and in fact was very pro-Jewish. Despite this he wrote about how Jesus made converts of Jews and Greeks. How Pilate condemned Jesus to the cross in consultation with leading Jewish authorities, how Jesus' disciples remained faithful to him after his death and the people known as Christians had taken their name from him.
Not only this, but the sheer number of biblical manuscripts that we have from a shorter time period than those of other ancient writings is insane. We don't doubt whether or not Cesar was real, or the historicity of Plato, so why do so many doubt whether Jesus was real?
the first place?
the first place?
become a human. He is God, after all. If he can create the universe, he can certainly enter into
These are all mind-blowing questions. But let’s suppose for a minute that God can
These are all mind-blowing questions. But let’s suppose for a minute that God can
I believe that this all comes down to our avoidance. One of the most difficult things to do is to decide what you are going to do with Jesus. You can't avoid Him, you can try but you won't succeed. You have to make a decision to who He is. Many people try to sell it off that He didn't exist so that they can get out easy, but history shows us that this isn't true. The next scapegoat tactic is to say that He is simply a good teacher and nothing more. People do this because they are trying to avoid His statements where He says in :
it. If he did become a human, how would he act? What would he do? What would he say? And
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
The problem is that this isn't an option. Many people suggest Jesus was simply a great moral teacher, and indeed Jesus’ character, teachings, and good deeds support this. But no great moral teacher (e.g., Buddha, Muhammad, or Gandhi) has ever professed to be God. He was either mad, bad, or God. He can't be another option. Right after Jesus said what I just read in a group of Jewish people picked up rocks to stone Jesus to death, and this was not the only instance. Despite this Jesus would not let up, He made these claims. So was He just a good moral teacher? As I stated before it simply isn’t an option.
become a human. He is God, after all. If he can create the universe, he can certainly enter into
become a human. He is God, after all. If he can create the universe, he can certainly enter into
Author C.S Lewis summarizes it this way:
are the things Jesus did and said the kinds of things we would expect from God? Is Jesus God? Billions of people believe so.
And his life has certainly altered the course of human history. Let’s explore the possibility.
it. If he did become a human, how would he act? What would he do? What would he say? And
it. If he did become a human, how would he act? What would he do? What would he say? And
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: "I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us."
are the things Jesus did and said the kinds of things we would expect from God? Is Jesus God? Billions of people believe so. And his life has certainly altered the course of human history. Let’s explore the possibility.
are the things Jesus did and said the kinds of things we would expect from God? Is Jesus God? Billions of people believe so. And his life has certainly altered the course of human history. Let’s explore the possibility.
So what do you think? Lunatic, demon, or God?
2. Historical evidence for the existence of Jesus and picking a side (2 pages) 5:00
2. Historical evidence for the existence of Jesus and picking a side (2 pages) 5:00
Jesus’ Character, Claims and Miracles
Jesus’ Character, Claims and Miracles
The first thing to take into account is character. What was Jesus like? Two characteristics leap from the pages of the recorded accounts of his life: self-discipline and compassion.
To start off, if you wish to examine the life of Jesus, you are also examining the Bible. The big question is, what historical evidence is there for Jesus? To be honest, there are multiple sources, from different time periods, and from different belief systems. What I mean is that the sources that prove the historical Jesus range from a number of years, but more importantly they were written in the shortest time period in comparison to other ancient writings. Not only that, but there are parts of the Bible that show the historicity of Jesus, but also other ancient writers. With that, of course the New Testament is written by followers of Jesus, therefore many people would assume it is biased. Despite this there are Roman, Jewish and philosophical sources that all speak about the historical Jesus!
To start off, if you wish to examine the life of Jesus, you are also examining the Bible. The big question is, what historical evidence is there for Jesus? To be honest, there are multiple sources, from different time periods, and from different belief systems. What I mean is that the sources that prove the historical Jesus range from a number of years, but more importantly they were written in the shortest time period in comparison to other ancient writings. Not only that, but there are parts of the Bible that show the historicity of Jesus, but also other ancient writers. With that, of course the New Testament is written by followers of Jesus, therefore many people would assume it is biased. Despite this there are Roman, Jewish and philosophical sources that all speak about the historical Jesus!
There are more mentions of Jesus in ancient literature than Tiberius Cesar who ruled the Roman empire during Jesus' time. One of the most important extra-biblical witnesses to the Jesus of history comes from a man named Josephus, a Jewish historian. He was not a Christian, and in fact was very pro-Jewish. Despite this he wrote about how Jesus made converts of Jews and Greeks. How Pilate condemned Jesus to the cross in consultation with leading Jewish authorities, how Jesus' disciples remained faithful to him after his death and the people known as Christians had taken their name from him.
There are more mentions of Jesus in ancient literature than Tiberius Cesar who ruled the Roman empire during Jesus' time. One of the most important extra-biblical witnesses to the Jesus of history comes from a man named Josephus, a Jewish historian. He was not a Christian, and in fact was very pro-Jewish. Despite this he wrote about how Jesus made converts of Jews and Greeks. How Pilate condemned Jesus to the cross in consultation with leading Jewish authorities, how Jesus' disciples remained faithful to him after his death and the people known as Christians had taken their name from him.
Jesus demonstrated tremendous self-discipline in order to accomplish his task, taking pains not to be distracted by this world. He shunned crowds to spend time alone in prayer, refused to be crowned king by enthusiastic but misguided followers, and stood silent before his scheming accusers. His compassion was exemplified in his gracious attitude toward outcasts; his association with Samaritans, Gentiles, and Romans—all of whom Jews despised; his embrace of the poor and ritually unclean; and his forgiveness of those who executed him. But while these are admirable qualities, they don’t prove anything yet.
The Bible records Jesus performing many amazing miracles, which are described as “signs through which he revealed his glory." Jesus healed people physically and psychologically, turned water into wine, calmed raging storms, multiplied food, walked on water, and even resuscitated people after they had died. But his greatest miracle was his own resurrection.
Not only this, but the sheer number of biblical manuscripts that we have from a shorter time period than those of other ancient writings is insane. We don't doubt whether or not Cesar was real, or the historicity of Plato, so why do so many doubt whether Jesus was real? (INSERT PHOTO)
Not only this, but the sheer number of biblical manuscripts that we have from a shorter time period than those of other ancient writings is insane. We don't doubt whether or not Cesar was real, or the historicity of Plato, so why do so many doubt whether Jesus was real? (INSERT PHOTO)
I believe that this all comes down to our avoidance. One of the most difficult things to do is to decide what you are going to do with Jesus. You can't avoid Him, you can try but you won't succeed. You have to make a decision to who He is. Many people try to sell it off that He didn't exist so that they can get out easy, but history shows us that this isn't true. The next scapegoat tactic is to say that He is simply a good teacher and nothing more. People do this because they are trying to avoid His statements where He says "I am the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father except through me." The problem is that this isn't an option. Many people suggest Jesus was simply a great moral teacher, and indeed Jesus’ character, teachings, and good deeds support this. But no great moral teacher (e.g., Buddha, Muhammad, or Gandhi) has ever professed to be God. He was either mad, bad, or God. He can't be another option.
I believe that this all comes down to our avoidance. One of the most difficult things to do is to decide what you are going to do with Jesus. You can't avoid Him, you can try but you won't succeed. You have to make a decision to who He is. Many people try to sell it off that He didn't exist so that they can get out easy, but history shows us that this isn't true. The next scapegoat tactic is to say that He is simply a good teacher and nothing more. People do this because they are trying to avoid His statements where He says "I am the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father except through me." The problem is that this isn't an option. Many people suggest Jesus was simply a great moral teacher, and indeed Jesus’ character, teachings, and good deeds support this. But no great moral teacher (e.g., Buddha, Muhammad, or Gandhi) has ever professed to be God. He was either mad, bad, or God. He can't be another option.
Jesus’ followers claimed they literally saw Jesus back from the dead. It’s always possible that they were hallucinating or that it was all a hoax. But then we’re still left wondering why Jesus’ tomb was empty. What happened to Jesus’ body, and why was it never found?
Author C.S Lewis summarizes it this way:
Author C.S Lewis summarizes it this way:
If Jesus’ death and resurrection was a plot contrived by his disciples, why do the four resurrection accounts in the Bible have apparent inconsistencies? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John would have made sure to get their stories straight. And why do they reveal women as the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection? In the ancient world, women were not considered credible witnesses. No one making up this story would have missed that detail.
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: "I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us."
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: "I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us."
Of course, no one can prove that the resurrection or any of Jesus’ miracles truly happened, but the evidence is compelling and worth considering.
So what do you think? Lunatic, demon, or God?
So what do you think? Lunatic, demon, or God?
Most provocative, though, is the fact that Jesus actually claimed to be God. For instance, Jesus used the following titles to describe himself: Son of God, Messiah, Lord, and Son of Man—all designations with divine implications in Jewish culture.
He also made explicit statements about his divinity. In fact, Jesus could hardly have been more direct: “I and the Father are one,” he said. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
3. Jesus’ claims, character and miracles. (2 pages) 5:00
3. Jesus’ claims, character and miracles. (2 pages) 5:00
The first thing to take into account is character. What was Jesus like? Two characteristics leap from the pages of the recorded accounts of his life: self-discipline and compassion.
The first thing to take into account is character. What was Jesus like? Two characteristics leap from the pages of the recorded accounts of his life: self-discipline and compassion.
Consider a few other radical actions. Jesus accepted worship, prayer, and faith from his followers. Jesus forgave sins committed against God—an ability traditionally reserved only for God. While Old Testament prophets grounded their authority in God—“Thus says the Lord”—Jesus often grounded his authority in himself: “Truly I tell you.” And Jesus claimed that a person’s response to Jesus himself determined one’s eternal destiny.
Jesus demonstrated tremendous self-discipline in order to accomplish his task, taking pains not to be distracted by this world. He shunned crowds to spend time alone in prayer, refused to be crowned king by enthusiastic but misguided followers, and stood silent before his scheming accusers. His compassion was exemplified in his gracious attitude toward outcasts; his association with Samaritans, Gentiles, and Romans—all of whom Jews despised; his embrace of the poor and ritually unclean; and his forgiveness of those who executed him. But while these are admirable qualities, they don’t prove anything yet.
Jesus demonstrated tremendous self-discipline in order to accomplish his task, taking pains not to be distracted by this world. He shunned crowds to spend time alone in prayer, refused to be crowned king by enthusiastic but misguided followers, and stood silent before his scheming accusers. His compassion was exemplified in his gracious attitude toward outcasts; his association with Samaritans, Gentiles, and Romans—all of whom Jews despised; his embrace of the poor and ritually unclean; and his forgiveness of those who executed him. But while these are admirable qualities, they don’t prove anything yet.
No wonder Jesus caused such an uproar—big enough that you and I are still talking about him almost two thousand years later.
The Bible records Jesus performing many amazing miracles, which are described as “signs through which he revealed his glory." Jesus healed people physically and psychologically, turned water into wine, calmed raging storms, multiplied food, walked on water, and even resuscitated people after they had died. But his greatest miracle was his own resurrection.
The Bible records Jesus performing many amazing miracles, which are described as “signs through which he revealed his glory." Jesus healed people physically and psychologically, turned water into wine, calmed raging storms, multiplied food, walked on water, and even resuscitated people after they had died. But his greatest miracle was his own resurrection.
So What Does All This Mean To Me?
So What Does All This Mean To Me?
Jesus’ followers claimed they literally saw Jesus back from the dead. It’s always possible that they were hallucinating or that it was all a hoax. But then we’re still left wondering why Jesus’ tomb was empty. What happened to Jesus’ body, and why was it never found?
Jesus’ followers claimed they literally saw Jesus back from the dead. It’s always possible that they were hallucinating or that it was all a hoax. But then we’re still left wondering why Jesus’ tomb was empty. What happened to Jesus’ body, and why was it never found?
In order to understand Jesus we have to understand God's intentions. Why did God create us? tells us; "It is not good for the man to be alone." You read the story of the garden of Eden and you see that God desires connection with humanity. If you continue to read the story in you see God's disappointment. says “What is this you have done?” This is God speaking to Adam and Eve. Earlier it tells us about how God was walking through the garden and was going to spend time with Adam and Eve. So what's Jesus got to do with me? It's about finding who we are. Adam and Eve lost their way because they were deceived. They believed the lie in that says "you will be like God," and because of that they lost who they were. They lost the original plan, just as we still do the same thing. We believe lies about ourselves, that we aren't good enough, that we are broken, that we can't be forgiven. It doesn't take much to look around and see that the world is broken. Jesus is not about religion, Jesus is about helping God restore His plan. Our brokenness, and the brokenness that Genesis talks about is about humanity trying to take over God's plan, and Jesus is about God coming back and restoring that plan.
So what is it about, and what does it mean to follow Jesus?
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
You have to be born again, but what does that really mean? It means to not live by your agenda, but by God’s. It means to see your wrongs, to confess them and to accept that you are loved by Jesus and the things that He has done and continues to do for you.
Jesus tells a parable that accurately shows us all this.
If Jesus’ death and resurrection was a plot contrived by his disciples, why do the four resurrection accounts in the Bible have apparent inconsistencies? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John would have made sure to get their stories straight. And why do they reveal women as the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection? In the ancient world, women were not considered credible witnesses. No one making up this story would have missed that detail.
If Jesus’ death and resurrection was a plot contrived by his disciples, why do the four resurrection accounts in the Bible have apparent inconsistencies? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John would have made sure to get their stories straight. And why do they reveal women as the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection? In the ancient world, women were not considered credible witnesses. No one making up this story would have missed that detail.
In Jesus tells a parable about treasure in a field.
Of course, no one can prove that the resurrection or any of Jesus’ miracles truly happened, but the evidence is compelling and worth considering.
Of course, no one can prove that the resurrection or any of Jesus’ miracles truly happened, but the evidence is compelling and worth considering.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Most provocative, though, is the fact that Jesus actually claimed to be God. For instance, Jesus used the following titles to describe himself: Son of God, Messiah, Lord, and Son of Man—all designations with divine implications in Jewish culture.
Most provocative, though, is the fact that Jesus actually claimed to be God. For instance, Jesus used the following titles to describe himself: Son of God, Messiah, Lord, and Son of Man—all designations with divine implications in Jewish culture.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
He also made explicit statements about his divinity. In fact, Jesus could hardly have been more direct: “I and the Father are one,” he said. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
He also made explicit statements about his divinity. In fact, Jesus could hardly have been more direct: “I and the Father are one,” he said. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Consider a few other radical actions. Jesus accepted worship, prayer, and faith from his followers. Jesus forgave sins committed against God—an ability traditionally reserved only for God. While Old Testament prophets grounded their authority in God—“Thus says the Lord”—Jesus often grounded his authority in himself: “Truly I tell you.” And Jesus claimed that a person’s response to Jesus himself determined one’s eternal destiny.
Consider a few other radical actions. Jesus accepted worship, prayer, and faith from his followers. Jesus forgave sins committed against God—an ability traditionally reserved only for God. While Old Testament prophets grounded their authority in God—“Thus says the Lord”—Jesus often grounded his authority in himself: “Truly I tell you.” And Jesus claimed that a person’s response to Jesus himself determined one’s eternal destiny.
You are that pearl, and the field is our world. God is the man that found it, and He found worth in you because He made you. He knows what you are capable of, even if you don't. Allow yourself to accept the plan of God rather than your own. God sold everything for you, that Jesus gave His own life. This was not a task He wanted to do, shows us this:
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
No wonder Jesus caused such an uproar—big enough that you and I are still talking about him almost two thousand years later.
No wonder Jesus caused such an uproar—big enough that you and I are still talking about him almost two thousand years later.
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Application
Application
In order to understand Jesus we have to understand God's intentions. Why did God create us? Genesis 2:18 tells us; "It is not good for the man to be alone." You read the story of the garden of Eden and you see that God desires connection with humanity. If you continue to read the story in Genesis 3 you see God's disappointment. Genesis 3:13 says “What is this you have done?” This is God speaking to Adam and Eve. Earlier it tells us about how God was walking through the garden and was going to spend time with Adam and Eve. So what's Jesus got to do with me? It's about finding who we are. Adam and Eve lost their way because they were deceived. They believed the lie in Genesis 3:5 that says "you will be like God," and because of that they lost who they were. They lost the original plan, just as we still do the same thing. We believe lies about ourselves, that we aren't good enough, that we are broken, that we can't be forgiven. It doesn't take much to look around and see that the world is broken. Jesus is not about religion, Jesus is about helping God restore His plan. Our brokenness, and the brokenness that Genesis talks about is about humanity trying to take over God's plan, and Jesus is about God coming back and restoring that plan.
In order to understand Jesus we have to understand God's intentions. Why did God create us? Genesis 2:18 tells us; "It is not good for the man to be alone." You read the story of the garden of Eden and you see that God desires connection with humanity. If you continue to read the story in Genesis 3 you see God's disappointment. Genesis 3:13 says “What is this you have done?” This is God speaking to Adam and Eve. Earlier it tells us about how God was walking through the garden and was going to spend time with Adam and Eve. So what's Jesus got to do with me? It's about finding who we are. Adam and Eve lost their way because they were deceived. They believed the lie in Genesis 3:5 that says "you will be like God," and because of that they lost who they were. They lost the original plan, just as we still do the same thing. We believe lies about ourselves, that we aren't good enough, that we are broken, that we can't be forgiven. It doesn't take much to look around and see that the world is broken. Jesus is not about religion, Jesus is about helping God restore His plan. Our brokenness, and the brokenness that Genesis talks about is about humanity trying to take over God's plan, and Jesus is about God coming back and restoring that plan.
Jesus went to the cross because it was the only way, not because He wanted to. He went because He was true to His word. As the video showed earlier, Christians can be hypocrites, but Jesus cannot. He taught in that:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Jesus tells a parable that accurately shows us all this.
Jesus tells a parable that accurately shows us all this.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
In Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus tells a parable about treasure in a field.
In Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus tells a parable about treasure in a field.
There is overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus, His life, ministry, and death. The difficult part is who He was. It is not my job nor yours to convince others into the Kingdom. What I want us all to walk away with is the knowledge and confidence that we can have honest and accurate dialogues with others around Jesus. We must not force others to believe, the Holy Spirit was draw them. We must only present the evidence; and in my opinion the evidence is outstanding.
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
I have tried my best to answer the question what's Jesus got to do with me? But how would you answer it? No one can answer it for you. I have heard it said that the most physical, emotion, spiritual thing that a person can do is choose, everything begins with a choice. And to choose faith, to choose to believe beyond yourself is a choice that only you can make. I believe that you are loved just as you by a God that didn't even flinch when it came to restoring a relationship with you. I believe God chose you. What will you choose?
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
You are that pearl, and the field is our world. God is the man that found it, and He found worth in you because He made you. He knows what you are capable of, even if you don't. Allow yourself to accept the plan of God rather than your own. God sold everything for you, that Jesus gave His own life. This was not a task He wanted to do, Matthew 26 shows us this:
You are that pearl, and the field is our world. God is the man that found it, and He found worth in you because He made you. He knows what you are capable of, even if you don't. Allow yourself to accept the plan of God rather than your own. God sold everything for you, that Jesus gave His own life. This was not a task He wanted to do, Matthew 26 shows us this:
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Jesus went to the cross because it was the only way, not because He wanted to. He went because He was true to His word. As the video showed earlier, Christians can be hypocrites, but Jesus cannot. He taught in John 3:16-17 that:
Jesus went to the cross because it was the only way, not because He wanted to. He went because He was true to His word. As the video showed earlier, Christians can be hypocrites, but Jesus cannot. He taught in John 3:16-17 that:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
There is overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus, His life, ministry, and death. The difficult part is who He was. It is not my job nor yours to convince others into the Kingdom. What I want us all to walk away with is the knowledge and confidence that we can have honest and accurate dialogues with others around Jesus. We must not force others to believe, the Holy Spirit was draw them. We must only present the evidence; and in my opinion the evidence is outstanding.
There is overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus, His life, ministry, and death. The difficult part is who He was. It is not my job nor yours to convince others into the Kingdom. What I want us all to walk away with is the knowledge and confidence that we can have honest and accurate dialogues with others around Jesus. We must not force others to believe, the Holy Spirit was draw them. We must only present the evidence; and in my opinion the evidence is outstanding.
I have tried my best to answer the question what's Jesus got to do with me? But how would you answer it? No one can answer it for you. I have heard it said that the most physical, emotion, spiritual thing that a person can do is choose, everything begins with a choice. And to choose faith, to choose to believe beyond yourself is a choice that only you can make. I believe that you are loved just as you by a God that didn't even flinch when it came to restoring a relationship with you. I believe God chose you. What will you choose?
I have tried my best to answer the question what's Jesus got to do with me? But how would you answer it? No one can answer it for you. I have heard it said that the most physical, emotion, spiritual thing that a person can do is choose, everything begins with a choice. And to choose faith, to choose to believe beyond yourself is a choice that only you can make. I believe that you are loved just as you by a God that didn't even flinch when it came to restoring a relationship with you. I believe God chose you. What will you choose?