READ: 1 Timothy 3
THINK: In today’s anything-goes world, it should be no surprise that there’s a group called Atheists for Jesus. They claim to believe in Jesus’ moral teachings but not what He said about God.
They are not alone. Others who may not consider themselves atheists fail to see that it’s impossible to accept Jesus’ words without also accepting His divinity. Stand at the foot of the cross, and your only possible conclusion is that Jesus is divine. Listen to Him forgive those who sought to destroy Him, and you realize that only God can forgive with such grace. Overhear Him speak hope to the dying criminal at His side, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Catch His words above the wails of the mourners as He does what no human can—He commits His spirit to God the Father, in effect releasing Himself to death (Lk. 23:46; Jn. 10:17-18).
This was no mortal hanging below a sign with the mocking words that underestimated His identity (Lk. 23:38). This was God Incarnate, doing the work He alone could do—by becoming Immanuel, God with us (Mt. 1:23). Never think of Him as anyone less than God the Son. His words and work on the cross prove His divinity. They always have. The thing that has always set Christianity apart from every other faith is that it isn’t about a set of beliefs – it is about a set of historical facts. Jesus is risen. And if that’s true, it’s all true.
PRAY: Confess the times when you’ve been tempted to only obey part of what Jesus said and disregard the rest. Ask for forgiveness, and thank God for the cross today!
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