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I consider everything a loss
because of the surpassing worth
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:8
Who
is Jesus?
He is the Christ. The King who God himself had promised to send, who would put everything right by setting up a kingdom of justice and love. Jesus is also the Son of God. God himself, entering the world as a human being. Jesus proved who he was by what he did. He healed people. He calmed storms. He raised the dead. By doing these things, the King was giving a glimpse of life in his kingdom. A perfect place, with no suffering, fear or death. It's the world we all want.
(Thank you to the Lumo Project for these images)
did Jesus
come?
Why
To be rejected. Many people rejected Jesus. They thought they’d be happier making their own rules and living outside his kingdom. This rejection of the King is something we all do. Jesus called it sin. It damages our lives and will eventually leave us separated from the joy of being in the kingdom. God won’t let those who reject the King live with him. So we face what Jesus called hell. An existence without anything good, forever.
To be killed. People rejected the King so violently that they killed him by nailing him to a cross. But his death wasn’t a mistake by God – it was a masterstroke. On the cross, Jesus was cut off from God’s friendship and goodness. He chose to experience hell – so that we don’t have to. The sinless King died to take the punishment sin deserves. Jesus was opening the way into his kingdom.
To rise again. Three days after his execution, his tomb was found to be empty. Over the next few weeks many ate with Jesus. Dozens spoke with him. Hundreds saw him. Jesus the King could not be contained by death. He had risen!
What
does it mean
for us?
So, today, right now, Jesus is inviting people to come into his kingdom. He tells us to repent and believe the good news. Repent means to turn around, to live with Jesus in charge instea of ourselves. Believe means to trust that Jesus has done everything we need to give us a place in his kingdom. Living with Jesus as King isn't easy. His followers will be rejected, just as he was. But they also live a life of deep security, satisfaction, and joy, knowing God and his forgiveness, being helped by his Spirit, and looking forward to the King's return, when he will finally establish his loving kingdom forever. Jesus offers all this to anyone and everyone who repents and believes. Jesus freely offers all this to anyone and everyone who repents and believes.
(Thank you to Christianity Explored Ministries for this content)
What
next?
If you want to find out more the best place to start would be to read Mark's Gospel. It's 16 chapters long and most people take around an hour to read it; though of course you can read it in chunks. We also run a course called Christianity Explored. It's relaxed. It gives people the time and space to think about who Jesus is and why he really matters. Anybody is welcome to come along; nobody is asked to read aloud, sing or pray. It's also an opportunity to ask any questions you want in a safe setting. Please contact us if you'd like some more information about the next course.
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