Are you giving Jesus a fair go?
Who do you think are the 5 most influential people in human history? Isaac Newton, Muhammad, Buddha or Aristotle? Whoever you picked, surely in your 5 you would include Jesus! Love him or hate him, you have to admit Jesus has made a big splash on human history. His teachings are famous. His life was exemplary. Throughout the world, even today, billions of people worship and adore Him.
Now I want you to think of another 5 people. This time think of 5 people who have claimed to be God. Not who claimed that they are one of many gods or that they have the divine spark in them. Think of 5 people that you know of who have claimed to be the eternal God, the creator of absolutely everything. Can you do that?
I think it is incredibly hard to come up with anyone. Most people who say that sort of thing about themselves are not well people, and need specialist help. Yet Jesus claimed to be God. He claimed to be the creator, sustainer and ruler over everything.
In the Bible Jesus says:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
Do you see what Jesus is saying? Jesus is claiming he existed before Abraham, even though he was born thousands of years after Abraham. And that little phrase “I AM”, that is the name God used for himself thousands of years ago (often referred to as Yahweh), when he spoke to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:13-15). Jesus is making the claim that; He is Yahweh, the God Abraham and Moses worshipped, the living God who made everything, including you and me.
Now here is the incredible thing. Jesus is the only person in all human history who is on both lists. Jesus has been hugely influential yet He also claimed to be God. How is this possible? How can someone claim something so crazy and outlandish, and yet have billions of followers in the world?
I want to be upfront. I don’t think these 2 circles prove that Jesus is who he says he is (though there is plenty of proof out there for those who want to look). What they do prove is that it is worth checking out Jesus’ claims. It is worth giving him a fair go.
So have you done that? Have you given Jesus a fair go?
At Saltbush we have many people who have done exactly that, and it completely transformed their lives. They found that Jesus was not only true, but also beautiful. They found that Jesus satisfied both their intellect and the deep cries of their heart. They found a love, power and hope better than they had ever thought possible.
Give Jesus a fair go. If you want to, we’d love to help. There are 3 easy steps you can take:
1) Ask - The first step is to talk to God. You don’t have to be religious or anything, just ask God for help. You could say something as simple as this: “God, I am still working out if you are there or not, and what you are like, please reveal yourself to me, show me who you are.” It’s that easy!
2) Seek - The second step is to start exploring. The best way you can do that is by reading one of the Gospels (eyewitness biographies about Jesus in the Bible). There are four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Any one of them is a fantastic read, though we’d recommend Mark to start with, as it is short and simple. You can read the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel here. Alternatively, we can deliver you a hardcopy of Mark’s Gospel, if you live in Broken Hill. As you read Mark’s Gospel think carefully about what Jesus is saying. You might want to write down on a notepad any questions, objections or interesting discoveries you have. Try and work out, “Who is Jesus really? Does his life, death and resurrection really change anything?”
3) Come Along - The final step is to come along to Saltbush on a Sunday. We’d love to talk to you, get to know you and help you as you think through what Jesus says. You’ll find that we are a warm and friendly church who is seeking the truth together. You can bring any questions or objections that you have, we’d love to talk about them with you.
That’s it. Those 3 easy steps could totally transform your life. The ball is now in your court. Will you give Jesus a fair go?