Easter is coming

Jesus is God. You know it doesn’t get more controversial than that. It is that claim by Jesus that got him nailed to the cross. Earthly kings don’t like rivals and often murder anyone who can pose a threat.

Jesus, while yet an infant, was the cause of untold numbers of young boys being slain in their mother’s arms.

Why? Because Herod had heard a king had been born. Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt, having been warned by an angel, to protect the innocent newborn. He lived with his parents until the time was right for him to begin his mission at age 30.

His mother obviously knew of his divine nature as she requested he turn water into wine at a wedding party, which launched him into his servant ministry. His fame spread like a wildfire even as he sought to simply proclaim the love that God has for humanity and his willingness to forgive sin.

Jesus told a paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven only to receive immediate rebuke from the religious authorities, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus turned and asked them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: To say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins.”

So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately, he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. (Luke 5:15-25)

Jesus’ claims are a threat to anyone who wants to be in control of their own destiny. Even religion and religious people can become so self-righteous that they exclude Jesus.

The exclusive claims of Jesus leave no wiggle-room for compromise. Jesus is either God as he claimed or he is a fraud.

Easter proclaims the resurrection of Jesus. Christians shout Emmanuel — God with us — at Christmas. Both seasons are under attack as being offensive.

Jesus told his disciples before he went to the cross, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)

Was he delusional? Did the disciples believe him? We only know that they fled when he was arrested and that they were shocked when he arose from the grave.

They were only convinced when they encountered him first hand after the resurrection. Then they all gave their lives proclaiming Jesus as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. They believed but still the world rejects him.

I proclaim to you boldly this truth: Jesus is God and the only means by which you can gain eternal life in heaven. He is the Christ, the Messiah and he is coming back to receive his followers into the place he is preparing just for us.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Do you want to go to heaven when you die? I invite you to take the time to find out for yourself just how real he is. Read the Gospel of John. Find a place where some of his followers worship and join them.

Jesus is alive and available to anyone who calls upon his name.