Why You Can Believe Jesus Is Who He Says He Is
By Rick Warren
“Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified, and He will be resurrected on the third day” (Matthew 20:18-19 HCSB).
Jesus made many outrageous claims while on Earth. You’re probably familiar with most of them:
· “I am God.”
· “You need to worship me.”
· “I am God come from Heaven in human form.”
· “I am the only way to Heaven.”
Jesus didn’t just say these things just once. He said them multiple times. But his claims weren’t anything new. In fact, they still aren’t unique 2,000 years later. Lots of people claim to be God. What’s the difference between Jesus’ claim and everyone else’s?
Jesus said he would prove his claims by rising from the dead. And that’s exactly what he did.
Jesus didn’t make this prediction once. He made it over and over again. Everyone would have known about these predictions. At first, his predictions were vague. He’d use metaphors that you’d have to know what you were looking for to pick up.
But as his death got closer, Jesus’ predictions became more specific — and crystal clear. Jesus said, “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified, and He will be resurrected on the third day” (Matthew 20:18-19 HCSB).
Did Jesus keep his word? Absolutely! That’s why today two-thirds of the world celebrates Easter. It’s why your birthday is dated according to the Resurrection of Jesus.
The only reason people doubt the divinity of Jesus is because they don’t want to believe it. Jesus offered plenty of proof he is who he says he is.
And because he is who he says he is, Jesus split history into two, and billions of lives throughout the ages, including mine, have been changed.
I hope yours was, too.
Playtoday’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
- Why do you think the Resurrection is such a convincing proof that Jesus was God?
- Why do some people still choose not to accept the truth about Jesus despite his Resurrection?
- Your friends and family members may be more open to discussing the Resurrection of Jesus as Easter nears than at any other time during the year. Who can you share that story with this week?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org
The secret to being happy no matter what is looking at every experience and circumstance you face from God’s viewpoint. When you go through difficult times joy becomes a choice you make minute by minute. Written by Pastor Rick’s wife, Kay Warren, this Devotional book is the perfect tool to help you stay focused on God’s word and see things from His perspective. Each devotion begins with a much needed encouragement from Scripture, followed by Kay's wise words on how to live with joy. Each devotion ends with a short prayer to help bring you closer to the source of all joy—our loving God.
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
