What do we do with the millions of stories held by rational, credible people that defy all logic? Belief in miracles is seen by skeptics as something for the ancient mind - the naive and uninformed - and not for modern, scientific, rational people. But what if miracles are actually probable given the universe in which we live? What if the miracles we read about in the accounts of Jesus’ life on earth really did happen? What would those miracles mean to us in our world today? Jesus’ miracles weren’t an end unto themselves. They relayed messages about God, love, humankind, and life.
Jesus was asked to sum up all of the commandments in the Bible with the single greatest command. His response was: Love God with your whole self. So why does it seem so scandalous to live out the command to love God? Contrary to what you might think, the topic of loving God is one of the most neglected ideas in modern Christianity.
Jesus has never been more popular. Some love him, applauding him as a good teacher, a political revolutionary, or a prophetic voice speaking out against the rich and powerful. Others find him bigoted, old-fashioned, and narrow minded, even as they are forced to admit that his words and teachings are utterly unique. His presence infuses our political discussions and our dinner table debates, making him impossible to ignore.
The resurrection of Jesus after the cross stirred up different responses for those at the tomb - wonder, doubt, sadness, even jubilation. What will your response be this Easter 2021? Jesus’ existence isn’t something you can simply ignore.
The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for you and for me points us to a simple need to respond because it meets you right where you are.