The Greatest Event in History: Considering Jesus

As we reflect on the significance of Easter, we're reminded of an extraordinary claim: that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in the history of the world. This bold statement invites us to pause and consider the implications of such a momentous occurrence.

In a world of diverse beliefs and spiritual pluralism, where tolerance is highly valued, the exclusive claims of Jesus can seem controversial. While many are comfortable discussing spirituality or a higher power in general terms, the name of Jesus often elicits strong reactions. Why is this? Perhaps it's because Jesus didn't just offer wisdom or moral teachings – He claimed to be the only way to God.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

This declaration challenges the notion that all religions are essentially the same or that all paths lead to God. While we can acknowledge positive aspects in various belief systems, it's crucial to recognize their fundamental differences. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, New Age philosophies, and Christianity present distinct worldviews and paths to spiritual fulfillment. The invitation today is not to consider a specific church, denomination, or even Christians in general – it's to consider Jesus Himself.

Let's examine three aspects of Jesus' life that make Him worthy of our consideration:

1. The Ministry of Jesus

Jesus came for those whom religion rejected. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, shocking the religious leaders of His day. His response? "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)
This radical approach to ministry extended beyond words. Jesus performed miracles that astounded witnesses – opening blind eyes, healing the deaf and mute, multiplying food to feed thousands, casting out demons, and even raising the dead. These weren't mere legends; even His critics couldn't deny the reality of these miraculous acts.
The impact of Jesus' ministry continues today. Countless lives have been transformed by encounters with Him – addicts finding freedom, the hateful learning to love, the hopeless discovering new purpose. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

2. The Resurrection of Jesus

The cornerstone of Christian faith is the resurrection. Jesus, born of a virgin and living a sinless life, willingly went to the cross to bear the sins of humanity. His sacrificial death was marked by unparalleled love and forgiveness, even towards those who crucified Him.
But the story doesn't end there. Three days later, just as He predicted, Jesus rose from the dead. The empty tomb became the catalyst for a movement that would change the world. Even those who had denied knowing Jesus, like Peter, became bold proclaimers of the resurrection. As recorded in Acts 3:15, "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this."
The disciples' unwavering conviction in the face of persecution and martyrdom speaks volumes. These were not men perpetuating a lie, but individuals transformed by an encounter with the risen Christ. Their testimonies, along with hundreds of other eyewitnesses, form a compelling case for the historical reality of the resurrection.

3. The Eternal Message of Jesus

At the heart of Jesus' message is a profound truth: we are made right with God not through our own efforts, but by placing our faith in Christ. Romans 3:22-23 affirms, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
This message of grace stands in stark contrast to religious systems based on human performance. It's not about what we do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus. John 3:16 encapsulates this beautiful truth: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The love of God demonstrated through Jesus is not a contractual love based on our performance, but a covenantal love that remains steadfast regardless of our actions. This unconditional love has the power to transform lives and offer hope to even the most broken among us.

A poignant story illustrates this transformative love: A young man searches frantically for a lost goat on his father's farm. When he finally finds the animal trapped and struggling, he carefully frees it and carries it back to safety, nursing it back to health. This tender care mirrors the Father's heart toward us – seeking us out when we're lost, freeing us from the traps that bind us, and restoring us to wholeness.

As we contemplate these truths about Jesus – His ministry, His resurrection, and His eternal message – we're invited to respond. The Bible says that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). This simple act of faith opens the door to a transformative relationship with the living God.

In a world full of challenges and uncertainties, the message of Jesus offers hope, purpose, and unconditional love. It's an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived – in harmony with our Creator and empowered to make a positive difference in the world around us.

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, reconsidering your spiritual journey, or seeking to deepen your existing relationship with God, the call is the same: Consider Jesus. Look at His life, His claims, His impact on history and individual lives. You may find, as countless others have throughout history, that He is indeed the way, the truth, and the life – the greatest event in history, with the power to transform your own story.