|
The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
each tell the thrilling story of the life of Jesus Christ for all men everywhere.
Just who was this man who captivated so much attention as He walked the
shores of Galilee, Healing the sick, preaching in the villages, and teaching
about a kingdom that was to come? How fortunate that we know Jesus was
"God manifested in the flesh." 1 Timothy 3:16 How wonderful to know the
real reason for the remarkable power to do miracles. In the Gospels
you can read to find out how Jesus called His disciples and how they left
all to follow Him. You can also realize that Jesus expects us to be led
by His Spirit and follow His examples and teachings.
As you read, you will understand the real reason Jesus
came to earth, which was to call sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)
God expects us to share in His ministry by loving others and helping them
to find reality in serving Jesus Christ. We can help others understand
that the One true God can and will help them as they help others. This
is a sharing Ministry. There is no room for Selfishness. Do you understand
the nature of Jesus Christ? How did he do the healing and miracles
that He did? Because God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto
Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19) When Jesus was questioning His followers,
asking, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man am? They answered in many
ways, such as, "Some say you are John the Baptist; some, Elijah and
others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." But Jesus was much more
specific. He said, "But whom do you say that I am Simon Peter answered
and said, "thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew
16:16) Jesus answered and said,
"Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood
hath not revealed it unto thee, buy my Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew
16:17) Then Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. From that
time, He told His disciples of the things that were to happen to
Him in the near future. Peter was later to use the keys of Authority given
him on that day by Jesus Christ as he preached on the Day of Pentecost
and established the Church of the living God.
Who was Jesus Christ? What did Isaiah say about
Him? Isaiah did not know God's real name, but he prophesied and said,
"His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting
father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah also pointed out that His name
would be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
He who knew no sin found it necessary to share our grief and sorrow, so
that He might pay the debt we owed for our sins. Only then, through a sinless
sacrifice, could we be brought back into perfect fellowship and harmony
with God. All mortals had their sin debt "paid in full" once and for all
by Jesus' death on the cross. This great and tragic event marked the end
of an era in history. No more must we offer sacrifices once a year for
our sins. Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice, and He did it willing. |
|