When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you have told us, but because we have seen for ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 5: 40-42
Can you imagine what it would have been like living during the time that Jesus actually lived on the earth and hearing the things he was teaching as well as witnessing the miracles both he and his apostles were performing. Its hard to fathom how anyone would not believe if you could see the actual evidence of someone who had been paralyzed now walking around. Such a demonstration of supernatural power and incredible teaching. Many did not believe, but many did.
Deity in the form of a man entered our world and lived among us for thirty three short years. He grew up in a backwater town in Galilee called Nazareth, raised a son of the working class and probably worked as a builder with his Father for most of his adult life. When just the right time came, he was called by his True Father to carry out the work that he was sent here to do. He began to teach about who we really are and that our true Father loved us intently and wanted to reconcile all humanity, first his chosen people, then the rest of the world to have peace with God once and for all. That through just believing in Him, we could be saved from our unrelenting sin nature. The man who knew no sin could be our eternal savior and would intercede on our behalf personally to the Father when we continually messed up.
What an amazing time that must have been to live. Yes, many did not believe even though Jesus performed miracles so amazing, that no one could seriously argue that he was some kind of magician. We are still celebrating this most glorious season because many DID believe and through all kinds of terror, persecution and torture continued to share the incredible good news of forgiveness of sin and peace with God through this man who lived for a very short time, then died the most horrific death imaginable for you and for me.
Thank you God for the the most precious gift of your only son Jesus. It is because of Him that we will live for all eternity with you Lord as you intended it to be from the beginning. Praise be to God! Amen
