The Question:
"Who is Jesus?", the senior pastor of our church asked during our membership interview. At the time, I didn't think much about the question, and answered rather hastily. In the weeks that followed, however, I realized this singular question may be the most important question in the universe. Even Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?". This is a question of eternal significance. Was Jesus merely a good teacher? A good moral example? Or is he something else? Consider for a moment what Jesus has done for you in light of the gospel.
You are more wicked and sinful than you ever thought, but more loved and delighted in Jesus that you ever dreamed. We are so sinful that it took nothing less than the Son of God to descend from heaven, taking on the nature of a man, living the life we should've lived, and dying the death we deserved to die. But we are so loved that he wanted to come. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, taking upon himself our penalty, and bringing us near to God. The gospel humbles us to the core when we see the depths of our sin. It also tells us we are accepted, embraced, and loved.
We are wicked, miserable creatures in desperate need of a savior. God is holy, but we are not. Without the grace of God in Jesus, you and I would spend eternity in the lake of fire, cast away from the presence of God. God would be completely just in casting us off, in turning us over to ourselves, and giving us the due consequence for our sin. The smallest sin you've ever committed is an act of cosmic treason against an infinitely holy God. We are wicked not only in our disobedience, but our obedience. We've sinned not only by running away from God, but by staying close to him and thinking we can be our own savior. This, too, warrants eternal condemnation.
Yet God delights in us through his Son. By the work of Jesus, you and I are reconciled to God the Father. And not only restored, but brought into the family of God and called "child". Jesus condescended not only to the angels, but to his people. And not only to those in authority, but destitute creatures like you and I. He came and lived among us and died for us. By his death on the cross, he separated our sins from us as far as the east is from the west and buried them in the depths of the sea. And by his perfect life, God credited to us the righteousness of Christ. How wonderful is his grace!
This Easter, I entreat you to consider the magnitude of Jesus' work on your behalf. By rising from the dead, he conquered death for us and brought us nigh to God. I beg you to lay aside any notion that you can somehow earn God's favor by your works. Jesus alone performed the work. You should not walk, but run to Christ! For he is a strong foundation, an inexhaustible treasure. He alone is sufficient to answer the necessities of your soul. Cast yourself upon him, for he cares for you.
Mike Burns
Michael Burns is a theologian, inventor and lay leader. Michael holds degrees from Oklahoma State University, and the University of Colorado. He is also a former finance manager for the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife Stefanie live in Houston Texas with their three children.