I’ve been watching the series “The Chosen” and recommend it as a dramatic presentation of the ministry of JESUS. It’s not Biblically accurate, but it does bring to life many of the stories about JESUS and His followers. It reminds us that the disciples were real people, with real problems, who gave up everything to follow JESUS. Even those who were healed, delivered, and Lazarus who was raised from the dead, had to contend with the unbelievers. John the Baptist lived his life as “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord” (Isa 40:3 KJV) and died for his efforts.
As I watched the show, like when I read the Bible, I wondered why the disciples didn’t understand what JESUS was doing. It would have been better if they had asked to serve instead of to lead. Why didn’t they see He had to die for our sins? Couldn’t they see what was coming and be more supportive? How could they still sin, knowing who JESUS is?
It’s easy for me to criticize them now that I have read the end of the book and know why JESUS had to come, to suffer and to die for us. Knowing that, it isn’t easy for me to sacrifice my priorities for the sake of others and at times I would rather be in charge rather than serve. Sometimes I don’t understand what GOD is doing and what my part in it is, so I can get frustrated and discouraged. Worst of all, knowing the price JESUS paid to save me, I am still tempted by sin. How can that be?
JESUS is the answer, and always has been. He said, “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26 KJV) and “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8 KJV). These imperfect men, who didn’t understand, weren’t humble enough, complained and were discouraged, and even sinned still needed help! Me too!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!