Many people did not accept Jesus as the Saviour. To this day there are still Jews, especially the Orthodox Jews, who do not recognise Jesus as the Son of God who came to earth to die for humans’ sins. 

They’re still waiting for the coming of the One who will bring salvation, as predicted in the Old Testament writings. It’s such a shame that these people missed the bus. 

It is imperative that we periodically revisit the biblical truths to ensure we stay on the right path. Sometimes the truths are so simple, but because we don’t dust them off often, we believe wrongly. 

Jesus is the Son of God. God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins thereby bearing the punishment that we merit. 

Perhaps the Jews who lived during the time of Jesus expected something completely different. Perhaps they thought Jesus was going to overthrow the earthly king and then take his place. And that’s why they missed Jesus’ coming and did not recognise Him as the long-awaited Saviour. 

We cannot believe in Jesus if we do not recognise God as the Father. Similarly, we cannot believe in God if we do not believe in Jesus as the Saviour. They are inextricably part of each other. 

22-23So who is lying here? It’s the person who denies that Jesus is the Divine Christ, that’s who. This is what makes an antichrist: denying the Father, denying the Son. No one who denies the Son has any part with the Father, but affirming the Son is an embrace of the Father as well. 

When we think of Jesus, we mostly think of Him as a man who lived on earth and performed miracles. We learned who God is through Him. We see Him as our Saviour who hung on the cross, who conquered death, and who ascended to heaven. 

That’s right, but we must never leave God out of the picture. It is God the Father who sent Jesus to earth. He remains Jesus’ Father and grants Him the authority to save the world. 

When we understand this relationship between God and Jesus, we realise how fortunate we are to be part of His family. We are part of a Godly family that cares for each of us so much, that the family is even willing to sacrifice their lives so that one day we can live forever. 

Do our lives show it? Do the people around us know that we believe in the Almighty Father who made heaven and earth? Does our way of life show that we have been delivered from death? 

Perhaps it’s time that our lives should tell the story of God and Jesus. Perhaps our lifestyle should evoke envy in those around us, prompting them to aspire to become part of God’s family. 

Let us fulfill our role as the Father’s children. Let everyone see through our way of life Jesus is our Brother and His living Spirit lives in us. 

Scripture
1 John 2:18-23 

Reflection
Do people see that God is your Father?
Do people know about your brother, Jesus?
Do others also experience that your life is guided by their Spirit? 

Prayer
Father, I believe You are the Almighty Creator. I believe Jesus is Your Son who came to earth to save me. I believe Your Spirit lives within me. May my way of life serve as a testament to this reality. Amen.