Pinedale Student Ministries

Today’s passage
John 1:1-14

Experience
Do you ever wonder what makes Christianity different from other religions? Other religions like Judaism and Islam can trace their “roots” back to Abraham. Other religions claim that love is central to their beliefs, too. Religions even as far back as  pagan religions back in the time of Christ argued that their chief gods were the sons of other gods, that they had been born according to prophecy, and would save the world. To some, Christianity doesn’t look like anything new. Except when it comes to Jesus.

The entire Christian faith starts here: God became flesh and blood and came to earth. Jesus, the Word, was God. He made everything in the universe. Then He came to this earth He made, but no one noticed Him. He came to His own, but instead of welcoming Him, they killed Him. Fortunately for us, Jesus didn’t stay dead. God in flesh and blood rose again on the third day. This is Christianity 101.

Everything we take for granted about our relationship with God comes down to this truth. And what an exciting truth it is! Can you even fathom how intense it is that God decided to step foot on the ground, walk among us sinners, and then die a gruesome death… all because He passionately wanted a relationship with you? No other religion can say that its god came to earth just for a relationship. Before you pass by this too quickly, ask yourself, Why would Jesus go through all of this for me? Why would He leave heaven and come down here to die? What could He possibly gain that would make the pain worth it?