In a world of pluralism one often wonders if there is just ONE right way or MANY right ways. Or maybe there is neither right nor wrong, it just depends on how you see it.
In the Gospels Jesus makes an exclusive claim that
I am the way the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
This claim seems to suggest that no one else can give salvation or even forgiveness of sins. What then distinguishes Jesus from Buddha, Muhammad or other prominent religious leaders? In the book of Isaiah the prophet predicts that
A child is born a son is given….. Isaiah 9:6a
On closer scrutiny one would observe that the child is born BUT the son is given. The son ‘.. is given..’ because he eternally existed prior to his incarnation. Some time later Jesus mentions to his listeners “Before Abraham was, I am” This is what distinguishes Jesus from all other religious leaders or prophets, his eternal perspective.
Jesus is also different in the way his influence is exerted. His focus is to touch the heart then change the heart. He is in the business of changing people from within. He offers a personal relationship and his Holy Spirit as opposed to a set of rules and regulations. His emphasis is NOT on making better people but on making people better.
It was John Maxwell who wrote, in the book Developing the leaders around you, that ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Jesus cares about you today. That’s the difference in Jesus! His internal imperative.
Its up to you now to respond to his love. Today if you hear his voice harden not your heart. Enjoy the week. Many blessings.
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