It Is Written,1 John 4:17, as He is in heaven, so are we in this world.
It Is Written in Mark 16:15 – 18, and Jesus said to them " go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
The other day, I was sitting in my chair and studying the picture of Jesus that is supposed to be the closest to what He really looked like. In this picture that is hanging in our living room, the way Jesus face was posed, He is looking right at me.
As I was staring at Him, I asked Him in my heart, why people have such strong emotions concerning Him. A few thoughts crossed my mind, that I felt I had to share. Form your own opinion, and it may help the way you think.
I believe that Jesus had an overpowering presence. When He showed up, the atmosphere changed, causing people to realize that He was special. In order for Him to attract followers, there had to be something about Him that touched the soul of people. I believe the Holy Spirit helped people recognize who He really was.
Right now, you are probably wondering, if all of this is true, how could anyone hate Him as much as some of them.? And of course there were those who were undecided.
We have to take a look at the people of the time. Unlike a Hollywood movie, where even a beggar quoted the Old Testament, we have to realize that copies of Scripture were not available to everyone. Even if they were, hardly anyone would be able to read them.
What most people knew, is what the Pharisees taught them. Most of what they taught, was to their own benefit. The Pharisees quoted Moses law to the people. The people didn't know any better, so they believed. Moses probably wouldn't recognize half of what the Pharisees were teaching in his name.
The Pharisees had money, influence, position, and benefits beyond measure. They were in fear of losing what they had, so that increased their jealousy of Jesus whom they considered a threat to their lifestyle. The people were also ruled by fear, but their fear was of disobeying the Pharisees. They basically did what they were told.
What it all comes down to is this. Who can tell what really caused all of the hate. All any of us can do is speculate, but what I have mentioned, would probably be a part of it. Of course there are other reasons besides that, in today's modern world. But that is for another day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me. Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You
Amen
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