Choosing Jesus - 2/11/24

Choice is a powerful sign of freedom and autonomy. When you give an upset child a choice, regardless of the outcome, they will suddenly stop protesting in favor of having the power to choose. As we get older, choice can cause pressure. Something as simple as “What do you want to eat?” can cause angst. However, just like a child, if choice is taken from us, we will rear up to gain it back. The reason we do this is because choice is closely related to freedom.

From the beginning, God gave humanity this same choice. We can choose Him or deny Him. When Adam and Eve chose sin and death, which led to separation from God, His immediate response was to institute a plan of redemption (Gen. 3:15). He sent Jesus to atone for our sins. Jesus is our final sacrifice. However, even in this, His love refuses to take freedom from His creation. The choice is ours. Over the last few weeks, we have watched as the Jewish leader’s bitterness grew into hate and murderous thoughts. It now culminates with them shouting for crucifixion and even choosing to blasphemy God to see this happen. We will watch as Pilate tries to save the life of Jesus, even though He rejected Jesus as Savior, representing what happens when we see Jesus as just a good man rather than the Son of God. Finally, we will consider our own hearts. Do we want to stand with the crowd, sit in the seat of judgment, or stand with Jesus? We all have a choice in Jesus’ death & resurrection.