I like Jesus. Quiet, then forceful, didactic yet understanding, determined but submissive. All things in their proper place, in just the right amount at the correct time. Many volumes have been written about his teachings, character, mission and legacy and I could never be even be remotely equal to the smallest of these efforts. BUT, I know truth when I hear it and recognize HIM for who he really is. That is not true for everyone...
John, Chapter 18
Joh 18:33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
Joh 18:34 Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?"
Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?"
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."
Joh 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Joh 18:38 Pilate *said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, "I find no guilt in Him.
Joh 18:39 "But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?"
Joh 18:40 So they cried out again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber.
Joh 18:34 Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?"
Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?"
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."
Joh 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Joh 18:38 Pilate *said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, "I find no guilt in Him.
Joh 18:39 "But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?"
Joh 18:40 So they cried out again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber.
I am quite sure that if we really put forth an effort, we could find something to argue about when it comes to Christianity. People have been arguing about everything concerning Jesus since he came into this world and will continue until he comes again. The thing is - let Jesus speak for himself; and when he speaks, listen!!! Why? Well, he is the one who sacrificed himself for sinners like me. Eternal life rests in HIM. As you read through the New Testament this year (and hopefully this is something you are doing- or will begin to do) underline his teachings and double underline those things his followers should do. Then, do them!!! Again, Why? Because HE is a KING and do you really want to argue with the KING of all KINGS?