Every Friday
What It Takes to Believe
By J.D. Greear
It’s possible to secretly know, or at least suspect, that Jesus is who he says he is but still come up with reasons not to believe because you don’t like the implications of it being true.
This is true for the chief priests, who, instead of responding with fear and joy to the news of Jesus’ resurrection, close their eyes to the evidence. Rather than seeking out the truth, they pay the guards at the empty tomb to lie, because they don’t want the resurrection of Jesus to be true.
What are the implications they’re so afraid of?
If Jesus rose from the dead, it means that he is Lord. He has absolute say over your life. It means that his agenda trumps your own. It means you can’t enjoy pet sins or spend your money as you want anymore. If Jesus rose from the dead, then he lays claim to all of it.
If Jesus rose from the dead, it means you have nothing really to boast about. You are, essentially, on the same footing as every other human that has ever walked the face of the earth.
That’s hard for people to believe, because deep down you want to show why you are better than others.
To believe in Jesus takes a humility that admits you had to be saved like everybody else because you were really no better and deserved hell like everybody else.
And, if Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to admit that there are things he is doing on earth that you may not understand. You have to consent to trust him, even where you don’t understand.
Are you like the chief priests? In your heart, are you convinced that Jesus is probably true—or at least you suspect that he might be—but you never really press in, because you don’t like the implications for your life if it is true?
You might be tempted to read the Easter story and think, “How pathetic do those chief priests look, covering over the resurrection!”
But your own excuses for not coming to Jesus will look equally foolish when viewed from the lens of eternity.
If the chief priests are reflected in you, don’t turn away from the evidence. If they’re reflected in someone you know, share with them today how submitting to Jesus in humility brings freedom and joy.
Reflections
What is your response when you don’t understand how God is working in your life or in the world? How does your response reflect what you believe about him?
Why is pride contrary to the gospel?