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I’ve given my opinion far too many times when I truly didn’t understand the situation. Have you been there, too?

You spout off something, feeling like it’s justified and full of wisdom and then you finally learn the whole story. And then, you stand there, in shock, eating your words, wishing you could take them back.

You didn’t know about the abuse that was happening at home. You didn’t realize the trauma they had been through at a young age. You didn’t know her husband left her with 4 young kids at home to feed and she’s barely making it. You didn’t know they’ve been trying to have children for years but can’t conceive. You didn’t know they had been diagnosed with cancer and just received the news that there’s nothing else the doctors can do.

And why? Because most of the time we are too focused on ourselves to even notice or get involved. What if we had just taken the time to ask or get to know them a little bit? Perhaps we would have had a different perspective.

“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” (Matthew 27:35-44)

Read that again.

They didn’t know what they were saying. They mockingly put up a sign that said Jesus King of the Jews. A king of a people who despised and rejected Him, deciding to crucify Him even in His innocence. But He really was the King!

They didn’t know what they were saying. The temple Jesus had spoken of that would be destroyed and built again in 3 days wasn’t the building, it was Him. He was the one that would die. He was the one that would be buried for 3 days and then He would rise victoriously!

They didn’t even know what they were saying. If Jesus had come down from the cross, there would be no chance of salvation for man. As painful and horrendous as it was, Jesus knew, His death had to happen.

Why?

Because of sin.

Sin is a wrongful act against a holy God. It separates us from God and there is a price to pay for it – death. Eternal separation from God. Not just in the ground. There is no ‘Rest In Peace’ for those separated from God. Eternity is spent in a place called Hell where torment and pain are never ending.

Man can do nothing to save himself from this eternal destiny. No matter what fictional stories we come up with, the truth is plain. Hell is real. And anyone who dies separated from God will be there.

So, what do we do?

Jesus did it for you.

He came to this world and lived a sinless life, teaching us how to love and serve. He was crucified and poured out His blood like an innocent lamb taken to be the sacrifice for the sins of many. He died on that cross. For you! He died so that you could live.

So, what can you do? Accept His gift. He offers to you freedom from the penalty of your sins. You do not have to stay eternally separated from God. You can be redeemed!

How?

Confess your sins to the Lord, repent of them, and put your faith and trust in Jesus to save you. Surrender your life to Him. We owe it all to Jesus!

This is how you are saved.

You may have ridiculed Christians in the past. You may have mocked God. You may have been completely against Jesus. But He still offers this to you.

He said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

But now, you know. Now, you know exactly what Jesus did for you. It’s time to decide.

Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior? Pray to Him today!

Will you share the message of salvation with someone today? Lead them to Jesus!

Will you disciple someone as Jesus has instructed us? Begin today!

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