Click here for:  John 7:40-52

 A couple of days ago was an attempt of the killing of the President of the United States. It is a serious matter. I was reading a variety of comments of those responding to Jimmy Kimbel’s joke referring to Malania Trump’s countenance as an “expectant widow”. I can’t recall ever watching his TV show, but like many comedians, he makes his living making fun of the president, but when do jokes go too far? Presidential jokes about his death are certainly out of place right after the attempt of his killing. Politics has developed into something it has never been before-an agonizing attack on our leader.

Jesus was certainly not making any jokes when He revealed His identity as the Messiah. His claims were like a bombshell on the crowd.  People start arguing and choosing sides. "He is the prophet." "No, He is the Christ" "No it is impossible for Him to be the Christ. He isn't from the right town."    

Jesus often brought controversy. He even told us in Matt. 10:34-36:" Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household."

Those who thought Jesus was the prophet thought He was to prepare the people for the true Messiah. Since John the Baptist was put to death, they wondered if this was the one who was to come. Many reasoned Jesus could not be the Messiah himself. He didn't fit the image.    

"No" said some, "He is the Messiah". He is more than a good man or a wise man he is the one sent from God". Most of the world would not follow Him.  Many believed but still did not follow Him.  That is true today, too, isn't it? Many will know the truth of Jesus, believe Him to be the Son of God, died for sins, buried, resurrected, and coming again, but never commit their life to Him and are still lost in their sins.

When it comes to who Jesus is and what does this mean in their lives, many people desire to weigh the issues and listen to others share their thoughts about their experience of accepting Jesus to be their savior and what they think of the Christ.     

There is absolutely no comparison of making fun of the president to revealing the identity of Jesus. The revelation of God coming to earth to pay the price for our eternal salvation is a serious matter for the world.

 If you were part of the crowd, what would you say? Your words about Jesus are listened to. Your actions are watched about what you believe. You are a witness to the cause of people’s eternity. Think and pray about that today.

Dale.