More than a Carpenter

Among the non-Christian major religions and beliefs of the world, Jesus is highly esteemed. The difference is that to Muslims, He is a Muslim, to Buddhists, a Buddhist, and to atheists, he is a good teacher. As Christians, we know the truth of who Jesus is. Many people resemble the pair walking on the road to Emmaus, talking about Jesus but unable to see Him for who He really is. But when our eyes are opened, we see Jesus as more than a good teacher or a historical figure; we see Him as the Son of God and the savior of the world! Praise the name of our savior! Christ proved through His resurrection that He has power over sin and death. His resurrection affirms that He is the way, the truth, and the life! There is no one else that can save you except for the Son of God.

If you have struggled to embrace the fact that Jesus Christ is the eternal begotten Son, that He paid the price that you owe, and that your faith in His death and resurrection will save you, then you’re not alone. Even Jesus’ closest disciples still did not fully understand or trust in His promised salvation until the revealed power of His resurrection. The great news is that unlike the disciples during the time that the book of Luke takes place, we have instant access to God’s Holy Spirit. Pray to God to open your eyes to who He is, not in a way that is haughty or testing (“God reveal yourself to me right now or I won’t believe”), but in a way that is humble and is truly seeking (“God, if you’re real, please reveal yourself to me so that I can know you”). If you truly seek God then His Holy Spirit will reveal Himself to you. You have nothing to lose, but you have everything to gain.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. How do I view Jesus in my daily life? Do I recognize Him as more than just a historical figure or a teacher, but instead as the risen Savior with power over sin and death?

2. In what ways can I grow in my understanding of the risen Christ, allowing Him to transform my heart and mind?

What’s next?

1. Make it a point over the next week to think about how you view Jesus. Do it with an expectation that your view and thus your relationship with Him will transform your life.

2. Jesus is not just a carpenter, He is the Savior of the world, and this message is meant to be shared. Look for opportunities over the next week to tell others about the hope and transformation found in the risen Christ.

Pray this prayer

Jesus, I humbly come before you, thankful for who you are and what you have done for me. Lord, you are more than a good teacher and a wise man, you are my Savior and my King. Your resurrection is an eternal assurance that you are who you say you are. You are Christ, the Son of God, and you are alive.