Oh my gosh! This reading just nails what Christianity is. These chapters give you Jesus in a nutshell. I think I should read it once a month to remind me of Him from the beginning through his teaching that set the Pharisees (Jewish leaders) off, and caused them to conclude that he must be killed.
When I read this, Christianity is so simple. Do you believe Jesus is who he says he is in these chapters? If you answer yes, you are a Christian. If you answer no you are not. If you want miracles, there are miracles, if you want brilliant teaching there is brilliant teaching, if you want simplicity there is simplicity.
Several weeks ago, my niece made a simple decision. She decided that she believed that Jesus is who he said he was, and that she wanted to follow him. She is 16 years old, had done her own exploration and decided! It was a simple service where she answered two simple questions walked into the water and was baptized. For me this was one of the most moving spiritual moments of my life. Our Church of The Chimes community erupted in celebration when she came out of the water and she dissolved into Pastor Lee’s arms. It is as if she were born again. If you have ever witnessed a birth it is indescribable. This too was indescribable!
Oh how I wish more people saw the decision to follow Jesus as simple. A simple decision with implications for today and eternity.
God bless you as you read and learn about Him.