Is Christmas a Hoax? A mass dilusion of spiritual deception? An elaborate scheme of manipulation? A religious fable? If so, where does that leave Christians today?
In moments of reflection, many Christians have asked this question. I have. Because times of doubt are common in the Christian faith. And a favorite tool of our adversary.
Some people suggest that if the Christmas story isn’t true, the Christian lifestyle still presents a meaningful, moral framework for life. And therefore, worth following. But the Apostle Paul rejects that idea.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:14, 19)
In other words, if the birth of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago is simply a feel good story with a moral lesson, a Santa Claus inspired holiday celebration, and a menu of new Hallmark movies, Christians should be pitied. Because we follow a lie. A worthless faith. And the hope of eternal redemption is a grave illusion.
Therefore, I am all in on Jesus Christ and celebrating the meaning of his birth. And hold on to three reminders for Christmas hope.
Is Christmas a hoax? Christmas is faith in a historical event
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (ESV, Hebrews 11:6)
The birth of Jesus Christ is a historical event. It was prophesied 700 years before it occurred and the historical facts surrounding it are undisputed. The Christian faith supplies the “why.”
It’s because humanity is relationally separated from God because of sin. And we cannot fix or save ourselves. So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to live a perfect life and die as a sacrifice for those sins. Those who believe in Jesus and confess him as savior and lord are forgiven of their sins and granted eternal life in heaven.
Still, it requires faith. Either you believe or don’t. Furthermore, Jesus shouldn’t be considered simply a good man or moral teacher. Because he claimed to be God. So if he wasn’t, he was something else. Since history factually records Jesus’ birth it can’t be dismissed as a fairy tale. But your response to those events involves faith.
Is Christmas a hoax? The Word of God is Absolute truth
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16)
God’s Word is absolute truth. A solid foundation to build your life on. And a common point of reference for everyone. Otherwise it’s your truth versus my truth and how do we ever agree on anything? Because eventually our truths will collide and then what? The truth backed by the biggest gun wins?
Without absolute truth life is a potpourri of human opinion riding a cultural tide that pulls you into a choppy sea of confusion. With nothing to hold you fast.
The absolute truth of Scripture anchors my beliefs. And provides sure footing that informs my faith. Its message is consistent and reliable for purposeful living. And while I must still exercise faith, it is not blind but based on evidence. And offers an eternal future.
Is Christmas a hoax? A Community of Faithful Followers Offers Assurance
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (ESV, Hebrews 11:1-3)
Rather than ask, “How can so many people be deceived?” I ask, “How can so many people be wrong?” And, “why would anyone suffer or die for a something that isn’t true?”
In addition, I gather weekly with a local body of fellow believers. Broken and imperfect. Yet, positive and uplifting. A community driven by love and seasoned with grace that gives and receives assurance. Furthermore, we are unified by worship. Bonded in the fellowship of God’s Spirit in mutual encouragement and support. In short, doing life together.
And Christmas brings it all together with joy and hope.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (ESV, Luke 2:11)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above, the coming crucifixion, and the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.
A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above.
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. (ESV, John 8:23-24)
In John 8:14, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about going away and again in V.21. He adds they won’t be able to find or follow him, but will die in their sin. The Greek word for “sin” in V.14 is hamartía and means to miss the mark. It describes our moral failure to meet God’s righteous standard. And Jesus uses the singular form to indicate the specific sin that prevents them from following him. Unbelief.
Why is Jesus leaving? Because of his coming death, burial and resurrection. And he gets even more specific with a bit of urgency in V.24. Unless they believe he is who he says is, they will die in their sins. Here, he uses the plural form, and It clarifies both their condition as residents of the world below and the solution Jesus offers. Sin separates them from God but belief in Jesus provides eternal life through the forgiveness of sin.
Although Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, his words apply to us as well. We receive eternal life by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. Otherwise, we die in our sins and cannot follow him to heaven.
A study of John 8:21 reveals the coming crucifixion…
So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. (ESV, John 8:28)
The Pharisees couldn’t imagine themselves not going to heaven. After all, they were experts on the Old Testament Law. Respected as the elite religious leaders among Israel. If they didn’t go to heaven would anyone? And they probably considered Jesus a lunatic. Full of crazy talk about him from the world above and them from the world below. And where could he possibly go they couldn’t? So, perhaps, with a shrug and wink at each other, they suggested maybe he planned to commit suicide. That was definitely not something they would follow.
But then, he talked even crazier about being lifted up, which made no sense at all. Because the Messiah they expected was a conquering king who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish his kingdom on earth. Although it was also something Jesus said before.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:14-15)
The saying was tied to the story in Numbers 21:8-9 when Moses lifted up a bronze serpent as the antidote to poisonous snake bites. Unfortunately, the Pharisees didn’t make that connection either. But they surely knew about Isaiah 53 that prophesied of a suffering servant. It pictured Jesus as an innocent lamb who would sacrifice his life on a cross. It was God’s plan to free mankind from sin.
A study of John 8:21 reveals the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.
And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him. (ESV, John 8:29-30)
Jesus ends by repeating that he acts according the father’s authority. He says the words the father gives him and perfectly obeys the father’s will. Therefore, the father’s presence never leaves him because he is untainted by sin. And he is always in complete agreement and oneness with the father. Something that is beyond our human experience.
This is why we need Jesus as an intercessor. He is the only one unblemished by sin and that qualifies as a pure sacrifice. As Believers who follow Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. But will still be plagued by them on this earth. However, as Paul writes, we will one day leave them behind.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
Although the Pharisees rejected Jesus, there were people in the crowd who believed in him. And the same is true today. Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins. Those who don’t will die in them. And we all make one of those choices.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals Jesus as the light of the world, witnesses of Jesus’ divinity, and the result of not knowing Jesus.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals Jesus as the light of the world.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (ESV, John 8:12)
During the Festival of the Tabernacles, Jesus teaches in the treasury area of the Jerusalem temple, located in the women’s court. Four huge lampstands positioned around the court were lit each night to symbolize the pillar of fire that guided Israel on its wilderness journey to the promised land in (Exod. 13:21–22). They manitude of light they produced was visible from far outside of the city. Within this context, Jesus makes a remarkable claim. Perhaps, sweeping his hand at the lamps for a visual, dramatic effect.
Of course, light is a term used throughout both the Old and New Testament on different topics like revelation, purity, truth, and salvation. And John already used it to identify Jesus in the first chapter of his gospel.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (ESV, John 1:4-5)
It was likewise used by Isaiah in his prophecy about the Messiah.
I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. (ESV, Isaiah 49:6)
And now, Jesus announces himself as the fulfillment of these scriptures. He is the light that leads mankind from darkness and into eternal life. A bold proclamation. One the Pharisees understood, but rejected.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals witnesses of Jesus’ divinity.
In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” (ESV, John 8:17-18)
The Pharisees challenged Jesus’ divine claim by appealing to Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires two or three witnessees to establish legal testimony. It’s sadly ironic for them to respond to a divine claim by appealing to a human law. For certainly they knew if Jesus was God, he superceded it. So they probably should have honestly admitted, “We don’t believe you are God.” Because referring to the law makes disbelief in him as God their obvious assumption.
Still, Jesus answers them saying God the Father bears witness about him. He could have spoken about when he was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:17) and God declared approval of Jesus as his son from heaven. And added the public testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:29). Furthermore, as religious scholars, they certainly knew the prophecies of Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, and Psalm 2. But Jesus didn’t point out any of this. The problem was not a lack of witnesses on his behalf. It was their unbelieving hearts.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals the result of not knowing Jesus.
They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (ESV, John 8:19)
Jesus tried to help people see the truth. To see HIM as the revelation of that truth. But many still rejected him like they do today. And in this scene, it was by the Pharisees who eagerly awaited his coming. And immediately recognized him as the Messiah. But were blind to it. And Jesus tells them the result. If you don’t know me as the Son of God, you can’t know the father either. Because we are the same God.
And there’s another result. An ultimate consequence that Jesus speaks about in his Sermon on the Mount concerning the final judgment.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (ESV, Matthew 7:22-23)
In other words, entrance into heaven is not based on our efforts at goodness. But whether or not we know Jesus Christ. It requires the confession and repentance of our sin. Entering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And a committment to follow him as disciples.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
When God’s faithful people face affliction, Psalm 44 tells us how to respond. Remember God’s past faithfulness, demonstrate covenant loyalty despite present suffering, and boldly plead for God’s intervention.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Remember God’s past faithfulness (1-8)
O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their day, in the days of old. (ESV, Psalm 44:1)
A familiar storyline runs throughout the Old Testament. It begins as God establishes a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai under the leadership of Moses. If the people of Israel obey God’s voice and keep his covenant, they will remain his treasured possession among all people. (Exodus 19:5-6)
You’d think this favored position as God’s people would motivate ongoing obedience. But the people of Israel regularly turned away from God to idol worship. And it became an on again, off again pattern of turning away and then back to God. So God punished their disobedience when they turned to idol worship. He let other nations conquer, exile, and oppress them. But restored them when they repented and turned back to him.
In this passage, the psalmist begins on a positive note by remembering God’s faithfulness. He affirms God’s blessings on Israel and gives him full credit for defeating their enemies. It was not Israel’s military might that cleared the way into the promised land, but the hand of God. And V.8, the psalmist gives thanks to God’s name forever.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Demonstrate covenant loyalty despite present suffering. (9-22)
All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you, and we have not been false to your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way. (ESV, Psalm 44:17-18)
However, in V.9, the psalmist takes a sharp turn. He points out the people of Israel are presently under hardship. Israel’s army is suffering defeat, people are scattering, and losing possesions as spoils of war. And if that’s not enough, their enemies humiliate them further by scornfully taunting them. And now the psalmist complains.
Because in spite of their hardship and suffering, the nation of Israel remains faithful to God’s covenant. And it implies a question: Why are we being punished? We upheld our end of the covenant. It’s a frequent question asked today by Christ-followers when facing difficult circumstances. Aren’t we supposed to experience God’s blessings when we faithfully follow him?
Still, the psalmist affirms Israel’s unwavering faithfulness to God.
However, Psalm 44 confronts a painful truth. God’s ultimate rewards are eternal and not temporal. For reasons beyond our understanding, even God’s faithful people suffer pain, injustice, and hardship in this life. And this was taught by the Jesus himself.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (ESV, Matthew 5:11-12)
In Romans 8:36, the Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 to teachthat sometimes our covenant union with Christ is the reason we suffer. And not because God is punishing or abandoning us.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Boldly pead for God’s intervention. (23-26)
Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! (ESV, Psalm 44:23, 26)
Jesus was perfectly obedient to God the father. But in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed and asked God the father to spare him from crucifixion. So it’s perfectly acceptable for us to ask God to deliver us from our difficult circumstances. And this is exactly what the psalmist does. In fact, you can sense the desperation in his voice as he cries for God to wake up!
Jesus not only encourages us to pray with diligence. In Luke 18:1-8, he tells the parable of a widow who kept appealing to a judge for justice against an adversary. And the judge finally relents because he realizes it’s the only way she will stop pestering him. We are encourage to pray with the same persistence. But recognize that God is sovereign and sometimes the answer is “no.”
The psalmist ends by crying out for God’s mercy and appealing to his steadfast love. And in our times of trial, we too, should remember God’s faithful past and the assurance of his steadfast love. We are never forgotten or abandoned by God. But eternally secured by his amazing grace through Jesus Christ, our savior and lord.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith shouldn’t be confusing
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or complicated religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent, caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own, and that Jesus doesn’t condemn sin, but still speaks against it.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. (ESV, John 8:3-6)
The religious leaders accused Jesus several times of violating the sabbath law. And wanted to arrest and kill him. Now, they set a trap for him. As Jesus teaches a crowd in the temple they bring to him a woman caught in adultery. And reminded him that according to Jewish law, it carried a death sentence by stoning. But what do you say, Jesus?
Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22 impose a death sentence for both parties that commit adultery. But the method of execution is not mentioned. However, death by stoning is mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:23-24. specifically in the case of a betrothed virgin committing adultery with another man. However, it also calls for both parties to receive the sentence. So the obvious question is: Where’s the man?
Of course, the religious leaders didn’t care about the man or the woman. She was a tool for their trap that presented two options. If Jesus supports the law, he loses credibility as a rabbi of compassion and grace. A friend to the downtrodden and social outcasts. Furthermore, he puts himself in opposition to Roman law because only the Romans could carry out executions. But if he lets her go by offering grace and mercy, he discredits himself by opposing the law that he teaches.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own.
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:6)
You can almost sense the glee of the religious leaders in their cleverness. Jesus was trapped in either direction. And they probably had preformed responses for either way Jesus decided.
However, rather than answer immediately, Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. Why? A pause for dramatic effect? Stall tactic as he prays for words and forms a response? And the biggest question. What did he write on the ground? It is the speculation of countless sermons and Bible scholars. And the answer? No one knows.
But Jesus’ response proves his knowledge of the Old Testament law too. It alludes to Deuteronomy 17:7 that gives a condition for execution by stoning. Witnesses of the offense were to be the first ones to throw stones. Referring to it suggests the religious leaders bringing the woman were also the witnesses who caught her in the act. Otherwise, it would complicate the stoning outcome.
But it didn’t matter. Because as the religious leaders kept pressing him for an answer Jesus looks up and flips the script by adding one more condition. As witnesses of the offense, you may throw the first stone…if you are without sin. And it presents a good rule of thumb for us today. To consider our own spiritual purity before we pile on in condemnation of another person’s sin.
The massive explosion the religious leaders eagerly anticipated diffused into dead silence. As consciences kicked in. Moral realization took hold. And everyone trickled away.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals that Jesus doesn’t condemn of sin, but still speaks against it.
Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more. (ESV, John 8:10-11)
When everyone else is gone, Jesus turns his attention to the woman. What must she be thinking? Now I’m doomed. Perhaps a glimmer of hope for grace. Or, this might be a good time to make a break for it. But Jessus simply asks her if there are any accusers remaining. “No one, Lord,” she replies.
And then, likely to her amazement, Jesus speaks the most unexpected and liberating words in her life. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Her sense of worthlessness is wiped away. Instead, she is intimately seen, valued, and covered with divine love.
Jesus the judge but not condemner
Ultimately, Jesus will judge all of mankind. But his earthly mission had a different purpose.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (ESV, John 3:17)
Although Jesus did not condemn her sin, he didn’t ignore or condone it either. But tells her to leave it behind. In other words, repent. The same instructions he gave the invalid man after healing him by the pool of Bethsesda. The religious leaders wanted to condemn. Jesus wanted to redeem. And the same is true for us today. But we must believe in Jesus. Confess our sins to him as savior and Lord. Turn towards him and away from our sins. And follow as his disciples.
This is the path for spiritual liberation.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV, Romans 8:1-2)
Furthermore, discipleship requires a careful balance. We are called to pursue righteousness while confessing our sins. And respond with grace to the sin of others, but with discernment in our obedience to God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a personal or small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit, a mixed response to the identity of Jesus, and Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ (ESV, John 7:37-38)
The week long feast of the Tabernacle included a religious ritual that brings Jesus’ words to life. During the first six days, a gold pitcher was filled with water from the Pool of Siloam and carried to the temple. Three blasts on a ram’s horn announced when they reached the water gate. And at the temple, they circled the altar singing songs of praise and shaking palm branches. Then the temple priest poured the water into a silver bowl on the alter and then over the alter. It symbolized the belief that when the Messiah appeared, he would provide manna and water like Moses did in the wilderness.
Jesus uses the same Greek words for “living water” in V.38 as in John 4:10 when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus is the source of that living water, which refers specifically to the Holy Spirit. And what makes the statment outrageous is it claims equality with God. A blasphemous statement to the religious leaders.
In V.39, John further predicts an outpouring of the Spirit on believers after Jesus is glorified. This is fulfilled and recorded in Acts 2. However, today, God’s Spirit fills every person the moment they believe on Jesus and confess him as Savior and Lord.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals a mixed response to the identity of Jesus.
When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? (ESV, John 7:40-41)
The people listening to Jesus expressed different opinions about his identity. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses foretells that God will raise up “a prophet like me from among your brothers.” Therefore, many Jews expected a prophet to appear separate from the Messiah. And perhaps, Jesus was the prophet Moses spoke about rather than Messiah.
Others were convinced he was the Christ, which is the Greek Christos, and means annointed one. They didn’t see how anyone else could be more spectacular than Jesus. Therefore, they believed he was the Messiah. But others rejected him because he came from Galilee and scriptures said the Messiah was a descendent of David who was born in Bethlehem.
The irony, of course, is Jesus fulfilled both of those prophecies. And those unbelievers would have discovered that had they explored further. So it makes you wonder. Had they already formed their unbelief and simply looked to support it rather than open mindedly pursue the truth? Would the truth convince them or simply force another excuse for unbelief?
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (ESV, John 7:45-46)
In John 7:32, the chief priests and Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus. They were likely Levites who functioned as security to enforce order within the temple. And they exercised wider authority under the command of the chief priests. But they aren’t mentioned again all the way through V.44. Did they drop into a narrative black hole? Or is John using creative storytelling? Describe an action and immediately shift to another scene to increase dramatic tension?
Because finally, in V.45, the officers report back to the chief priests and Pharisees empty handed. And when asked why, they simply respond, “No one ever spoke like this man!” In other words, there was something extraordinary about Jesus’ teaching. More than captivating. But true.
The religious leaders responded by mocking the officers. Essentially calling them stupid. How can you believe Jesus’ lies? None of us among the intellectually elite believe in him. And that is proof enough that neither should you. Unfortunately, what the religious leaders considered intellectual superiority was actually spiritual blindness.
Furthermore, it was not true that all the religious leaders rejected Jesus. Although not ready to publicly declare his beliefs, Nicodemus spoke on Jesus’ behalf by reminding the others that Jewish law did not allow judgement without a fair hearing. Although that too would soon face a test.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
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