Faith & Insight: Who is this amazing Jesus?

Why is Jesus unique among all religious leaders? Why is He the most amazing man to ever live on the Earth? Why do billions still follow His words? Why is the world calendar patterned after His birth? The answer to all these questions is, He is God manifested in the flesh.

Matthew 1:23, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us.'"

He rose from the dead and is alive forevermore. Not only did He rise from the dead, but He made a very bold statement that He had the power to raise Himself up.

John 10:17,18, "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

Not only did He have the power to raise Himself, He has the power to raise those who believe in Him. John 11:25, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Why is it so important that Jesus rose from the dead? How can a dead savior save anyone? He is alive right now and waiting to hear our cries. He is waiting with open arms for the hopeless, the hurting, the bruised, the broken, and the lost. He died for our sins and rose for our deliverance and salvation. He will receive to Himself all those who believe and trust in Him. He is the risen Savior.

John 14:1-6, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.' Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"

We should rejoice in His Resurrection daily not just once a year.

• Leo Kruger is pastor of Valley Christian Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.