Scripture – ““Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’””
Acts 13:36-41 NIV
Observation – Luke is telling us about Paul being invited to encourage the people at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Paul quotes from Psalm 16:10 and claims this verse was written about Jesus, although he died on a cross, he rose from the dead and his body did not see decay. He continues to share the gospel that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed and that everyone who believes is set free from every sin. Often times when sharing the gospel with someone they will say something like, “don’t all religions basically teach the same thing or as long as you believe in something that is what counts”. They are stating that as long as you have faith in something and you don’t steal or treat people badly you are a good person. Because they haven’t read the text from each religion they believe they teach the same things and they believe it is all focused on being a nice person. What they don’t realize is the entire Bible is about Jesus, his death on the cross for us and why we need him (we aren’t nice people). When a person actually reads the scriptures and the Holy Spirit enables them to understand they all come to the same conclusion; they need to be forgiven because they have sinned against the God that gave them life.
Application – Ask people why Jesus had to die versus why he died. This question will make them think more about why God sent his son to die for humanity. What is so bad about people that requires the death of God’s son to bring us peace?
Prayer – Dear Jesus, help me and my fellow brothers and sisters to ask good questions so people think about why you died for them. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 