The Jesus Factor
The Jesus Factor
Text: Luke 22:24, John 18:28-30
Those of us who believe Jesus is a factor in our lives usually attend church and watch Christian programming. But what kind of factor is He? Is He only a contributing factor, or is Jesus our life? A malefactor is someone who is evil, a felon who tries to injure people. A benefactor is one who offers someone a benefit, or gives a gift. As Jesus hung on the cross He allowed the accusation of a malefactor to stand so He could become the Benefactor for all. Hanging with two malefactors, Jesus executed His Father’s will. One of the malefactors who hung beside Jesus realized he was a sinner who needed forgiveness. Jesus forgave him and told him that he would be with Him in Paradise. If Jesus hadn’t been in the position, hanging with the malefactor, He couldn’t have given him what He gave. Jesus hung on the cross to give us all an opportunity to see Paradise. We are now beneficiaries of the Benefactor. He daily loads us with benefits and positions us where He wants us. Holding a position with God is so much more important than holding possessions. We experience our seasons of suffering for a reason. The position we are in sometimes seems like the wilderness, but these times form us into who God wants us to be. As beneficiaries we should give thanks to the Benefactor in all things. There are things that people can never do for us that God can do. He offers peace, healing, and the fruit of the Spirit. It is God’s will that none perish. He desires for everyone who sees the Son to have everlasting life.
Those of us who believe Jesus is a factor in our lives usually attend church and watch Christian programming. But what kind of factor is He? Is He only a contributing factor, or is Jesus our life? A malefactor is someone who is evil, a felon who tries to injure people. A benefactor is one who offers someone a benefit, or gives a gift. As Jesus hung on the cross He allowed the accusation of a malefactor to stand so He could become the Benefactor for all. Hanging with two malefactors, Jesus executed His Father’s will. One of the malefactors who hung beside Jesus realized he was a sinner who needed forgiveness. Jesus forgave him and told him that he would be with Him in Paradise. If Jesus hadn’t been in the position, hanging with the malefactor, He couldn’t have given him what He gave. Jesus hung on the cross to give us all an opportunity to see Paradise. We are now beneficiaries of the Benefactor. He daily loads us with benefits and positions us where He wants us. Holding a position with God is so much more important than holding possessions. We experience our seasons of suffering for a reason. The position we are in sometimes seems like the wilderness, but these times form us into who God wants us to be. As beneficiaries we should give thanks to the Benefactor in all things. There are things that people can never do for us that God can do. He offers peace, healing, and the fruit of the Spirit. It is God’s will that none perish. He desires for everyone who sees the Son to have everlasting life.
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