Why You Can Believe Jesus Is Who He Says He Is

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Answer Is Easter

Why You Can Believe Jesus Is Who He Says He Is By Rick Warren — Mar 24, 2016 “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified, and He will be resurrected on the third day” (Matthew 20:18-19 HCSB). Jesus made many outrageous claims while on Earth. You’re probably familiar with most of them: “I am God.” “You need to worship me.” “I am God come from Heaven in human form.” “I am the only way to Heaven.” Jesus didn’t just say these things just once. He said them multiple times. But his claims weren’t anything new. In fact, they still aren’t unique 2,000 years later. Lots of people claim to be God. What’s the difference between Jesus’ claim and everyone else’s? Jesus said he would prove his claims by rising from the dead. And that’s exactly what he did. Jesus didn’t make this prediction once. He made it over and over again. Everyone would have known about these predictions. At first, his predictions were vague. He’d use metaphors that you’d have to know what you were looking for to pick up. But as his death got closer, Jesus’ predictions became more specific — and crystal clear. Jesus said, “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified, and He will be resurrected on the third day” (Matthew 20:18-19 HCSB). Did Jesus keep his word? Absolutely! That’s why today two-thirds of the world celebrates Easter. It’s why your birthday is dated according to the Resurrection of Jesus. The only reason people doubt the divinity of Jesus is because they don’t want to believe it. Jesus offered plenty of proof he is who he says he is. And because he is who he says he is, Jesus split history into two, and billions of lives throughout the ages, including mine, have been changed. I hope yours was, too. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Why do you think the Resurrection is such a convincing proof that Jesus was God? Why do some people still choose not to accept the truth about Jesus despite his Resurrection? Your friends and family members may be more open to discussing the Resurrection of Jesus as Easter nears than at any other time during the year. Who can you share that story with this week? Our Gift: Choose Joy Devotional Book The secret to being happy no matter what is looking at every experience and circumstance you face from God’s viewpoint. When you go through difficult times joy becomes a choice you make minute by minute. Written by Pastor Rick’s wife, Kay Warren, this Devotional book is the perfect tool to help you stay focused on God’s word and see things from His perspective. LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren The Answer Is Easter teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: The Answer Is Easter Message 2: ​​​​​​​Easter in 3D PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe