Why Believe Jesus?
Before considering his claims, why should we listen to Jesus at all? What credentials did he have? Speaking to a crowd of thousands of Jews who had witnessed Jesus ministry, Peter stated among other things, "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know." Acts 2:22 He goes on to also mention Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead. These are historical facts which they could not deny. Jesus himself said, "The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me." John 10:25, and he said, "Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." John 10:37-38, as well as saying, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." John 14:11 The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John contain a record of some of his miracles. His miracles are a part of the "gospel" in that they provide convincing proof of his authenticity, being an essential part of his credentials. And even after his resurrection it says, "After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
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Before considering his claims, why should we listen to Jesus at all? What credentials did he have? Speaking to a crowd of thousands of Jews who had witnessed Jesus ministry, Peter stated among other things, "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know." Acts 2:22 He goes on to also mention Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead. These are historical facts which they could not deny. Jesus himself said, "The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me." John 10:25, and he said, "Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." John 10:37-38, as well as saying, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." John 14:11 The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John contain a record of some of his miracles. His miracles are a part of the "gospel" in that they provide convincing proof of his authenticity, being an essential part of his credentials. And even after his resurrection it says, "After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
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