ODJ: the same Jesus

June 2, 2015 

READ: Hebrews 13:1-8 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (v.8).

In C. S. Lewis’ book Prince Caspian, the Pevensie children are once again summoned from our world back to Narnia—this time to help Prince Caspian. At first, Lucy is the only one in all of Narnia who can see and hear Aslan—the great lion and creator king of Narnia. Initially she sees brief flashes, but soon young Lucy is convinced that she sees him.

When Aslan finally reveals himself to Lucy, he seems to be bigger than she remembered. He explains to her that his size hasn’t changed, but only her understanding of him.

The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He’s the same Jesus who “existed in the beginning with God” and “created the universe” (John 1:2-3; Hebrews 1:2). He’s the same Jesus who was born a human being (Philippians 2:6-7).

He’s the same Jesus who cared for the social outcasts and stood against the racism and sexism of His day (Mark 1:40-45; John 4:4-42). He’s the same Jesus who calmed stormy seas and performed many other miracles (Mark 4:35-41).

He’s the same Jesus who spent time with shady characters and hung on a cross, dying for our sins (Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:1-9). He’s the same Jesus who stunned the world when He rose from the dead (Mark 16:1-7). He’s the same Jesus who is the Lord of heaven and earth and promises to be with us until He reappears one day to restore all creation to its original goodness (Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 21:5).

Jesus will never change. But hopefully our awareness and understanding of Him has grown and changed and will continue to deepen and expand. The more it does, the more we can embody generous and humble love for the good of others and for the whole world—the same way Jesus does.

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Daniel 6:1-28

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