France Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus

Within the beautiful Sacre Couer basilica in Paris, France, is a rarely photographed piece of art- a stunning representation of the Risen Christ. Yes, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Normally in a Catholic church, basilica, or cathedral, the crucified Jesus is shown. The reality is He is Risen- it's not a myth, not a lie, nor is his body to be found in the ground. In fact, Jesus of Nazareth foretold of the event himself In the Book of John, chapter 2:13-25: 

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.  So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.  To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”  His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?”   But the temple he had spoken of was his body.   After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.


Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Incredible- right? Yes, even more so when you read that last line- "for he knew what was in each person".  I can handle Jesus dying on the cross for my sin and being risen from the dead to prove He is the King, the only sacrifice for my sin (and yours!), but it kills me to realize that Jesus knows what's in my heart, what I think, and knows what I do... and still loves me... and He still loves you.

Our world wants to divide sin into categories- but we have all sinned and fall short of what God requires. So the question stands- Who do YOU say Jesus is? Your relationship with Him will determine your future once you pass from this world. There's no other measurement. Is He your Savior, your Lord? Do you believe He rose from the dead after dying for your sin? Will it be Heaven or Hell? Not imaginary theme park lands, both places are real. The way of salvation and the payment for your sin has been made on your behalf, and now the choice it yours and yours alone. Who do you choose? Jesus or your own way.