THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
What if Jesus were a no-show? What if the One who had been predicted, proclaimed, and prophesied of never came? What if passages pointing to the Remarkable Redeemer, like the one above, were never fulfilled?
What would this world be like?
For one thing, this planet would be a much different place socially. The humanitarian example that Jesus set and the influence of His teachings are unrivaled in human history. Jesus' followers founded the first hospitals and universities; they also promoted a standard of equality between the sexes, races, and social classes:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28 NKJV)
The world we live in would also be different spiritually. We could go really deep here, but let's just focus on one aspect of our spiritual lives-hope. Have you ever considered the importance of hope? Someone once defined hope as "oxygen for the soul," and I agree in the sense that a life devoid of hope cannot stay sustained for very long. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are central to our having hope because we now know that death does not have the final say in our lives. A greater reality-the resurrection-awaits those who have placed their trust in Him.
Despite whatever difficulties you might be dealing with today, you can still rejoice in the fact that Jesus was not a no-show. He showed up in a big way, a way that has altered the social, and, more importantly, the spiritual quality of man's existence.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV)
Discuss with your group how your life would be different if Jesus hadn’t showed Himself to you.
Dig into Isaiah 9:6. How does each name for Jesus reflect a unique aspect of His personality?
Decide with your group to make a list of all the things you have hope for because Jesus did indeed “show up” on earth.
Spend some time thanking God for the hope He’s given you in Jesus Christ.
