“Meanwhile, the leading priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death.  So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?”  The crowd shouted back, Barabbas!  Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”  Matthew 27:21-22

The question that Pilate asked Jesus at His “court hearing,” has been stirring in my mind since I read it a couple days ago during my time with the Lord.  It’s the most important question a human being must face. It doesn’t matter whether it’s our family, our friends, our neighbors, our daily contacts or whomever, for we all must face Pilate’s question “…then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Really, Jesus is the central theme to all of Scripture, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  One commentary said that Jesus “is the dominant figure in all human history and the determiner of the destiny of every human being.”

So knowing this about Jesus, it's so heartbreaking to see so many reject Him?  I was at a college campus a couple of months ago and had several opportunities to share Jesus.  Without exception, not one student wanted anything to do with Him.  There are so many different reactions to Jesus, from total rejection, to having some interest, to asking questions, and of course the most exciting….believing and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. That day it was rejection, which we know is really in God’s economy planting seeds for the next person that speaks. ☺

One of my favorite reactions to Jesus is in Luke 5:11. This is when Peter, James, and John were confronted by Jesus and the miracle of their nets being filled with fish after a night of nothing caught.  After realizing who Jesus was Luke says “…they left everything and followed Him.” They went from their boat and instead of catching fish; they spent the rest of their lives catching men to give them new life. The rest of their earthly lives were dedicated to giving the answer to that question.

The first thing I asked myself was, “what have I given up to help people know the answer is Jesus?”  My next question is what have I truly given up to follow Jesus?  I mean, am I willing to give up a few minutes of my time and go across the street and love my neighbor and share the answers that lead to true living now and eternally?  I know we talk about this a lot at wvBc, but it was most convicting to me.  We’ve been around a group of kids lately that are inspiring and their enthusiasm to talk about Jesus is catching!  I don’t know if we can ever encourage each other too much about this!! ☺!!

My final question however, is for you?  What have you given up to follow Jesus?  Are you talking about Jesus with others?  I encourage you to start praying and ask God to show you if you need to make any changes in your daily walk.  Ask Him to give you opportunities to share Jesus.  We are family at wvBc and are on the same team.  I pray for our Body daily that God will use us to change marriages, families, neighborhoods, our city and the even world for Jesus.  Will you please pray with me as you think about what Jesus wants in your life?

-Dave Magelssen

“His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.  Jesus replied to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”  And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”  Luke 5:10-11