Jesus knows what you did

There is a horror movie of some years ago titled, “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”

The premise is that a group of teenagers decides to hide the death of a man at their hands until their secret is subjected to revenge from the dead man’s family member. Their evil is revealed, and they are summarily punished.

Maybe a bit graphic, but it’s a popular culture theme that many people “of this world” can relate to. People have sinned, they know it was bad, they hide it, and they’re worried about how they will be punished for their evil.

You can pick your similar version of this them from a variety of stories of sin and punishment in the bible. The difference is that the Scripture offers something even Hollywood cannot conjure up – forgiveness without paying for your sins.

As people struggle with their regret of sin, they are looking for something to save them.

You have access to someone who knows each of these people.

“I know who you are” is a more fitting description and insight into someone’s past actions. The reason is that Jesus knows us all and knows every sinful thing we’ve ever done.

The difference is that the revelation of our sin leads us not to punishment via revenge. Repentance before God leads to salvation through Christ – never paying for those sins.

Now, disciple, you can share with people worried about their sinful lives being exposed and show who they will be in Christ after accepting Him as their Savior.

Romans 3:24 (KJV) – “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1 (KJV) – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

The riches of Christ’s grace can take away any sin.

Now, disciple, let them know who they are in Jesus.

3 Questions for now

Everyone you run into is wrestling with sin.

They know what they did in the past.

They worry about it.

They need resolution and a way to escape the guilt and impending punishment for what they’ve done.

Here are questions that could help you start a conversation:

• What does forgiveness mean to you? How do you practice it?

• What do you think about the idea of unconditional love?

• What do you know about Jesus Christ and His life?

You know what they’ve done, because you’ve been there.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Jesus offers Easter salvation every day

“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin’ down the bunny trail…”

Early morning rising, candy in a basket stuffed with fake green grass.

And the hope of hunting for many-colored eggs in the yard.

Pretty common memories for most kids in our world here in the States.

And none of it has anything to do with the real meaning of Easter.

All those sins that people are harboring and hiding in their hearts, that’s what Easter is about.

Jesus came to this earth for us to fulfill the glory of God through His creation.

We are God’s creation that is so unique and special to Him that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us.

He lived, He died, He rose again.

He knows us … our hearts, our minds, our past … and He offers us a future that only He can give.

He gives freely through His grace … an offer of complete forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation for all those who repent of their sins, call upon His name and believe that He will save them.

All the sins of every person – past, present, future – He took it all upon Himself.

He … died … for … us.

This time of year, people are leaning into the fantasy of treats and a happy bunny and they long for something more, a hope to change their lives for the better.

Jesus is waiting for them. Share some kindness, love and a bit of conversation that leads them down a trail toward our Savior.

Changing those annual memories from fantasy to the reality of a risen Savior each Easter morning – and every morning forever – is worth more than anything a whimsical child’s fairy tale can ever offer.

Be of good cheer to deliver the message of Jesus to all you know and love, this day and every day.

Hop to it, disciple.