Saturday, February 6, 2021

Example or Savior

Nicodemus, came to the Lord one night and said, “We know that Thou art a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). He was looking to the Lord as a great teacher and example. But the Lord answered him to show that what he needed was not merely good teaching, but a new life. Twice He plainly stated. “Ye must be born again” (John 3:3, 7). The following account illustrates this need in a simple but powerful way:

After a service in Germantown, Pennsylvania, a stranger accosted the preacher and said, “I don’t like your preaching. I do not care for the cross. I think that instead of preaching the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.”

“Would you then be willing to follow Him if I preach Christ, the Example?” replied Dr. Stearns.

“I would. I will follow in His steps,” the stranger replied.

“Then,” said the preacher, “let us take the first step. ‘Who did no sin.’ Can you take this step?”

The stranger looked confused. “No,” he said. “I do sin, and I acknowledge it.”

“Well, then, your first need of Christ is not as an Example, but as a Savior. And this is every man’s need.”