Jack Countryman - The Red Letter Words of Jesus

A s far back as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the words Jesus spoke. His conversations with His disciples, His answers to the Pharisees often trick questions, what He said when He performed His miracles, the penetrating, compelling statements in His teachingseven today all these words Jesus spoke continue to draw men and women to Him. The Gospels are filled with Jesus words, parables, and sermons. In a message consistent in all four Gospels, Jesus shows us the way to be saved, calls us to follow Him, and invites us to know rest and peace in His presence.

Louis Klopsch (18521910) is credited with the idea of printing Jesus words in red. The editor of the Christian Herald magazine, Klopsch came up with the idea of printing some of the biblical text with red ink while he was reading Jesus words, This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22:20). Klopsch decided to print all of Jesus words in red, the color of His blood. The first red-letter New Testament was printed in 1899, and the first red-letter Bible was printed in 1901 (Origin of Red-Letter Bibles, Crossway. March 23, 2006. https://www.crossway.org/blog/2006/03/red-letter-origin/).

In this book, The Red Letter Words of Jesus, I have chosen more than one hundred passages that reveal Jesus divine nature, His servanthood, and His love for all humankind. Jesus is the Giver of life, and in Him we can rest and be secure. Knowing Jesus through His words gives significance to our years on this earth and a peace that passes all understanding.

B efore Jesus began His earthly ministry, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness where He would be tempted by the devil. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, Satan challenged Him to turn the desert rocks into bread, to meet His needs in His own time and His own way, without considering Gods timing or ways. But when Jesus faced the temptation to create bread for Himselfand just as in the two subsequent wilderness temptationsJesus responded to Satans words with the powerful words of God. Each time Jesus began with It is written, and each time Jesus quoted Gods truth and silenced the enemy. Jesus knew that God would provide the needed food at the right time.

Christians must know what Gods Word says. They also must be willing to trust His timing. When you choose to build your life on His Word, you canas Jesus didstand strong against any temptation you find yourself facing. You can also trust Him to provide for you according to His perfect will. Follow Jesus example and confront every temptation with It is written. You will find strength in Gods true Word and the faith to trust in His timing.

D uring Jesus time in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world... if Jesus would fall down and worship him. Turning to Gods Word and allowing it to guide His choice, Jesus said, It is written. Jesus spoke aloud Gods commandYou shall worship the L ORD your Godthereby ending His conversation with Satan. Jesus had overcome all of Satans temptations by quoting the Scriptures.

Consider the items you are tempted to worship. The list of items that come to mind may seem full of clichs, but try not to dismiss them. Each one has the ability to attract your worship. What does the world invite you to worship? The world encourages you to set up an altar toamong other thingsself, family, money, possessions, and status. When one of those temptations beckons you, try to follow Jesus example. Choose to say aloud and boldly, It is written, You shall worship the L ORD your God, and Him only you shall serve. Trust that the temptation will abate just as it did in Jesus case.

A fter His temptations with Satan ended, Jesus began His earthly ministry. While Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He came upon two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. He did not beg them to follow Him or make great promises about what the future with Him held. Jesus simply said, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. The two brothers immediately dropped what they were doing and began to follow Jesus.

Today Jesus calls you to follow Him, to drop your old way of life and live as He models and teaches you to live. When you choose to follow Him, the relationship you forge with Jesus will give your life meaning and purpose.

God gives everyone certain talents and gifts that He wants him or her to use for His glory. He also uses Christians when they willingly surrender their lives to Him. When you do this day in and day out, you will experience a richness and joy as you live with His Spirit alive in your heart. What greater blessing could you ever ask for? The Lord calls you today. Will you follow Him?