Man of the Year

John 17:1-10

     At the end of a year media nominates and chooses a "Man of the Year". Reasons attributed to picking this person may be a great act of charity, tireless research with results that benefit mankind,  efforts made to bring world peace, or an honor bestowed based on the position the man holds. The honor and praise of the masses accompany this award.

     As Jesus' time on earth nears the end, a conversation with His Father is recorded here in the seventeenth chapter of John. Jesus knows the end is at hand, and how He will die. His thoughts, though, remain on His Father and those God gave Him here on earth - believers that trust what He has told them. He wants God to receive glory; the praise and honor due Him for His attributes and mighty acts.

     One of those mighty acts was making a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. When Adam sinned, that sin changed mankind and our relationship with God forever. The system of sacrifice set up in the Old Testament reminded the people of the price that must be paid for their wrong. That came to an end when Jesus Christ, who lived on earth without ever sinning, died on the cross. His perfect sacrifice fulfilled God's will, that a way should be made for each of us to be restored to Him and to be able to live with Him forever in Heaven when our time on earth is over. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died, was buried and rose again begins our relationship with God.

     Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross was a great act of love, it benefits all mankind - restoring us to our Creator, and brings peace to the hearts of all who believe. Whoever "Man of the Year" might be, can he accomplish these things? Our honor and praise belongs to the One who can: Jesus Christ!