My Answer

From the writings of the

Rev. Billy Graham

Jesus’ acts prove he wasn’t an ordinary human

Q: Is there proof that Jesus, who came to earth in human form, is really God? — P.S.

A: Jesus lived a perfect life. Those who schemed to bring him to trial had to obtain false witnesses to bring charges, because he was blameless. “In Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5).

There was also evidence of His power — power that only comes from God. He had power over sickness and disease. His miracles were a witness to the fact that He is Lord of all nature. “Even the winds and the sea obey Him” (Matthew 8:27).

There was the evidence of fulfilled prophecy. Countless details of His life were foretold by the prophets, and in every instance these prophecies were fulfilled. “In the volume of the book it is written of Me — to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).

There was the evidence of His resurrection from the dead. The founders of the various non-Christian religions of the world have lived, died and been buried. But Christ is alive! His resurrection is a fact! His tomb is empty! “He is risen” (Matthew 28:6).

And to add to this pool of evidence are the millions of changed lives down through the centuries. Christ drew a rainbow of hope around the shoulders of men, women and children and gave them something to live for. If Christ had not come, this world would indeed be a hopeless world. There would be no access to God and no forgiveness of sin. Is He your Savior?

Christ alone has the power to change the human heart. Believe Him and follow Him. If you still doubt, ask Him to give you the faith to believe. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

It’s wise to acknowledge your spiritual poverty

Q: The Sermon on the Mount is an inspiration even to people who are not necessarily inclined to have faith in God. It also moves me deeply, but what exactly does the verse mean that says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit”? — S.S.

A: Many people have asked, “How can being poor in spirit be a blessing?” No one is more pathetic than the person who is in great need and is not aware of it! If we are to be poor in spirit, we must be aware of our spiritual poverty; it means being conscious of our constant dependence on God. The great 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “The first link between my soul and Christ is … not my riches but my need.” Only God can satisfy our soul’s emptiness — its deepest longings, desires, and appetites — but not everyone recognizes that truth and turns to Him.

The soul requires as much attention as the body. It demands fellowship and communion with God. It demands worship, quietness, and meditation. Unless the soul is fed and exercised daily, it becomes weak and shriveled.

Wise, then, is the person who openly confesses their lack of spiritual wealth and in humility cries out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). This passage tells about the religious man who boasted of his spirituality, contrasted by the sinner who cried out for mercy. In God’s economy, spiritual emptiness comes before filling, and spiritual poverty before riches. Happiness, Jesus said, comes from admitting that we are lacking, and then asking Him to come into our lives. God stands ready and able to show His boundless mercy. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)