The goal of Jesus was to reconcile all people to God in a right relationship. Read First Peter 3:18. Last week, we looked at the story of Zacchaeus, where Jesus gave us his purpose, “to seek and save the lost.” The lost would be anyone who is not in a loving relationship with God. God’s motivation for sending Jesus is love. By dying on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and the path has been cleared for us to come to God through Jesus. The Apostle Paul described it to the Corinthians as “God reconciling the world to himself in Christ.” All that is needed for reconciliation to be completed is our response to God. We respond by asking God to forgive us of our sin, to put our faith in Jesus and the resurrection, and to follow Jesus as our Lord. Once we are reconciled to God through Jesus, we maintain our relationship with God through prayer, worship, receiving the sacraments, and obeying all the teachings of Jesus. If you have never accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, make it happen today with this simple prayer.

Lord Jesus, forgive me of my sins. Today I put my faith in you. I believe in you and in the resurrection. Send your Holy Spirit to transform my spirit into your likeness. Amen.