The gospel challenges people to accept the teachings of Jesus and make Him both Lord and Savior of their life. The obvious question standing in the way of such a decision is "Why?" Why should one accept Jesus? What does Jesus have to offer that cannot be obtained somewhere else?
Rest. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30). Jesus offered that which the Jews could not provide for themselves. He offered rest from the harsh, man-made regulations of the religious leaders. He offered rest from ignorance and doubt. He offered rest from sin and guilt. Many people today struggle with the burden of their sins under the yoke of confusion or religious error. Jesus offers such people rest.
Truth. Jesus told Pilate that He had come into the world to "bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37). Like Pilate, many people today walk away from the source of truth (v. 38). Bookshelves are filled with the teachings of ancient philosophies and modern self-improvement experts. The religious landscape provides a smorgasbord of conflicting doctrines, practices, and interpretations of the Bible. In contrast to all of this confusion, Jesus brought truth into the world (John 1:17). He bore witness that this truth is found in God's Word (John 17:17). Truth is not some nebulous, bendable theory that each man can manipulate to his own desires. Truth is established, undeniable fact. "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). Many people rejected the truth that Jesus revealed because they loved sin and error (John 3:19-21) more than they loved the truth (2 Thess. 2:10).
Freedom. Jesus linked truth and freedom together when He said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Many people today believe they are free without Jesus. The atheist celebrates his freedom from the oppression of religion. The rebel proudly claims that he is his own man, and that he answers to no one. The denominationalist claims that grace has freed him from obeying the law of God. However, the atheist is a fool (Psalm 14:1) the rebel does not realize that he is enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:16-17; John 8:34), and the denominationalist ignores the commands of Christ and His apostles to obey the will of God (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9; 1 Pet. 1:22). Jesus offers truth which frees us from ignorance, doubt, and error. Jesus forgives our sin, which frees us from guilt. Jesus leads us to the Father, which frees us from the impossible task of finding our own way to Heaven. Many people celebrate their so-called freedom, but no one is truly free until they come to Jesus. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).
Life. Jesus claimed that He had come unto the world "that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). This abundant life that Jesus offers is not the absence of sorrows and trials, nor is it the promise of a large bank account and a house full of possessions. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Jesus paid the price for our sins and offers us eternal life. It is through Jesus that we have victory over death. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26). Not only does Jesus offer us eternal life to come, but His teachings offer us the best way to live while we are upon this earth.
Peace. Jesus told his disciples, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus offers is not like that of the world. The world's idea of peace is submitting to the views and standards of those in power. Those who refuse to conform will be pressured to change or be rejected. This is why Jesus later said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The peace Jesus offers is peace with God. Through Jesus we can receive the forgiveness of our sins and be reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:19-22). We may have troubles and tribulations from a world full of unbelievers, but we can pillow our head in peace each night knowing that we are in fellowship with God and an eternal reward awaits us in Heaven.
Conclusion: Many people rejected Jesus while He was on this earth. It should come as no surprise that many reject Him today. He was rejected because He failed to measure up to man's inaccurate expectations of the Messiah. He was also rejected because many people did not see their need for what Jesus offered. Please do not make the same soul-damning mistake. Come to Jesus on His terms and receive the blessings He has to offer you today.