We’re concluding our series “Doubt”—a complex topic we all wrestle with from time to time. Today we’re looking at one of the biggest reasons people doubt God, or specifically Christianity. When you think about it, most don’t have a problem with the way Jesus lived or loved; but they struggle with what he claimed. In today’s culture, it’s acceptable to talk about God or spirituality, but when you bring up Jesus, tension rises. It’s curious, because many admire how Jesus loved sinners, showed grace, cared for the marginalized, and lived with humility.

But Jesus didn’t just live well—he also made bold, even audacious claims. When Lazarus died, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and then raised him from the dead. He claimed authority over the Sabbath and taught that allegiance to him must come before all other relationships. Jesus claimed to be one with God and said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” These exclusive claims are where many people draw the line, leading them to embrace the inclusive idea that all beliefs are equally valid and all paths lead to God—an idea that sounds progressive, but doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

A brief look at major worldviews shows clear differences. Some, like Buddhism, don’t center on a personal God, while Hinduism embraces many expressions of deity and karma. Islam teaches devotion to one personal God, with standing based largely on faithfulness and works. New Age beliefs emphasize personal spirituality and higher consciousness. While these systems may contain elements of truth or value, Christianity stands apart in teaching that a personal God loves people unconditionally and made a way for a relationship through Jesus, whose sacrifice offers grace and salvation through faith.

So rather than focusing on religion, churches, or even imperfect Christians, the invitation is simple: consider Jesus. Look at his ministry—his compassion for the broken, his miracles, and the lives he changed. Consider the resurrection—the empty tomb, the eyewitness accounts, and the willingness of his followers to suffer and die for what they believed they had seen. And consider his message: that God came in the flesh, not so we could earn our way to him, but so he could do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

The question comes down to: what do you believe? Life is finite, and eternity is at stake. Christianity teaches that we are made right with God not by works, but by placing our faith in Jesus alone. Religion says “do,” but the message of Jesus is “done”—the work has been completed through his sacrifice. Each person has a choice to make! Examine the evidence, wrestle with the claims, and decide what you will do with Jesus.

Scriptures— John 14:6 (NLT; Mark 2:16-17 (NIV); Matthew 27:54 (NLT); Acts 3:15 (NLT); 1 John 4:1-2 (ESV); John 3:16 (NRSVUE); Revelations 21:4 (CEV); Philippians 2:9-11

Verses— Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Ph 2:9-11)

Questions— Why do you think the name of Jesus often creates more tension in culture than general conversations about God or spirituality? How does Jesus’ exclusive claim in John 14:6 create a great gulf between Christianity and all other religions? How do you respond to someone who challenges the exclusive claims of Jesus and Christianity? What evidence or experiences have most influenced what you currently believe about Jesus? If Jesus’ claims are true, how should that change the way we live, love others, and think about eternity?

Prayer— Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to send Jesus. In the middle of my doubts give me the courage to acknowledge who Jesus is, to trust what he has done, and to place my faith in him alone. Continue to lead me into a closer relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.