What Makes Christianity Different From All Other Religions?

I sat there amazed. My cup of steaming lime, acai, cinnamon tea wafting a lovely scent while I stared at my Bible.

The amazing thing was that I was staring at a genealogy.

Granted, I am one of those nerds who loves to watch “Who Do You Think You Are”, even when I don’t know who the actor is. I love little, historical details that make a huge difference in someone’s life.

And the details of Jesus’ genealogy are far from ordinary.

Seriously – check this out!

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob – the ultimate dysfunctional family!

Judah, who slept with his daughter-in-law thinking she was a prostitute. Really?
Rahab, who was a prostitute.
Ruth, who wasn’t even Jewish. She was a Moabitess
David, who slept with a married woman, who then got pregnant after which David tried to cover it up by killing her husband. Wow. Just wow.
The wife of Uriah the Hitite – the woman who slept with King David.

What a genealogy!

But this is nothing strange at all when you really read the Bible.

All over the Bible we see this same pattern.

Whether its the family line of Abraham, a family filled lies, thievery and cheating or Moses who was so insecure that God had to bring his brother Aaron into the plan to save the Israelites because Moses continually claimed that he was not capable to fulfill God’s call.

How about the Israelites who were continually found to be worshiping other gods, disobedient to God and His prophets, and complained incessantly that it was better in Egypt. No wonder why God said that his wrath burned hot against them!

But it doesn’t stop with the Old Testament.

We read on about the people Jesus chose to be in his inner circle of friends.

While you would think that Almighty God would choose theologians, professors, CEOs, and people of high society to walk with Him everyday, you are surprised to discover that none of these mentioned were called….rather…

Smelly, uncouth fishermen such as Peter, Andrew, James and John
Tax-collector Matthew. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating people. They would tell them that they owed more than they did and then pocket the extra!
Nacionalistic Thaddeus and Judas – who ended up betraying Him.

The proverb says “Beware of the company you keep”, but it is apparent that Jesus didn’t live by this rule. We are amazed because we see further that He rejected the religious rulers while extending a hand to a woman of ill repute. He rebuked the spiritual leaders while eating with thieves.

Why would the King of kings mar His reputation with such people?

Because He saw something in them.

He saw brokenness. Hunger. Thirst.

While the religious people inflated their importance to God, God Himself rejected them and stretched out His hand to those who were filthy, broken, and in need of a Savior.

This picture is why Christianity differs from every other religion. While other religions require their followers to please their god with strict rules and requirements, Almighty God seeks us!

He finds us in the mud….in sin and extends His hand to us….He pulls us out of filth….cleanses us….forgives us….makes us new….and then He USES US!

What amazing grace!