What are we really like?

John 2:24-25 NLT

But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

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One of the biggest lies spread around these days is that people are essentially good.
People are evil, lustful, greedy, selfish, liers! All of them. Given the chance they'd stab you in the back.

(Read Matthew, Luke, John chapter 2)

One of the first things each of the Gospel writers establishes is the mortal danger Jesus is in, even as a baby. When we look in the mirror we have to be honest, we are part of a vicious, thoughtless race that kills just for entertainment. We glory in war. We well up with emotion and pride when we consider our military power.

Secretly we want more. We desire wealth, luxurious comfort and are willing to judge the poor, the weak, and the lonely as having brought their troubles on themselves.

We are basically selfish and full of pride. We want to be first, we want the larger portion, we want a break, we want recognition, and we want it even at the expense of others comfort.

Jesus knows the heart of every human. And he knows I've not described the grim state of the human condition with nearly enough abhorrence.

And yet Jesus can change hearts. His gracious work in the hearts of people can turn things completely around.

Although the earthly story of Jesus' life starts and ends with lies, betrayal, and murder. Jesus is more than human and as the God/man he is able to give life. He is able to change hearts. He is able to save, not because he lies and denies our nature but rather because he tells us the ugly truth about ourselves and offers to remake us completely new.

Whose view of mankind do you ascribed to?

Can you see how desperately we need a saviour?

Apart from God's rescue we're destined to destroy ourselves and everyone else in the process.