No, it doesn’t make sense—but then evil seldom does. After all, sin and evil never result in anything good, so why do them? When we do evil, we end up not only hurting others but also hurting ourselves—and yet we keep on doing it.

Why did some turn their backs on Jesus and refuse to believe in Him, in spite of His goodness? One reason was probably jealousy; they resented all the attention and praise He was receiving. Others were afraid they would lose their positions of leadership if Jesus became more popular, fearing the people might make Him a king (although He had no desire to become a political leader). Still others refused to believe what He was teaching because they weren’t open to anything new.

Ultimately, however, the real reason was the stubbornness of the human heart. Down inside, we each want to run our own lives, and it’s hard for us to admit we need God. Even when we know the truth, we often refuse to accept it. The Bible bluntly says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

People come up with all kinds of reasons to reject Christ; they did then, and they do today. Be sure you aren’t like them! Instead, by a simple act of faith open your heart to Christ and commit your life to Him. The Bible’s promise is true: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).