Recently we observed the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight in an airplane. 100 years ago, when news of the flight began to spread, a disbelieving cynic said, “I don’t believe it. Nobody’s ever going to fly. But if they do, it won’t be anybody from Dayton, Ohio!”

We do tend to be skeptical about good news, don’t we, and particularly so when the alleged good news comes from an unlikely source. 100 years ago it was difficult enough to believe that people could fly. But surely, if such a remarkable event were to take place, it would involve some important people from New York City or from one of the other leading cities of the world; but a couple of preacher’s kids from Dayton, Ohio? No way!

Similarly, in the first century it was difficult enough to believe in God. It was…