We need good news. Every direction I turn, there is negativity, division, fear, and worry. And for this reason I continue to point to Jesus. I cannot think of a more stereotypical Christian cliche than “Jesus is the answer.” Whenever I hear that phrase, my mind hopes that the question wasn’t “what is 8×4?”
But this short blog is meant to echo the heart of the reality that Jesus is the answer to the deeper longings of humanity. Our hope is not found merely in his teachings, or merely in his miraculous power, or his example of love. The hope is HIM.
Jesus declared three things that speak into our current crises with hope for anyone who would accept him as their Savior and Lord.
1. Jesus is the Way
The context of this statement was in the context of a conversation. Jesus told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them so they could go and be with him. Thomas, misunderstanding, asked “but how can we go be with you when we don’t know where you are going or how to get there?” And Jesus, making an overtly spiritual statement, declared HIMSELF to be the way, the truth, and the life.
In this context Jesus was saying that He is the way to the Father. Jesus is the road to reconciliation with the Holy Almighty Father. I find deep comfort in knowing the Way! This speaks of the hope I have in this life. Jesus isn’t a destination, but a pathway through life. He is walking with his people and all who stay with him are on the way to the Father.
2. Jesus is the Truth
We are living in the days of the proliferation of information. And with all this information come MANY lies. I don’t even know what to believe anymore about social circumstances, conspiracies, COVID-19, our governors orders, or the pervasiveness of the Illuminati.
What I do know is an anchor for my soul. Jesus Christ came in the flesh. He showed love, gentleness, power, and hope. He was crucified for my sins. And he was raised three days later to show He was acceptable to the Father.
This is not MY truth. Jesus calls this THE truth. He is a stable place when all else is shifting sands. And I only stay stable in as much as I keep my eyes fixed on him as the unmoving rock.
3. Jesus is the Life
The Apostle John tells us that “. . . this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Jesus is the life of his followers and the life after this one. He is my hope. My eternal life is wrapped up in Him. Therefore, I have abundant life filled with hope, regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus Christ, his followers have found a newness of life that even death cannot take away. His resurrection brings with it the promise that he will raise all who are his to eternal life to dwell in His Kingdom forever and ever.
I need not live in fear because Jesus IS my life. Currently . . . In the here and now . . . He. Is. My. Life.
Thinking about these three realities of Jesus gives me a boost today. It reminds me that there IS stability in this ever-shifting world of viruses, murder hornets, riots, racial injustices, and other more personal pains.
I hope that this blog encourages someone. I can think of no better news to share, than that Jesus IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE. Or as I wrote on my desk almost every day for two years in high school Spanish class, “Jesus es la calle, la verdad, y la vida!” The Spanish teacher told me as I neared graduation that he intentionally left it there all day and erased it at the end of the day expecting it to be back tomorrow. Spread the hope.