Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV
Illustration
Vernon Grounds tells of an incident that happened while he was in seminary. Since the school had no gymnasium, he and his friends played basketball in a nearby public school. Nearby, an elderly janitor waited patiently until the seminarians finished playing. Invariably he sat there reading his Bible. One day my friend asked him what he was reading. The man answered, ‘The book of Revelation.’ Surprised, my friend asked if he understood it. ‘Oh, yes,’ the man assured him. `I understand it.’ ‘What does it mean?’ Quietly the janitor answered, it means that Jesus is gonna win.’” Grounds concludes, “That’s the best commentary I have ever heard on that book. Jesus is going to win. Source Unknown
Over 2000 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity has yet to fully acknowledge His Lordship and a vast number of people are still rejecting the gift of salvation He offers. Strangely, more and more people are yet wondering why most Christians make such a big deal of Jesus. They cannot understand why we say Jesus is the only way to the Father. Indeed, many followers of other religions are frustrated and even angry when we proclaim the mighty name of Jesus as the highest name in heaven and on earth. What they do not understand is that Jesus is not just a name, it is a symbol of hope and the assurance of victory over the evil forces of the universe.
The name of Jesus is the only one that can save. In Jesus lies the mysteries of heaven and the manifestation of divine glory. Through Jesus, we are reassured of God’s steadfast love and the unfathomable grace the Almighty has bestowed upon humanity. The name of Jesus is a reminder that the devil and his demonic hosts are defeated, and humanity can walk in victory and not live in fear and defeat.
Jesus was not just a carpenter from Nazareth. He was the word of God who became flesh to dwell among humanity so He can redeem us from eternal damnation. Jesus was not just a rabbi/teacher who did many miracles. He wasn’t just a maverick who challenged the religious establishment in Jerusalem and gave humanity a more comprehensive understanding of God’s redeeming love for humanity. Indeed, Jesus was more than a suffering servant. Jesus was the Christ— The exalted God with the highest place in heaven and the name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9-10).
So, why Jesus? Jesus is the highway to glory and the gateway to heaven. He is the manifestation of divine truth. Because Jesus is the word of God (logos), He is also the truth of God, because God’s word is truth. (John 17:17). In Christ alone can humanity have eternal life. By His resurrection, we are reassured of our victory over death and are guaranteed eternal life in heaven.
Jesus comforts the weary, empowers the weak, delivers the oppressed, and gives sight to the blind. He is a friend to the friendless, a father to the fatherless, a shelter in a time of storm, a deliverer to those who are bound and shackled. In Jesus alone, our hope is found. He is our light, our strength, our cornerstone, and the solid ground upon which we can stand through the fiercest drought and storm. (Adrienne Camp).
Jesus is not an ideology or a religion. He is a friend who invites us into a relationship of loving union with the Triune God. He is not a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Why Jesus? The better question is, why not Jesus? The only way to understand and experience the mystery of Jesus is by giving your life to Jesus. Then you will comprehend why angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Who is Jesus to you?
How can you help a nonbeliever to have an encounter with Jesus?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for His life, death, and resurrection. Please help me to proclaim the name of Jesus until the day I die. May I never become ashamed of that name! But give me the courage to proclaim that name to anyone at any time and anywhere.
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