What Is Jesus To You?

If you were asked the question, what is Jesus to you? What would be your response? In the first century people had different thoughts about Jesus. Some simply viewed him as the carpenter (Mark 6:3). Others viewed him as a deceiver (Matthew 27:63). Others viewed him as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:63). The disciples view him as master (teacher) (Luke 9:49). Jesus was also viewed as a sinner John 9:24.

A Christian views Jesus in an entirely different light. A person’s view of Jesus will affect the way he responds to him. We see this self-evident truth on a regular basis. If you hold a person in disdain, how do you react to him? Sometimes in unkindness or harshness, we may try to avoid him, and in some cases we might even wish ill will upon them. On the other hand, if we like someone we are friendly, hospitable, kind and wish well to them.

What does Jesus really mean to you as a Christian? If actions are any indication to some he does not mean very much! To others the actions indicate that he means everything to them. Into which class do you and I fall?

To a faithful Christian, Jesus is the power and wisdom of God. “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).

To the Christian Jesus is the perfect and one-time sacrifice of love for sin, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus did not have to continually offer himself as the imperfect sacrifices of the Old Testament. Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God that would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29) was once offered for sin.

To the Christian Jesus is the only savior. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

To the Christian Jesus is the only access to the father. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).

To the Christian Jesus is the perfect example to follow. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22). “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6).

To the Christian Jesus is our High Priest that intercedes in our behalf. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24).

What does Jesus really mean to you? Is he a casual acquaintance or an intimate friend? To the faithful Christian Jesus should be everything. We sing the song that says “He is My Everything, He is my all.” Do we really mean it? Do we really understand the lyrics of the song? May the Lord bless and keep you in his service.

Bill Cantrell