Why Do I Need Jesus?
See full series: concerning-first-principles
Why Do I Need Jesus?
Sermon by Thomas Thornhill Jr
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This year we have been studying the teachings of Jesus. However, on the 1st Sunday I am presenting some first principle lessons for a variety of reasons. Today, I would like to combine these two themes with a basic lesson I have entitled, “Why do I need Jesus?”
Whether you like it or not, Jesus is the central figure of history. Our calendars are based upon His coming to earth, and His influence upon history cannot be denied. Yet many do not know Him and/or refuse to follow Him. The result is the chaos that is plaguing mankind, and right now it is at a high peak. There is so much turmoil today and most are desperately looking for a lasting solution to the multitude of problems that are tearing us apart and bringing wickedness to the forefront. But is there a real solution to this? I firmly believe the answer will NOT be found in the philosophies of men as they tend to divide us.
But I do believe there is an answer. Jesus Christ! So today, in this lesson, I would like to give some answers as to why we need Jesus.
Because He reveals God to us –
- John 14:9, Jesus toward the conclusion of His earthly work told this to His apostles if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father (and thus God). He noted His works and teachings for consideration.
While on this earth, Jesus did not avoid discussing His divinity and gave plenty of proofs. - Because Jesus came to this earth, we have a better understanding of who God is and How much He cares about us. Hebrews 1:1-3 also declares this.
- This reason alone is cause enough to realize everyone needs Jesus.
Because we are broken sinners –
- If you were to ask people what our biggest problem is right now, you would get all sorts of different answers. Many would even express concerns about immorality of all sorts, the unrestrained violence around us, corruption in leadership, etc. But our biggest problem is sin. It is at the root of all these things and many more.
- Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all sinners and we need forgiveness and reconciliation.
- We need salvation. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus is our Savior – John 3:16, John 10:10 – I have come that you may have life…
Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” - No other spiritual leader did as He has. Philippians 2:5-10
Because He gives our lives purpose
- Naturalists tell us that we have no real purpose. We just appeared unnaturally (because the laws of nature CANNOT explain origins). Many will say that we are destroying the planet, which if we are nothing but natural beings – honestly, so what?
NOW, I do not believe we should have that attitude. Why? Because I believe in Jesus. - Within man is a craving for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that He has made everything beautiful and has put eternity in our hearts. We know there has to be something better than what this world offers.
- Jesus gives our life purpose – John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 1:11 notes that In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Notice that His purpose was to give us purpose – an inheritance beyond this life. - Is that not why we are here? We serve Him knowing there is something better awaiting us when this life is over. And it can also lead to a better quality of life while on the earth (all things being equal).
Because He is truth –
- One of the challenges in this society is defining truth. Far too many see truth as subjective, open to your interpretation. But in reality that is rationalization that leads to chaos. When everyone does what he thinks is right, you are bound do have confusion.
- The answer is found in absolute truth. Understanding that there is such a thing as truth and that it is such and does not change over time or circumstance. Truth is always truth!
- Jesus came to reveal the truth of the Father. John 14:6 He noted that He is the way, the truth and the life. He also noted He is the ONLY access to the Father.
Ephesians 4:21, as Paul was describing how not to live and the deplorable state of those who are alienated from God. But then he notes, “But you have not so learned in Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus”.
Colossians 2:3 tells us that in Him (and in God) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - 1 Timothy 2:4 – tells us that God desires that you come to truth.
In John 8:32 Jesus noted that if you abide in Him you will know the truth, “and the truth shall make you free.” - In Jesus, we can find real, and verified truth. The word of God has been scrutinized and attacked over and over. But it has withstood all things and remains as relevant today as when it was written some 2000 years ago. Jesus revealed that truth!
Because He is the best example to follow –
- Jesus is not just another philosopher. He left heaven and came to this earth (Philippians 2:5ff) to be an example for us in all things. He didn’t come to be pampered and live in luxury. He came to show the common man what true righteousness is and how to live it.
- 1 Peter 2:21-23. He gives our lives direction, even in dealing with the difficult times.
- 1 John 2:6 – he who says he abides in Him ought to walk as He walked
- If we were all to follow the example of Jesus in life, could we agree that this world would be a better place? In all honesty, I believe such to be absolutely certain.
Because He understands –
- Jesus, part of the Godhead, left heaven and came to earth to live for about 33 years. He knew what was in man and dwelt in our midst. Thus, if we consider God, our Creator (which included Jesus), we cannot say He is out of touch and cannot possibly understand what it is like to be human.
He KNOWS who we are and He demonstrated that by sending Jesus to this earth. - That is why He is described as, Our Mediator -1 Timothy 2:5, He is our advocate – 1 John 2:1-2.
Hebrews 2:17-18 – Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. - He sympathizes and intercedes for us
Hebrews 4:14-16, He can sympathize with our weaknesses being tempted in all points even as we are, yet without sin. - NOTE Hebrews 4:16, therefore we can come boldly before the throne of His grace…
1 Peter 5:7 tell us that we can cast all our cares upon Him because He does care. - What other religion has such a mediator? There is none. Through Jesus we have someone who walked the walk and talked the talk. What a comfort that is.
And thus we find some reasons why we need Jesus. This WORLD NEEDS Jesus. I realize these are Biblical answers and many in this world scoff at the Bible and at Jesus. However, look at where we are because we have rejected God and our Savior.
Friends, I can make a definitive case for why you ought to believe and follow the Bible. Also, there is volumes of evidence to establish Jesus, both as a real historical person and the divine Son of God He claimed to be in the Bible. MORE than any other religious figure in all of history. Let me urge you to give Him serious consideration and accept Him as your eternal answer. Put Him on today by becoming a Christian and then give Him your life. You will be better because of it. And who knows whether or not that will make the world around us a little better? How can we help you?