Jesus ...

Monday, Jan 15, 2018. How important is Jesus for faith? Some of us think that it is most important to believe in God. Others think it is most important to accept other people, to be tolerant and let everyone live. But Jesus is central for faith. He is central for life. Let us explore why this is the case!

Jesus is central …

Jesus is the central theme of the New Testament. His role cannot be over estimated! He is God himself, one of the three persons of the one God, who became human. He is the central human being, restoring creation. He is put into the center of God's forgiveness for all mankind. Without him, there is no life for anyone!

It is Jesus, who is generating forgiveness before a pure and holy God. We need him, every single human being needs him. In the following verses from the gospel of Matthew, we listen to his words, about the deep value of each and every human, and about faith in him, public faith and confession to him. Listen!

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?9 And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10, 28-32)

Images on Jesus …

There are many images in the New Testament talking about Jesus. There are many terms which classify and describe his role. We hear about “the lamb”, about “the lion”, about “the messiah”, about “the son”. All this points to him, points to particular important parts of his life and death and resurrection.

It is good to explore Jesus, to read about him in the gospels and the letters of the apostles. It is good to get to know him in depth. Only then, your faith can develop sincere roots. Only when you meet him directly, by listening, by reading, in your own prayer, in your own steps of faith and discipleship.

Jesus wants us to take him serious. He wants our heart, our mind, our actions. Only then we can claim to believe in him. Have you ever tried to go this step: to tell him that you want him to be in your life? That you want to trust your life into his hands? Have you ever gone this step to tell him in prayer: Jesus, I search you, I want you, I want to follow, sincerely! Your life will change, when you tell him - he will be there and help you, with a loving heart and deep mercy, with friendliness and gentleness. He is the Lord! (Roland Potthast) ... further texts