Please answer this question in your own thoughts right now: What does Jesus do for you?
67% of you answered, “He died for me.” Even though, technically, I asked what Jesus DOES (present tense, an ongoing activity) for you, not what he DID (past tense, a historical act) for you.
24% of you answered, “He saves me.” Though, beyond being forgiven and going to heaven, you’re honestly not sure what else that means.
5% of you answered, “He takes care of me.” Even though when you’re really suffering, that’s not really your answer.
2% of you answered, “He loves me.” Okay, he loves you. How has that changed you lately?
1% of you answered, “He forgives me.” Absolutely. Salvation is nothing less than sins forgiven. But then again, it is so much more.
And 1% of you answered, “He fills me with so much life that I am not overwhelmed but overflowing.”
So I’ve answered that question all those ways, but I’m learning that the Christian life is so much more than being forgiven.
I mean, imagine that your car breaks down on the interstate during rush hour. Thousands of drivers forgive you. They drive by and they don’t hold it against you. They don’t accuse you of doing something wrong. You’re free.
Finally, a vehicle pulls over. Um, wait a minute. A long, black sedan. Dark tinted windows. Is this a cruel joke? It’s a hearse! No, sorry, It’s a limousine. Really?
The window glides open. A nice man inside looks at you and smiles. “I’m so sorry, looks like you’re having a bad day. Do you need some help?”
“Well, sir, I …”
“Hop on in. I’ll send my guys to take care of your car. Where can I take you?”
You’re as stunned as you are appreciative. What did you do to deserve this?
“Would it be okay if we stopped for dinner first? I’m starving and you look like you could use a delicious meal.”
Fine dining—with the best creme brûlée you’ve ever had in your life—is followed by a stop at the car dealer. You assume it’s to reconnect with your car. No. The guy buys you a brand new one. Amazing!
Get it? Life with Jesus is so much more than knowing he doesn’t hold your sins or mistakes against you. It’s enjoying the fullness of the true life he gives.
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:9,10).
PRAYER: Jesus, I love the life you freely give, but I want to encounter more of it. More of you. I’m holding back too much. I need your love. So much bigger. So full and new. Take me there, Jesus. I know I can trust you, even if I can’t understand. I want to let go and go from overwhelmed to overflowing. Amen.
TAKE A SURVEY: Ask 10 Christian friends “What does Jesus do for you?” What are some answers? Be ready to share this blog.