Jesus - The Way (Conclusion)

Finding and Following Jesus: The True Path to Blessings

Introduction

In this series, I have attempted to present Jesus as "The Way" to many blessings. Indeed, He is the source of every spiritual blessing that God has to offer (cf. Eph 1:3). But how can we be sure that we have found the true Jesus and are genuinely His disciples?

Jesus made it clear that simply believing in Him does not constitute true discipleship (John 8:31). So, how can we be sure that we are not following a caricature? Is it a misrepresentation of Jesus presented to us in error by others? Perhaps it is from those who are sincerely mistaken themselves, such as our parents, preachers, or churches.

To ensure that we have truly found Jesus, The Only Way, we must begin with the only reliable source of information about Him: The Bible!

Finding Jesus in the Old Testament

The Old Testament's Insights

Surprisingly, a good place to start is with the Old Testament. It contains many things about Jesus, even though it was completed hundreds of years before He came. Jesus stated this on at least two occasions (Luke 24:27, 44-47). The Old Testament imparts wisdom that leads to salvation in Jesus (cf. 2 Tim 3:14-15).

Prophetic Visions of Jesus

We see Jesus through the eyes of prophecy. For example, from Isaiah, we can learn about:

• The Birth of Jesus: Isaiah 7:14

• The Suffering of Jesus: Isaiah 53:4-6

• The Sovereignty of Jesus: Isaiah 9:6-7

  
  

Many more prophecies could be taken from Isaiah alone, which is one reason why he is commonly called “The Messianic Prophet.” Other prophets also have much to say about Jesus. It has been estimated that there are more than 300 prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament!

So, we should read the Old Testament in our efforts to find the true Jesus. However, its purpose was predictive, preparing people for Jesus (cf. Gal 3:24-25). Therefore, to find Jesus more fully, we must also come to the Gospels.

Finding Jesus in the Gospels

Four Accounts of His Life

The Gospels provide four records with a similar goal: to present the life of Jesus. Each Gospel emphasizes different aspects:

• Matthew: Focuses on the teachings of Jesus, especially regarding the kingdom.

• Mark: Features the miracles of Jesus, showcasing His power.

• Luke: Underscores the humanity of Jesus without detracting from His divinity.

• John: Stresses the divinity of Jesus while acknowledging His humanity.

  
  

The goal, as expressed by John, is to create faith (John 20:30-31). We see Jesus through the eyes of fulfillment as the Gospels document how He fulfilled prophecy.

The Teachings of Jesus

Revealing what He actually taught is crucial. No one can know Jesus without reading these Gospels carefully. We may often be surprised to find out how different the real Jesus is from the one imagined by many.

For example, many believe they will go to heaven when they die. However, Jesus taught that most will not (cf. Matt 7:13-14). Many will be surprised on Judgment Day (cf. Matt 7:21-23). Contrary to the “simple belief” many think is involved in following Jesus, the real Jesus taught self-denial (Luke 9:23-25). He expected disciples to “observe all things” (cf. Matt 28:18-20). Does this sound like the “Jesus” proclaimed by many today?

By reading the Gospels, we come much closer to finding Jesus. However, Jesus did not reveal the complete truth while on earth (cf. John 16:12-14). He left it to the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all the truth. Therefore, to truly find Jesus and understand His will for us today, we must also turn to the rest of the books of the New Testament.

Finding Jesus in the Acts and the Epistles

The Book of Acts

In the Book of Acts, we see the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all the truth (Acts 2:4). The Holy Spirit plays a vital role:

• Guiding the apostles and the early church in its formative stage (Acts 13:2, 4).

• Leading them into all the truth (e.g., Acts 15:28).

• Revealing teachings from Jesus’ ministry not recorded in any of the four Gospels (cf. Acts 20:35).

  
  

The Epistles

In the Epistles, the words of the apostles are to be received as if from Jesus Himself. As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth (1 Cor 14:37) and to the church at Thessalonica (1 Thes 2:13), this aligns with what Jesus said (cf. John 13:20). The Holy Spirit indeed guided the apostles into all the truth (cf. John 16:13).

With the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the Epistles (including Revelation), we find the teachings of Jesus completely, fully, and finally revealed. No more revelation is needed. We have all that is necessary to live godly lives (cf. 2 Peter 1:2-3) and to be complete (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17). Not even an angel from heaven appeared with new doctrines (Gal 1:8-9). Our task is to remain true to what has been revealed once and for all (Jude 3).

Finding Jesus in Obedience

The Importance of Obedience

As emphasized by Jesus, we must abide in His word to be His disciples (John 8:31, 32). Jesus abides with us as we keep His commandments (John 14:21, 23). This is how we truly know Him (cf. 1 John 2:3-5).

The Role of Baptism

This principle is especially true when we come to Jesus in faith and repentance, submitting to His command to be baptized (cf. Gal 3:27). Having received (or “put on”) Christ in baptism, we are now in Christ, where all things are “new” (2 Cor 5:17).

Conclusion

Yes, all things are “new.” In finding Jesus by keeping His commands, we discover:

• A better life.

• Forgiveness for our sins.

• Reconciliation with God our Father.

• The privilege of being in the Lord’s church (and not some denomination begun by men).

• The assurance of eternal life.

  
  

Have you found Jesus, or are you following some cheap imitation of the real thing? At best, it may be a misconception fostered by honestly mistaken people. At worst, it could be a slick promotion marketed by those seeking numbers rather than disciples.

You have truly found Jesus if you heed the implications of His “Great Commission.” This includes accepting His authority (power) in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18), being baptized (upon faith and repentance) as He commanded (Matt 28:19), and carefully observing all that He commanded (Matt 28:20).

Such are the only ones who have the assurance: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” They are the ones who have “found” Jesus! Let Jesus be your way to everything that is truly good! Trust and obey Him today!

As mentioned from the very beginning, the purpose of this study has been two-fold:

• For those who are Christians, to increase their appreciation of Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so they will want to serve Him with greater zeal.

• For those who are not Christians, to encourage them to let Jesus be their way to everything that is truly good, both in this life and in the life to come!

  
  

If you are not a Christian (or perhaps thought you were, but now wonder if you are a true disciple of Christ), I hope you will want to follow Jesus as Your Way for the rest of your life! If so, remember that one finds Jesus in obedience. May I suggest that you concern yourself with three things:

• Obey the gospel of Christ, and Jesus will be your way to forgiveness and a closer relationship with God the Father.

• Grow in grace and knowledge, so Jesus may lead you to a better life now and to the eternal life to come.

• Serve Jesus without denominationalism by finding a New Testament church, or if necessary, starting one in your home.

  
  

I hope that in some way during this series of messages, you have gained additional insight or perhaps been reintroduced to Jesus Christ through a new lens. I pray that you can use this information for your personal growth and share it with friends and family. Until next time, be well!