August 09th, 2023

Hey Church Family!

Everyone's story with Jesus begins in a unique way, but one thing is for sure—somewhere along the way, someone introduced you to Jesus.

I was born into a Christian home with believing parents.  If the church had an event, we were there.  I had the privilege of attending a private Christian school where we had regular Bible classes.  I knew Jesus from an early age.  Well... I knew ABOUT Jesus.  I knew the stories.  I knew the Bible verses.  I knew the songs.  I listened to the sermons.  But that was about it.  I was religious.  I had all this good behavior, but there was nothing going on in my heart.

Then over time I was introduced to the REAL Jesus.  My world was turned upside down.  My heart was changed.  I was completely changed.  And guess what?  I'm still being transformed and changed because of Jesus.

So who is this Jesus?  And what does he want?  That's what I want to go on a journey of discovering over the next few weeks.

When the first disciples were introduced to Jesus, they were invited to come and see what following him would be like.  I love the story as recorded in John's account.  John the Baptist points out Jesus to some of his own disciples, and they begin to follow him.  When Jesus noticed them trailing behind him, he turns and asks a question.  It's the first words of Jesus recorded by John.  His question was for them, but it's also a question for you and me:  What do you want? (John 1:38)

What do you want from Jesus?  Are you hoping Jesus will fix something broken in your life?  Are you hoping he'll change someone?  Are you hoping Jesus will repair a dysfunctional marriage?  Are you hoping he'll provide a healing touch?  Are you down on your luck and feel like you have nowhere else to go?  Nowhere to turn but up?  Are you just curious and trying to figure out more about this man named Jesus?

Here's what I've noticed:  We all bring our hopes to Jesus.  We all hope he'll do something incredible in our lives.  It's what was true for these first two disciples.  But because of who he is, the thing we come to Jesus looking for is nothing compared to the Jesus we find.  Jesus is greater.  Bigger.  Stronger.  Better.  More powerful.  Wants do even more in your life.  Wants to mend and heal not just your situation, but ALL situations and problems.  He's the Alpha and Omega.  He's the beginning and the end.  He's the Son of God.  The Prince of Peace.  The Wonderful Counselor.  Everlasting Father.  He's the Bread of Life.  The Light of the World.  The Lamb of God.  The Righteous Judge.  He's our healer and helper.  Our Messiah and Lord.  He's our only Hope.

So often we underestimate this Jesus we're following.  We have no idea what he's capable of.

And so, as we begin this journey of discovering the real Jesus, I challenge you to wrestle with this question this week:  What if Jesus could do something far greater than you imagined he would?

Together in Christ,
​Pastor Michael