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WHY JESUS MATTERS
Thomas Aquinas, an ancient follower of Jesus, once said, 'To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not, no explanation will suffice.' It is always hard to try and explain why Jesus matters to someone who has no idea, when no explanation will suffice. It would seem that even trying would be futile yet it seems to be happening. The church continues to grow internationally and new people who have never heard the story hear and believe. So what is it they hear that compels them to embrace this far-out, bizarre story of this guy who comes to earth, claims to be the Son of God, dies by means of capital punishment, then purportedly rises from death, and yet they believe every word? Why believe at all?
Does Jesus make everything easier? Unfortunately, believing in Jesus does not eliminate credit card debt, assure the Cubs will win the series, or get you the man (or woman) of your dreams. In many ways, following Jesus makes things difficult. Suddenly the way you see the world changes and what was important disappears. A new way of thinking takes its place.
Besides, saying you believe is not always the most popular thing. Sometimes confessing your faith can make others see you differently. It may even change your relationship. However, following Jesus also means trusting in God to help make our way plain, to walk with us when we struggle, to help us when we grieve, and to celebrate when the Cubbies do win. Does this make things easier? I dont know. But it certainly brings comfort to know I am not alone in this life, that I have a God who walks with me and loves me even in trouble.
Does following Jesus answer all your questions? Unfortunately, those who engage faith can find themselves with more questions than when they began. Following Jesus is not a black and white, just do it this way, here are the rules sort of life. It can be confusing and difficult. Black and white can easily become gray. But as we follow Jesus, he gives us room to wrestle. You see Jesus is the one doing the work. We are just doing our best to witness it. Our love is not dependent on what we know but on the fact that we are known by Jesus. Does this answer questions? Sometimes, but it can make believing easier when we realize that questions are OK.
So why Jesus? To be frank, I often ask the same question. It seems so odd God would confront the world through this 1st century Palestinian Jewish Rabbi. But God seems to know better than me. Dont you see? Here we are, 2000 years later, and we are still talking about him. Somehow, this Jesus thing was the idea that changed everything. Somehow Jesus did make such a mark on the world that it cannot be ignored. For some reason, Jesus DOES matter.
Interested in asking more questions? Alright! Lets wonder about this together. Come hang out with us, or visit ANY church for that matter, meet the people who gather there and see how Jesus may move into a deeper more intentional relationship in your life.
