Do You Know My Jesus?

Do You Know My Jesus?
Monday, November 4, 2024 by Mo Dotson, Founder/Director, Mo’ Better Living Ministries™

Jesus Christ? Who is he and why do I follow him?

Recently, a friend asked me to reflect on the ministry of Jesus Christ and share five beliefs/life principles that tug at my heart and compel me to be His disciple. And, he added, please base it on scriptural references and life lessons I’ve learned.

Let me share with you now just three beliefs for why I choose to follow Jesus Christ—for life.

Jesus—The Creator

I accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the second person of the godhead. (Jn 1:1-5.)

I accept the biblical account of creation. Jesus created the earth in six literal days. (Ge 1-2.)

On the sixth day, after God had created living creatures according to their kinds, God created mankind—male and female—in His image. (Ge 1:24-31; Ge 2:7.)

Then sin entered in and spread to all humankind. But!!! There was already a plan in place to rescue humanity. The plan formulated by the godhead in advance required that Jesus be the perfect sacrificial substitute for mankind. A perfect sacrifice was the only thing that would satisfy the righteous requirements of the law. (Ge 2:15-17; Ge 3:1-24; Ro 3:21-26.)

Jesus—The Savior

Christ came willingly to take my place and your place. He gave up His life and died on a cross so that you and I would not have to die in sin. He loves us and does not want to be separated from us. In fact, He wants to be with us for eternity. (Jn 3:16; Jn 14:2-3; 1 Pe 2:24.)

When Christ died on the cross, that was not the end of the story. As prophesied, on the third day Jesus rose from the tomb. (1 Co 15:1-8.)

Jesus’ disciples had not understood when He tried to tell them what He would have to go through. But when they went to the tomb, His was not there. Why? Because He had risen from the dead!!!! (Mt 20:17-19; Jn 20:11-18; Ac 10:34-43.)

Death could not hold Him, because He holds the power over life and death. (Ac 2:24.)

Jesus offers each one of us the opportunity to benefit from His victory at the cross. (Ro 8:1-2.)

What does one have to do to take advantage of Jesus’ victory at the cross? Believe Him and accept what He has done for all humanity. (Jn 15:1-27; Ro 10:8-10.)

So, you see, I belong to Christ by both creation and redemption. He redeemed me by giving Himself up for me at the cross. Then, when He was raised from death, after proving that He was alive, He returned to Heaven to intercede for me at the Father’s side where He now serves at High Priest and Intercessor for you and for me. (1 Ti 2:5; He 7:25; 1 Jn 2:1-2.)

Jesus—The Intercessor

I have not lived a perfect life by any means. At one time I was deep in sin. But Jesus did not throw me away like refuse. He pursued me and would not let me go. Then when I came to my senses and turned toward Him, He warmly received me and welcomed me home.

Forgiveness of sin is available at the cross of Christ. Jesus has come to my rescue many times, including two times when I should have died because of foolishness on my part. (2 Chr 7:13-14; Lu 15:11-32; Ac 3:19; 2 Co 7:10.)

By accepting Him into my life, He came to live with me in my heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. I gained the victory over temptation and sin. (1 Co 10:13; Ja 4:7.)

Even though I have surrendered my life to Christ, I still have the sinful nature within me. When I let my guard down, sometimes my sinful human nature gets the upper hand. But Jesus is continually advocating for me before His Father in Heaven. When I fall into sin, I can appeal directly to the God of Heaven—the Ruler and Sustainer of the universe—for forgiveness. I have appealed to Him many times and He has responded to my pleas. My God is faithful, merciful, and full of compassion. He wants us all to know the truth so that we will not be lost. That’s why He gave up His life. (1 Ti 2:1-7; 2 Pe 3:9; 1 Jn 2:1-2.)

Your Response

If you have not already done so, Jesus wants to come into your heart to live with you. He wants to be your personal Savior and Lord. (Re 3:20; Jn 14:23; Ro 8:38-39.)

Do you want to surrender to Him today? If so, join me in this prayer.

“Lord, I admit I am a sinner. I need and want Your forgiveness. I accept Your death as the penalty for my sin and recognize that Your mercy and grace is a gift You offer to me because of Your great love, not based on anything I have done. Cleanse me and make me Your child. By faith I receive You into my heart as the Son of God and as Savior and Lord of my life. From now on, help me live for You, with You in control. In Your precious name, Amen.”