First, come to Jesus because He has all authority. Everyone is guided by some authority, but all human authorities are flawed. Some people follow the majority, but Jesus said, “the broad (majority) way leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13). Some people follow their feelings, but the Bible says that feelings can’t be trusted. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Some follow their religious leaders and traditions, but Jesus said, “Every plant which mY heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. Let them alone, they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:13-14). Jeremiah summarized the problem when following human authority. He said, “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (10:23).
When Jesus finished teaching the “Sermon on the Mount” “the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority” (Matthew 7:28-29). We have the teaching of Jesus today. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “God…in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (1:1-2). Before Jesus ascended into heaven He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
He is the only authority one ought to follow. He is the right authority for us because it was said of him while He was on earth, and it is still true today, “He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man” (John 2:25). He knows what we need and is able to provide guidance for our lives so that we can enjoy life to the fullest (Matthew 6:25-34).
Second, come to Jesus because He has the greatest concern for those who are weak and heavy ladened. Often, we feel the burden of life; we feel weary, mentally and physically. Sometimes, it is not just the struggle of making a living that makes one weary; often it is sin! Solomon said, “The way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15 KJV). Many are weary with their addiction! Many carry the heavy burden of a guilty conscience. Some are struggling with the relationships they have – a bad marriage, family members with whom they are estranged or maybe it is even a struggle in the jobs they have.
Many feel the weariness of feeling alone even in a crowd. Some are burdened as a care giver which they want to do, but it wears them out to give care 24/7. We also become weary of the injustices we see around us. Many are weary of seeing this country drifting so far from God. It’s not the country many of us knew earlier.
Whatever makes you weary, come to Jesus. He said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Third, come to Jesus because He deals with people in a gentle manner. Because of our sinful actions and guilty conscience, we may be afraid that Jesus will be angry with us. Not so! He is concerned about us and does not want us to be afraid to come, even in our sinful condition. As Jesus walked during His earthly ministry Matthew said, “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). We are still distressed and dispirited like sheep.
Think about how He dealt with the woman caught in adultery. He did not condone her sin, but at the same time He knew that those who brought her to Him were not concerned about her, but wanted only to use her to catch Jesus in some violation of the Law (John 8:1-11).
Think about the man who was so possessed by evil spirits that he was a danger to himself and to all in the community (Mark 5:1-5). Jesus had compassion on him and cast out those evil spirits. Many today have, not literal evil spirits, but self-imposed evil spirits by addictions they have. Jesus has compassion on these people and can help you overcome whatever “evil spirit” you have.
It doesn’t matter how sinful we are nor how many sins we’ve committed, when we come to Jesus He has love and compassion for us. He will not send us away; rather He will draw near to Him all who will repent.
Isaiah 42:1 and Matthew 12:20 describe the way Jesus deals with people. “A battered reed He will not break off, and a smoldering wick He will not put out.” Our broken lives are compared to vegetation that has been damaged. It would be easy for that vegetation to die, but He deals so gently with it, that He brings it back to life. It doesn’t matter how battered your life, Jesus will deal with you with compassion and bring you back to life.
There are many who have suffered in so many ways that their spirit is about to be snuffed out. If you will come to Jesus, He will put life back into your spirit so that you can enjoy life and be useful to others.
Fourth, come to Jesus because He gives life after death. Millions of dollars are spent each year on trying to make the lives of people extend a little longer. Most do not want to leave this life. For many, the thought of what is on the other side of death is frightening. It doesn’t have to be. Jesus has a great life for all who will come to Him. When the disciples were sad because Jesus was about to die, He said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places, if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Physical death is not the end; it is the beginning of a new and better life!
Conclusion
Have you come to Jesus? If not, why not? He has all that you seek. He can guide you through this life and into the next one. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Each of us must believe that Jesus is the savior who died for our sins (John 8:24). We must change our lifestyle through repentance (Acts 17:30-31). We must confess that Jesus is our Lord (Matthew 10:34-35; 16:16) and then we must be immersed in water to have our sins washed away by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16; 2:38). This will put us into the spiritual body of Christ (Romans 6:3-4) where His blood will flow to keep us clean if we “walk in the light as He is in the light” and repent and confess our sins as we realize we have not lived according to what Jesus expects (I John 1:7-9).
Wayne Burger