Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.
John 14:6, New International Version
Today, we focus on Jesus' statement, "I am the life." This facet of His life was about to become the dominant theme of faith for all time. Though He was at creation declaring life for all creatures, there was a curse of death that fell over them. To this, He came to bring life.
This "life" was however a paradox. He would have to die to obtain it. This was His mission and passion. He would bring life by dying on a cross for the sins of the whole world. This would have a profound impact on everyone who trusts in Him. Not only would they be forgiven and clean and have access to a relationship with God, He also would redeem the "deaths" within life.
Let me explain that last statement. We all have areas of our life where sin, sickness, and Satan have reigned through the power of death. As Paul reminds us, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" (Romans 5:19)
Even though relationships are broken, hopes are shattered, and dreams are erased, through the power of the gospel, He takes those "deaths" and transforms them to life for us. Whether through restoration or the perspective of a renewed mind, He takes those things and breathes life back into them. Paul puts it this way in Romans 5:21: "just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
This life that is in Christ is available for all of our brokenness, fears, wounds, and deaths. We no longer need to fear death, the future, or the work of the enemy. Jesus is bringing life and restoration to our lives, both now and in eternity. When Jesus says, "I am the Life," we can be sure that there is no place in the universe that He will not make all things new.
Love, Pastor Stuart