Dear brothers and sisters, today I want to take you on a profound journey of contemplation. Let us imagine, if only for a moment, a world without Jesus Christ. What would our lives look like? What impact would His absence have on our present reality? It is a question that calls us to delve into the depth of His influence and the profound significance of His life. So, let us embark on this thought-provoking exploration, drawing wisdom from Scripture, highlighting the absence of Jesus, and ultimately discovering why He is the reason to live for.
I. The Darkened State of Humanity:
Imagine a world without Jesus, devoid of His teachings, His love, and His sacrifice. Without Him, humanity would be left in a state of spiritual darkness and lost in the bondage of sin. In Romans 3:23, the apostle Paul reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Without Jesus, there would be no hope for redemption, no forgiveness of sins, and no way to reconcile with our Creator.
Consider the impact of Jesus' absence on the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). In the absence of Jesus, this woman would have faced condemnation and judgment without any chance of repentance. But Jesus, in His compassion and mercy, offered her forgiveness, saying, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." This story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' presence in our lives.
II. The Void of Hope and Purpose:
Without Jesus, our lives would lack true meaning and purpose. Scripture assures us that He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). Our Savior offers hope and a divine purpose that transcends the boundaries of this temporal world. In Ephesians 2:12, the apostle Paul describes life without Christ, stating, "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world."
Let us reflect on the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). In the absence of the loving father's forgiveness and the joyous celebration upon the son's return, our lives would lack the transformative power of grace and restoration. It is through Jesus that we find forgiveness, hope, and the assurance that our lives have purpose and meaning.
III. The Desperate Need for a Savior:
A world without Jesus would be marked by unfulfilled longings, brokenness, and eternal separation from God. In Acts 4:12, we read, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Jesus is the only way to salvation, the only bridge that spans the vast chasm between humanity and the Father.
Let us consider the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27). In the absence of Jesus, we would strive endlessly to fill the void within us with worldly possessions and achievements, always falling short of true fulfillment and eternal life. It is only through Jesus that we find the satisfaction and peace that our hearts long for.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the hypothetical world without Jesus, we are confronted with the stark reality of our need for Him. Our lives would be devoid of forgiveness, hope, purpose, and salvation. But, dear friends, let this contemplation lead us to an unshakable truth: Jesus is the reason to live for! He is the answer to our deepest longings, the source of unending joy, and the embodiment of divine love.
May we never take for granted the precious gift of Jesus Christ. Let us surrender our lives to Him, embracing His teachings, His grace, and His salvation. May His presence in our lives bring light to our darkest moments, hope to our despair, and purpose to our existence. Today, let us reaffirm our belief that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that even though we cannot fathom a world without Jesus, we can fully experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. Embrace Him, follow Him, and proclaim Him as the reason to live for. Let us share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us, so that they too may experience the abundant life that only He can give. Amen.
