Who is Jesus?
Jesus, who was miraculously born of the virgin Mary, is the Son of God, His only begotten Son. God, in His great love for mankind, brought Jesus into the world to redeem us, as it says in John 3:16 (KJV), "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus lived among us for approximately thirty years, as a man like you and I, and when the appointed time came, he began his three and a half year ministry teaching the truth, healing the broken, and calling sinners to repentance; preparing the way for his ultimate purpose: to be the sacrificial Lamb who would take away the sins of the world.
At his crucifixion, Jesus bore the full weight of our sin, paying the debt we could never repay. Through his sacrifice, he wiped away our burden of guilt and shame, offering freedom and eternal life to all who would believe. As John 3:17 (KJV) tells us, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." His resurrection three days later sealed the victory, conquering sin and death, and confirming the hope we have in him.
The Bible, the inspired Word of God which was written by men under divine inspiration makes it clear that the only way to the Father is through the Son. In John 14:6 (KJV), Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There is no other road, no other mediator. it is through Christ alone that we are reconciled to God.
When it comes to prayer, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, saying in Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV), "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." He showed that prayer should be humble, sincere, and God-focused, not for show, but from a heart that longs for communion with the Father.
Furthermore, Jesus instructed that we are to pray in his name. In John 14:13-14 (KJV), He promises, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." Through Jesus name, we have access to the throne of God, not because of our righteousness, but because of Jesus' finished work on the cross.
As Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) encourages us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We do not approach God timidly or on our own merit, but boldly, in the name of Jesus, trusting fully in His love and in His redeeming power.
Thus, when we pray, when we worship, and when we seek the Father, we do so through Jesus Christ our Savior, our Mediator, and our eternal hope.
