After more than 2,000 years, is the work Jesus did on the cross still significant? What does it mean for the modern believer to have a Savior who died for us centuries ago?
The early church believed Jesus would return quickly and adjusted their lives accordingly. It’s easy, when you expect someone to arrive at any moment, to remain vigilant. I’m sure the early Christians carefully obeyed Jesus’ teachings, urgently sharing their faith so none of their friends would be left behind.
As the years passed, however, it may have become difficult to remain focused on their faith. Perhaps it even faded somewhat. Life became less about living for Jesus and more about preparing for tomorrow.
The significance of faith
When Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to all the disciples except Thomas. Let’s be honest. Thomas’ only experience with a man being raised from the dead was Lazarus. But Lazarus didn’t raise himself. It was Jesus who restored him to life, and Jesus was now dead. Needless to say, Thomas was skeptical.
After Jesus showed himself to Thomas and allowed the disciple to touch his wounds, Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Faith extends beyond experience. It believes even without the evidence of sight or touch. It also nurtures itself over time, growing stronger, not weaker, throughout the years.
It was easy for the early church to believe. Their memories of Jesus were fresh. If they hadn’t seen Jesus personally, the person telling them about him had likely seen him. Or they knew someone who knew someone who had seen the Lord. Their faith could be strong because they had personally experienced the Light of the World.
The light that cuts through the centuries
Our faith is more pure—if we truly believe. We believe without seeing the Lord or touching his wounds, and according to Jesus, we are blessed because of it.
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In today’s reading, Jesus says, “The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35-36).
The fact is, Jesus’ light is so strong and shines so brightly, it’s possible to believe without having seen the man Jesus. We experience him personally on a spiritual level, which creates a relationship that extends beyond our sight, touch or even time.
This makes our relationship with Jesus extremely significant, if not downright miraculous. This is a man who lived centuries ago, yet he offers relationship as real as if he were sitting beside us right now. Why is this?
“If I be lifted up”
Jesus tells the crowds that follow him, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:31-32).
Jesus allowed himself to be lifted high on a cross so all people would be drawn to him. Because of his selflessness, we can overcome sin and death and rest in the certainty of eternal life.
As Paul says, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him” (Romans 6:8).
Now, as sons of light, we must continue to lift Jesus up. By living with him and allowing him to change us, we demonstrate his power even now, 2,000 years after he walked the earth. By allowing our lives to reflect his glory, we help him accomplish his will, which is that everyone believe he is the Son of God.
Is Jesus significant for your life?
In your daily life, is it apparent you belong to Jesus? We all struggle with the old sin nature. One of our greatest responsibilities as believers is to daily rip more of ourselves out of the grip of our sin nature and give it to Jesus to be remade and renewed.
Can it be discouraging never to achieve our goal of being perfected? Of course. But our faith must be strong enough to carry us through. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Renewal doesn’t occur by itself, though. We must commit to relationship with Jesus and work on that relationship every day. Don’t read the Bible once a week for church. Read it daily. Study it and memorize it. Don’t pray only at church or when others are watching. Pray without ceasing, as Paul instructs in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Allow God to transform your heart, mind and attitudes. Then let your light shine as a true child of the light.
Food for thought
What is it about relationship with Jesus that makes it significant for you? Have your life changed because of him?
What is the foundation of your faith in Jesus? Has your faith growth throughout the years? Why?
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