Why Do We Need Jesus?

Recently someone asked me “What does Jesus do for you?” I grapple somewhat with answering the question without an impassioned response, one which would seem fitting when testifying of my salvation or sharing what my relationship with Jesus means to me.

I’m not an overly emotional person. My salvation experience was an unvarnished encounter. My relationship with God is unquestionable and personal, but there are times when my heart is heavy and I lose focus of all he has done for me. There are times when I can’t sense what He is doing in my life. Sometimes I just don’t feel like the well Christian woman I am striving to be. The joy of my salvation is often clouded by grief, loneliness, discouragement or illness.

Even as a “just the facts, ma’am,” kind of gal, there are days when life feels hard. Maybe you’ve been there too. The burdens of the day-to-day outweigh your desire to seek true wellness. It is during these seasons of dryness I can rely on the absolute truth of who Jesus is, regardless of how I am feeling. What Jesus does for me personally has everything to do with my response to who He is.

What does Jesus do for me?

He is my Advocate.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2).

Jesus advocates for us to restore our relationship with God. We need an advocate. I need an advocate. I’m not ‘good enough’ to commune with a perfect God. My selfishness and pride won’t allow me to be in His presence… unless I have Jesus. Jesus approaches God for me. He is my defence. He is perfect on my behalf. Only through Him can I restore my broken relationship with God. He goes before me and represents me before the Father.

He is my Saviour.

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalms 25:5)

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation.” (Psalms 62:2)

We’re told from the time we are toddlers that we can be who we want to be and do anything we want to do. We can be strong, self-sufficient women who can pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps and conquer the world. We don’t need to be dependent on anyone… But the fact is, we do. We need a saviour. We need Jesus. We can be strong and independent and bold in our lives, but to be reconciled with God, we need Jesus, our advocate and saviour.

I can be confident in knowing that I have been saved by grace through faith.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace is unmerited favour. God gives me His love and favour, even though I don’t deserve it. Faith is often thought of as ‘belief’ but it’s more than that. A better word would be ‘trust’. I believe He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. Because of the cross I don’t have to fear death; He has saved me. Through Him I can be reconciled with the God who created me. My response to Jesus, my Saviour, is to accept this free gift of salvation.

My dear friend’s mother passed away last year. In her final hours while lying in a hospital bed and with her daughter by her side, she said these final words, “I know I’m going to heaven…please be there.” Linda spent a lifetime faithfully responding to the truth of who Jesus is. With confidence she knew where she was spending eternity. She had hope in Jesus, her Rock and Salvation.

I want this kind of uncomplicated, honest, matter-of-fact faith to be my legacy. Regardless of where I find myself I can rely on the truth of who Jesus is. My response to this truth determines what Jesus does for me. A truth which is constant and never changes, unlike the seasons of life or my mood.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” I don’t know if the context of this quote was political or spiritual, but there is truth there for us. If your faith has been shaken by your circumstances or if you’re just not “feeling it” right now, take heart.

Trust in the Solid Rock and stand firm on Him, because that is enough for today.