What We Need (Daily Encouragement Series)

Brian Sullivan   -  

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29

Last night our Zoom group dove further into “Who Is Jesus?” It is was an insightful, encouraging and helpful teaching and discussion. One aspect that stood out to me in the “what Jesus said about himself” section is that in Jesus’ teaching he continually tells people to “come to me”, “turn to me”, “follow me”. Ultimately Jesus is what we need. 

In a world looking for meaning and purpose, Jesus says I am the bread of life (John 6:35). Jesus satisfies our hunger for meaning and purpose.

In a world that is enslaved to so many things – addiction, consuming, praise of others – Jesus says if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36). Jesus sets us free. 

In a world riddled with worry, anxiety, guilt and fear, Jesus says come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Jesus brings rest and peace. 

Jesus said if you receive me, you receive God. If you welcome me, you welcome God (Matthew 10:40). If you have seen me, you have seen God (John 14:9). Jesus can promise and bring meaning, freedom and rest because He is God. He is what we need. 

So whether you are a Christian or not, the answer to what we need is the same: we need God. Jesus is God. Turn to Him. 

Turn to Him in prayer. 

Turn to Him through His word. 

Turn to Him through His Spirit in your heart. 

Turn to Him through His body, the church. 

Turn to Him, He is what we all need.