ANSWERING THE MOST SIGNIFICANT QUESTION IN HUMAN EXISTENCE
Ask why?
Why has, is and always will be a significant question to us as human beings. You see the why is so important. It’s important from the beginning of a person’s life. Little kids are notorious for asking their parents, “Why?” after every statement, instruction or event.
Andy Stanley, an extremely successful pastor, teacher and author, has made this statement: “Show me any organisation that is running well, and I will show you people in that organisation who know what they do and WHY they do it.”
Do you know what humanities favorite question is about their existence? “Why?” “Why are we here?” “Why do we exist?” You see, unlike the animal kingdom, mankind doesn’t just wander around addressing core-needs like food, water and procreation; without a reason for doing so other than natural instinct. The why is crucial to human beings existence.
Thankfully, Jesus knows that.
Soon after Jesus rose from the dead, He started to stir up some excitement by appearing to various people. In Luke 24, we read that the disciples are actually receiving the news of Jesus’ return from the dead, when all of a sudden, guess who shows up? Jesus!
The disciples are still in total amazement that this is actually taking place. Yet, Jesus reminds them that Scripture has been pointing to this moment all along.
“44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’” (Luke 24:44-47)
First, in verse 44, Jesus reminds the disciples of His teaching; that everything in history has led up to Him. All of the Old Testament has led up to Him. As Jesus says, through Moses, the Prophets, the Psalms; it all pointed to Himself.
Then, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Following this, He explains His death and resurrection, once again noting that the Messiah (talk about Himself) had to suffer, die so that He may rise again on the third day.
At this point, Jesus gets to the “why”.
After 3 years of listening to His teaching and watching Him serving the people; after experience terrible sadness of His rejection, pain and sacrifice; after just celebrating His glorious resurrection and return to them; the disciples needed to know the why?
In verse 47, Jesus lays it out: “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”
Everyone, all nations, all of the disciples, all of Jerusalem and beyond. Throughout all of time and all peoples, repentance will lead to the forgiveness of sins. This is what all of history has been pointing towards. This is the answer to so many of the whys that fill up human existence. Because “there is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.“
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How has understanding the forgiveness of sins answered the whys in your life?
Knowing that my sins are forgiven despite myself has given me a purpose in life. I am here to help those that cannot help themselves. I have spent most of my life chasing professional success and have in recent months really started thinking about why I am doing what I am and how will I leave this place when I am gone.
My family and I have been convicted of not doing all that we should to further the kingdom work that has been put before us and that is our mission going forward. To show and tell of the love of Jesus to all, regardless of previous transgressions, lot in life or nationality. The gospel story leaves us no choice, there is no gray area…either we are being disciples of Christ or we are not.
We are forgiven and are given grace by nothing we have done but by who He is and that gives me much freedom, joy and peace!
That sounded like a post in itself Mr. Smith. Thank you so much for replying and sharing such rich content. I agree 100% – all or nothing! Once again, thank you.