THE LIVING ONE

“I am… the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. — Revelation 1:18 ESV

Jesus faced everything we faced.  Jesus wept (John 11:35).  He knew what it was to be human (1 Tim. 3:16).  He got tired (John 4:6).  He slept (Mark 4:35). He was lonely (Matt. 26:40). He got hungry (Matt. 4:2). He knew what it was to come from a family with financial problems (Luke 2:22-24 cf. Lev. 12:1-8),  what it was to lose friends to death (John 11). He knew what it was for the crowds to shout “Hosanna!,” and then to shout “Crucify him!” days later (Matt. 21:9; Mark 15:13); he understands temptation (Heb. 4:15); he knows rejection (John 1:11); he was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3).  People from His home town thought of Him as common and wondered why anyone thought He was special (Mark 6:3). Even his own family didn’t believe in Him (John 7:5).

In life, we all face problems.  It was only fitting that by becoming a human, Jesus should have His fair share of problems — and he did.  But He not only faced all the problems we face in life.  He faced the worst problem we have as humans — death.  The Bible says Jesus “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (1 Tim. 1:10).  So He can say that He is the one who has the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:18).  

Jesus overcame our worst problem — death.  I mean, think about it… can you think of a bigger problem than being dead?  If Jesus already overcame the worst problem we could face, you can be confident that He can handle whatever problem you are facing today.  Look to the Overcomer today — He is victorious, and you are victorious in Him.