Most Christians have at least one general impression of Jesus. “Jesus is the Son of God.” “Jesus is the Savior of the world.” “Jesus is King.” “Jesus is the greatest gift from the Father.” “Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s will.” “Jesus is the way to the Father.” “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.” “Jesus accepts everyone.” These are but a few of the most common impressions of Jesus. Many inspirational books and daily devotionals endorse these types of impressions.
Christians should also hold the impressions that Jesus is our excellent comforter and counselor. More than a miracle worker, Jesus is a healer, and more than just an itinerant preacher, He is the long-awaited liberator. There are particular passages in the Book of Isaiah that pertain to Jesus and His eventual ministry:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV
Knowing what Jesus did according to the Gospels, as well as His assurance of rest in Matthew 11:28 and His promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-17, it is a great comfort to know that Jesus will take care of His most precious possessions – us, His people. He died for us and now intercedes for us, and that He is praying for us.
Doesn’t that make us feel special and loved by God? Indeed, we are as little children sitting on Jesus’s lap and blessed by Him. We are insignificant in modern society as small children were in ancient times, but we are unique to Jesus. To Him, we are essential.
As little children sitting on Jesus’s lap, we understand that God’s love has ample room for everyone. We earn the privilege of being positioned right in His loving presence, surrounded on every side by His reassurances that He loves us and hears our prayers. In Jesus, we could find rest.
In and through Jesus, we experience the awesome belongingness to God. Can you imagine what it feels like to be sitting on Jesus’s lap?
Jesus is the master healer. He comes to us individually that he might touch us with His healing love and saving power. He is our wonderful counselor who prays for us and answers our prayers.
Jesus is our comforter. As a man, He dwelt with His disciples visibly and physically, but as the Holy Spirit, He would live in them so He would be with them forever, unseen by the world. We can boldly trust in Jesus to comfort us and remind us of God’s boundless love and mercy when we move forward and face our challenges headstrong. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; also believe in me.” (John 14:1 NIV)
So, should you find yourself in despair or overburdened by the yoke of modern life, seek Jesus, and offer your burden to Him. You will become aware of His presence in your room or wherever you are, and then He will should you the way to handle all your troubles and equip you with special gifts.