How to Make Jesus
Today we will talk about how to make Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. In a world filled with voices and distractions, we often forget the importance of centering our lives around Jesus. Making Jesus the focal point of our lives is about understanding who He is, what He has done, and how we can actively choose to follow Him. It is a journey that begins in our hearts and manifests in our daily actions. As we journey together through God’s Word, let’s meditate on the teachings and examples set before us in Scripture, aiming to build a closer relationship with Jesus and develop a lifestyle that reflects His love.
Understanding Jesus
To discuss how to make Jesus central in our lives, let’s first understand who He is. Jesus is more than just a historical figure; He is the Savior of the world. The Hebrew name Yeshua translates to “God saves,” while the Greek equivalent, Iesous, carries the same meaning. Jesus’s very name implies His purpose — delivering humanity from sin and bringing them into a loving relationship with God. This understanding is foundational for any believer—it shapes our entire perspective on life.
The Gospel of John begins with an astonishing declaration about Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, NIV). This establishes Jesus’s divine nature, indicating that He has existed with God since the very beginning. Romans 10:9 further elaborates on the importance of acknowledging Jesus’s role as Lord for salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Understanding who Jesus is and what He represents lays the groundwork as we explore what it means to “make” Him a crucial part of our lives. It allows us to understand the significance behind our choices and priorities. Jesus came not only to save us but also to offer us a model for living — a perfect example of love, grace, and mercy that we are called to emulate.
Recognizing the Call to Follow
Making Jesus a central figure in our lives begins with recognizing His call. Jesus invites us to “follow Him.” This concept goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires commitment and a willingness to change. Luke 9:23 states, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” The act of picking up our cross signifies self-sacrifice and willingness to surrender our lives to God’s will. Following Jesus is about living intentionally, making choices that align with His teachings.
Jesus demonstrated the essence of this call through His own life. He spent time in prayer (Luke 5:16), engaged in service to others (Matthew 20:28), and showed compassion to the lost (Luke 19:10). If we are to make Jesus the center of our lives, we must model our actions after His example. This journey of discipleship includes studying His teachings, seeking His presence in prayer, and remaining open to His guidance through the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, understanding the commitment involved in following Jesus can transform what it means to “make” Him central to our lives. It is about building a relationship, not just religious observance. Matthew 11:28–30 captures this beautifully: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Here, Jesus extends an invitation to experience the peace that comes from walking closely with Him.
Engaging through Prayer and Worship
As we consider how to center our lives around Jesus, one of the most effective ways is through prayer and worship. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is our lifeline. It is our means of communication with God and allows us to express our thoughts, concerns, and gratitude to Him. Through regular prayer, we open our hearts to God and invite Him into our daily lives.
Jesus Himself modeled the importance of prayer. He often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Mark 1:35), showing us that even in the busyness of life, we must prioritize time with God. As we engage in prayer, we become more attuned to His voice, which in turn helps us make decisions that align with His will.
Worship is another powerful tool that brings us closer to Jesus. Colossians 3:16 encourages us, saying, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Worship expresses our love, reverence, and awe for God. It allows us to reset our focus and remember who He is. Whether through music, art, or even acts of kindness, worship can take many forms but is centered around our response to Jesus.
Furthermore, engaging in corporate worship with fellow believers can strengthen our faith and commitment. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect gathering together as the body of Christ. When we come together, we encourage one another and create a community that reflects Jesus’s love.
Living Out the Gospel
To make Jesus central in our lives, it is essential that we embody the teachings of the Gospel. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, instructs us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Our faith should naturally overflow into our lives, motivating us to share the love of Christ with others. This involves not only verbal proclamations but also living out our faith through deeds.
In James 2:17, we read that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This challenges us to reflect on how our actions align with our beliefs. Are we serving those in need, loving our enemies, and practicing forgiveness? 1 John 3:18 advises, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Living out the Gospel means reflecting Jesus’s love in our everyday interactions.
Moreover, as we engage with the world around us, we must demonstrate the characteristics of Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, which should become evident in our lives. These qualities — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — are essential in representing Jesus within our communities. Our actions should consistently reflect the light of Christ, drawing others to Him.
Staying Grounded in the Word
To consistently make Jesus a central figure in our lives, we need to stay grounded in the Word of God. The Bible serves as our roadmap, guiding our beliefs, actions, and our relationship with Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” By reading and studying the Bible, we gain wisdom, instruction, and encouragement needed to navigate life.
Jesus recognized the importance of Scripture during His time on Earth. In Matthew 4:4, when tempted by the devil, He responded, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” His reliance on the Word reinforces its role in our own lives — nourishment for our spirit and source of truth.
Furthermore, Psalm 119:105 describes the Word as “a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This metaphor emphasizes how Scripture provides guidance, helping us to discern God’s will. When we make reading and reflecting on the Bible a regular part of our daily routine, we cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus and His teachings.
Participating in Bible studies, discussion groups, or personal devotions can enhance our engagement with the Word. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the greater our understanding of God’s character and purposes in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Making Jesus the center of our lives is a journey that begins with understanding who He is and recognizing His call to follow Him. It involves continuous engagement through prayer and worship, living out the Gospel, and staying grounded in the Word of God.
As we embrace this process, we find that our hearts are transformed, our lives are enriched, and our relationships flourish. This not only brings us closer to Jesus but also positions us to reflect His love and truth to those around us.
Ultimately, making Jesus central to our lives is not merely an act of devotion but a holistic lifestyle that impacts every aspect of our being. Together, let’s commit to this pursuit in our daily lives.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4