Over the years of ministry, I’ve been asked many questions. I believe the best leaders, and followers, learn through asking questions. But there is one question that has come up in every context and stands out above the rest. “Ed, does Jesus love me?”  

“Yes, Jesus loves you,” is often the answer, but, is that enough?

I grew up in a small church and there is a song that children often are taught to sing. While simple, the theology behind it is profound.

"Yes, Jesus Loves Me.
Yes, Jesus Loves Me.
Yes, Jesus Loves Me.
The Bible Tells Me So."

You may have learned that as a child. A parent or teacher may have communicated it; but, is that enough? What I’ve found is the question remains the same but the answer, or our willingness to accept the answer, changes at different stages of our lives.

The disciples faced this very issue after making the decision to follow Jesus. After all, he called them to be with him. But, why? Jesus, provided three clear answers regarding his “why”.

1. To Seek and Save People Who Are Lost. Matthew 18:11 reminds us that Jesus came to save that which was lost. The fact is while I was late to my own salvation, Jesus pursued me. He desired to have relationship with me. All of us inherited the curse of sin, which entered an otherwise perfect world in Genesis Chapter 3. God’s eternal pursuit of sinful man has continued to this very day. Jesus was His “why”.

2. To Give Us Life to the Full. John 10:10 reminds us that Satan’s chief mission is to destroy and steal our life. However, Jesus came to not only give us life, but extend it to the full. This isn’t delayed gratification that eventually you’ll know why I love you. This is a promise that I will, daily, reveal my commitment to you. What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine. That is good news.

3. To Set the Captive Free. In Luke 4:18, Jesus had a “drop the mic” moment. Having defeated the enemy, he proclaimed these words:
   “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Every week, I have the privilege of meeting people who are captive to something. From hobbies to passions, to mental health or financial difficulty…Jesus loves you. He knows that life isn’t fair. But through the power of His love, Jesus provides unmistakable hope. Does Jesus love me? Yes, he does. Deeply.

As you go through this day, is there an area that you find it hard to believe that Jesus loves you? Bring it to Him today.