The “I” of Jesus

Today, we’re going to dive head-long into the depths of a philosophy that is the Millennial generation’s cancer. It is the philosophy of nihilism (/ˈnīəˌlizəm,ˈnēəˌlizəm/) – a short name for a long process of destruction.

According to “The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,” Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence…While few philosophers would claim to be nihilists, nihilism is most often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche who argued that its corrosive effects would eventually destroy all moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions and precipitate the greatest crisis in human history.

Western culture has accepted hopelessness in the world. Most people cannot articulate what philosophy they embrace, however you can be sure that woven into the Millennial’s belief system is nihilism, even if they are Christians.

Nihilism in Action

If you watch TV, go to movies, or read modern books, you know the common theme is an apocalypse. If you don’t believe me, look at the top books on Amazon or top movies on Netflix. As of this writing, a leading Netflix series is “The Designated Survivor,” which is about how the American government might continue if a bomb killed every elected official in Washington; that’s nihilism. The last hit single by Johnny Cash before he died was “Hurt,” a song originally by Nine Inch Nails. It opens with “I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel.”; that’s nihilism.

The Cure

The cure for nihilism is found in a firm statement by Jesus:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 (ESV)

The thief comes – the thief’s philosophy fits nicely into that of nihilism. But all of that foolishness is exploded by the “I” of Jesus. Notice the thief comes / I came. The “I” provides Jesus with a smooth segue to a series of “I” statements.

• “I am the gate for the sheep” [John 10:7]
• “I am the good shepherd”
• “I know my sheep and my sheep know me”
• “I lay down my life for the sheep”
• “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen [Not the Jews in heathen lands, but Gentiles]”
• “I must bring them [other sheep] also.”
• “I have authority to lay it down [My life] and authority to take it up again.”

True Peace is in the “I” of Jesus

I am so profoundly thankful to be one of Jesus’ sheep for the “I” of Jesus came into my life and now watches over me. That is true peace and the foundation for an abundant life.

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