Rediscovering the Real Message of Jesus
Have you ever wondered what happened to the original message of the gospel? Around 2019, I started asking myself this question, and it’s been on my mind ever since. Over the years, I’ve looked at how this question impacts the church, how we share our faith, and how we live our lives. Let’s take a step back and look at what the gospel really is—and why it still matters so much today.
What Did Jesus Really Say?
When Jesus first sent out his twelve disciples, his instructions were pretty clear: “Go to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (See Matthew 10:5-8)
Later, after his resurrection, Jesus expanded the mission to everyone. In what’s called the Great Commission, he told his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Why would Jesus leave the beauty and perfection of heaven to come to a messy, broken world? The answer is crucial. Jesus didn’t come just to teach or perform miracles—he came to rescue us from a future judgment and to bring us back into a relationship with God.
The Real Reason Jesus Came
The Bible is pretty straightforward about why Jesus came:
· He came not to condemn, but to save the world (John 3:17).
· He came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10).
· He came to call sinners to turn their lives around (Luke 5:32).
· He came to willingly lay down his life for us (John 10:17-18).
· He came to serve, not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
In short, Jesus came because we needed saving—every one of us.
What Happened to the Gospel Message?
Over time, the simple, powerful message of the gospel has often been distorted or replaced by other focuses in the church. This isn’t new. Even the Apostle Paul was amazed at how quickly people were drawn away from the true gospel. In his letter to the Galatians, he wrote, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
Paul also warned the Corinthians about people preaching “another Jesus” or a “different gospel,” and told them not to put up with it (2 Corinthians 11:4). The point? We can’t afford to let the real message get lost or watered down.
So, What IS the Gospel?
At its core, the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The word “power” here comes from the Greek word “dunamis,” which means miraculous, life-changing power. The gospel isn’t just a set of beliefs or traditions—it’s a force that can completely transform a person’s life.
The gospel is about salvation—God rescuing us, not because we deserve it, but because of his love and grace. It’s not about how good we are or what we can do for God. It’s all about what Jesus did for us, and the righteousness (right standing with God) we receive through faith in him.
Living Out the Gospel
The gospel doesn’t stop at our moment of belief. It’s not just a ticket to heaven. It’s the ongoing power that changes us, helps us grow, and keeps us close to God every day. Faith isn’t just the starting point—it’s the whole journey, from beginning to end. We’re forgiven, made new, and called to live in a way that reflects what Jesus has done for us.
And because the gospel is such good news, we shouldn’t be ashamed to share it. There’s a world out there that needs hope, healing, and freedom—and the message of Jesus is what brings all that and more.
A Call to Go Deeper
If you find yourself hungry for something real, don’t settle for a watered-down version of faith. The Bible says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Go back to the basics. Dig into the message of Jesus for yourself. Let the gospel change you from the inside out—and don’t be afraid to share it with others.
Conclusion
Whatever happened to the gospel? It’s still right here—powerful, life-changing, and true. Let’s not lose sight of it. Instead, let’s rediscover the simplicity and strength of Jesus’ message, live it out, and share it with a world that desperately needs it.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 