Near to Jesus
Key Scripture: Luke 8:2; Psalm 33:12; Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 5:9–10; Revelation 7:9–17
Big Idea: God calls us not just to survive, but to draw near to Jesus and thrive, living transformed lives through His blood, His presence, and His Word.
Summary:
God’s heart is for the nations, but every nation begins with one life. Just as God started with Abraham, He continues to build His kingdom one transformed life at a time. Psalm 33:12 reminds us that blessing and joy come to the people whose God is the Lord.
The life of Mary Magdalene shows us what it means to be near to Jesus. Once broken and bound, she was completely transformed by Him. Instead of staying in her past, she chose to follow Jesus closely, supporting His ministry, standing at the cross, going to the tomb, and waiting in the upper room. Her life demonstrates a deep desire: to be wherever Jesus is.
This same call is for us today. Nearness to Jesus requires intentional pursuit. It involves giving, staying faithful in difficult moments, waiting on God, and seeking the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through His shed blood, Jesus has redeemed us, forgiven us, and set us free. His blood reaches into every broken place and brings restoration. Because of this, we are no longer sinners defined by our past; we are saints, redeemed and called into a kingdom of priests.
Revelation gives us a powerful picture of eternity: people from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne, worshiping Jesus. This is both our future hope and our present calling—to draw near to Him and bring others with us.
But the challenge is clear: many believers are living in survival mode, just getting by spiritually. God is calling us higher. Like Mary, we are invited not just to survive—but to thrive—to grow vigorously, flourish spiritually, and live in the fullness of God’s purpose.
Even in seasons of tribulation, God promises to be near, to lead us to living water, and to wipe away every tear. There is no expiration date on His promises. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us.
Questions
1. What does it personally mean for you to be “near to Jesus”?
2. How does understanding the power of Jesus’ blood change your identity and confidence?
3. What role does the Word of God play in helping you stay close to Jesus?
Call to Action: What is one step we can take to put this into practice starting today?