Sunday Sermonettes | The Four Plus One Fundamental Questions of Life

Sunday Sermonettes #065

The meaning of life can only be understood by asking questions. Surprisingly the fundamental questions of life are simple and straightforward. But the answers are deep and profound. Let us start with the curiosity-driven questions that fascinate even a young child:

Have you not at least once in your life been fascinated by countless number of stars you saw in a clear night sky? Who created all these? Who hung them in space?

And from where are we watching them all? From the surface of a ball hurtling at immense speed through dark endless space. And what is the size of this beautiful blue and white jewel called Planet Earth?

It is what Carl Sagan famously termed as the pale blue dot, a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena, the only home we’ve ever known. Standing so insignificantly small in such a small playground in space, let me challenge you to ask these five fundamental questions:

Question #1 Who Am I?

It is a question about your identity and significance. Am I just matter or is there something more? Do I really matter to others?

Question #2 Where Do I Come From?

It is a question about origin. If you are here by accident then it does not matter. But if you are here because God created you, then you have to ask yourself, “Do I belong to God?”

Question #3 Where Am I Going To?

It is a question about your destination. Is death the end of life? Or is there life beyond death? Is heaven or hell real? What if there is a final judgement? Where am I going to end up?

Question #4 Why Am I Here?

It is a question about purpose. Life has meaning when people are able to find and fulfil what they were created for. Something like an eagle soaring high in the skies.

Question #5 Who Do You Say I Am?

This question is different and unique because it is a question Jesus asked his disciples. He first of all had asked, “Who do the crowds say I am?” But he pressed on to ask “Who do you say I am?” because he is seeking your personal response.

Peter, in a divinely inspired moment, said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

When Jesus is asking, “Who Do You Say I Am?” he is giving you an opportunity to put his faith in him. And choose him above all else. It is a momentous decision which decides your direction in life and your final destiny.

Jesus is not asking for popular opinion but for your personal decision. He does not promise you plenty and riches but the way of the cross.

For from that moment on when Peter made his confession, Jesus started to explain to them his mission, the purpose for which he had come to this world— to suffer and bleed to death on the cross that you and I may find forgiveness of our sins and pass on from death to life.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels