Jesus: The One and Only

P.S JACQUI BROWN | MAY 10, 2026

Only Jesus can change hearts. Only Jesus can refresh a soul and bring new life. Throughout history, people have looked to leaders and teachers for answers, just as they did with Peter. As he walked among the crowds, they would pull at him, asking for things, begging for a teaching or a gift. But Peter knew he had nothing of his own to offer that could truly save. He would say, “All I can give you is Jesus.” He understood that he was empty-handed without the Savior.  

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6)  

Jesus is the only one who can transform and change a human life. It is only His words that carry that power. As we see in the scriptures, salvation is found in no one else.  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)  

The Living Word: Jesus on Every Page

Jesus is not just a character who appears halfway through the story; He is on every single page of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is filled with shadows and promises that find their perfect fulfillment in the New Testament. It is truly incredible to realize that thousands of years before Jesus was born, the scriptures were already pointing toward Him. This supernatural connection—where ancient prophecies meet modern grace—is exactly why we say the Bible is the active, living word of God. It isn't a static history book; it is a breathing narrative where the beginning and the end are tied together by 63,779 cross-references.  

Many of us struggle with how to read the Bible. We often find ourselves feeling bored, tired, or even falling asleep while reading. If that is happening to you, don't be discouraged—it’s actually quite normal when you are treating the Bible like a regular book. If you read it only for information or as a chore, the heart remains unmoved. However, words are the audible revelation of the heart. To love the Lord is to listen to His words. When you start to look for Jesus in every chapter, the "hollow" feeling disappears, and the text becomes alive.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)  

Shadows and Symbols

Think of the road to Emmaus, where Jesus walked with two disciples after the resurrection. He took them on a journey through the Old Testament, revealing Himself through the word of God. He showed them how the ancient laws and stories were actually pointing to His own life and sacrifice.  

Consider Abraham and Isaac. When Abraham led his son up the mountain for a sacrifice, Isaac carried the wood on his back. This is a direct parallel to Jesus carrying the wooden cross up to Golgotha. When Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham prophesied that God would provide. Then, a ram was caught in the thicket. This was the substitute sacrifice for humanity, a beautiful picture of the "One and Only" Son who would eventually take our place.  

We see this again at the Transfiguration. Moses had spent his whole journey wanting to see the glory of God, and thousands of years later, he and Elijah stood on a mountain with Jesus. Moses finally saw the radiant glory of God’s face. What he had prayed for and desired finally happened right there in the presence of Christ.  

The Thread of the Invitation: From Melchizedek to the Upper Room

God often uses prophetic symbols to weave His character into the fabric of history. A lamb speaks of sacrifice; bread of life; water of cleansing; and fire of the Holy Spirit’s purification. These aren't just metaphors. They are threads that tie the biblical narrative into one cohesive story of redemption.

The Mystery of the Priest King

This story takes a fascinating turn in Genesis 14, where we encounter a mysterious figure named Melchizedek. In the biblical world, his dual role was a radical anomaly: he was both a King and a Priest. Ordinarily, these roles were strictly separated, with kings descending from the line of David and priests from the tribe of Levi.

Yet, Melchizedek stands alone. As Hebrews 7:1–3 explains:

"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High... First, the name Melchizedek means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever."

A Shadow of Things to Come

When Melchizedek met Abraham, he didn't just offer a blessing; he brought out bread and wine. This is the first time these two elements appear together in Scripture, serving as a profound foreshadowing of the Last Supper.

Thousands of years later, Jesus, our eternal Priest and King, would pick up those same elements. John 13:1 sets the stage for this ultimate fulfillment:

"It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."

The Open Table

The transition from Melchizedek’s desert blessing to Jesus’ Upper Room reveals a heart of relentless pursuit. Even though Jesus knew He would be doubted, denied, and betrayed, He still invited His followers to the table. By stooping to the lowest point to wash the disciples' feet, He showed that His kingdom is defined by service and welcome.

From the bread of Melchizedek to the cup of the New Covenant, the message remains the same: God’s heart is an open invitation. The very last words of Scripture call out to us:

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17)

Jesus is the one and only. He has gone to the deepest sacrifice for us, and He is happy that you are here in His presence. Thank God that He invites us to the table and is interested in building a deep, lasting relationship with us.

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