This message explores the concept of "the best life" as presented in John's Gospel, which the speaker summarizes as being about "life." The speaker notes that a simple Google search for "how to live your best life" yields good suggestions, but they are missing "with Jesus." The best life is described as an abundant life, a life to the full, as mentioned in John 10:10. The cross is presented as the entry point to this best life, where one finds life in death, exchanging a dead life for a new life in Jesus.
The sermon emphasizes that the cross was always God's plan, not an afterthought. This is illustrated by the Passover tradition where blood was placed on the sides and top of the door, forming a cross shape. Jesus is identified as the final Passover lamb, as John the Baptist called him "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus's declaration "it is finished" (John 19:30) signifies that God's redemption plan is complete and sin has been paid for.
The application for living the best life is drawn from the book of Colossians. The speaker encourages reading Colossians to understand what a new life in Christ looks like, specifically referencing Colossians 2:6-7 about being rooted, built up, and established in faith, abounding in thanksgiving. The best life is characterized as life *with* Jesus, not just *for* Jesus, involving an interactive relationship. It is also a debt-free life, as sin's legal demands were canceled and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). The speaker clarifies that this means our sin was put on Jesus, not just a record of debt. Finally, the best life is described as chasing "forever things," setting minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), and living as a resurrected people today.
