An Interview with Jesus Christ on Bouncing Back From Life’s Setbacks

Before you read my interview with Jesus Christ, let me share how it all transpired.

We were working on an issue with the theme “bouncing back from life’s setbacks”. I was thinking about how each of us goes through life’s ups and downs, travels through its peaks and valleys, experiences its crests and troughs. Sometimes, when the circumstances seem overwhelming, we tend to give up. Then we hear stories of people who have beaten all odds and triumphed over the severest challenges. Such people have always inspired us.

A common thread that binds all great individuals—from Mahavira and Buddha to Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi—is the belief that whatever they were doing, everyone else could do too. Another similarity is that the odds were always stacked against them. But they didn’t let anything or anyone discourage them from following their chosen path.

One such enlightened individual was Jesus Christ.

During his lifetime, he had few with him and thousands against him. Yet, that didn’t dissuade him. So much so that he used even his crucifixion and death to teach us valuable lessons by coming back to life.

A theme on bouncing back would be incomplete without lessons from Jesus, I thought. So I decided to seek him. One thing I was sure of — whenever I seek Jesus’s guidance, I will most certainly receive it. What was surprising was that when I decided to sit down and pose questions to him, instead of feeling the anxiety that usually precedes an interview with a ‘celebrity’, I felt a rare certainty. Somehow, I was confident that I will receive answers to all my questions.

What followed was an experience I cannot describe. In less time than it takes to draft questions, I finished the entire interview. All I can say is that it was divine grace at work. The rest, I think, you will experience yourself after reading the interview. May I suggest that to put this interview with Jesus Christ in perspective, think of Jesus as your own innermost wisdom?

An Interview with Jesus Christ

Guidance is always available

Manoj Khatri: The world is reeling under its own weight. There is confusion, anxiety, and frustration all around. In these times of gloom, when feelings of joy and fulfillment seem ever so illusive, we reach unto you to help us, guide us towards making the right choices and living a happier life. You have, time and again, given us your message. Please bless us yet again.

Jesus Christ: I have said before and I say again, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

You only have to seek me and I will be there. Because where do I live, but in you? I manifest myself every moment—in every breath you take. All you need to do is listen when I speak, and follow my advice. So ask me whatever you wish, and then listen carefully to what I say.

Where are you seeking God?

Why don’t we listen to you always? Why can’t we hear you?

Jesus Christ: Because you look for me outside—in the physical world—but I am within you. And I speak to you through your heart. I once said to you, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Keep this in mind and cultivate the ability to listen to your heart. Then, you will never feel my absence.

Treat failure as a stepping stone

Life is a series of setbacks. How should we deal with our failures?

Jesus Christ: First things first. Do not condemn failures, for without them your life would become monotonous and you would not know how great you truly are. Failures are part of God’s grand plan with the objective of helping you realize how glorious each one of you is. Therefore, treat every failure you encounter as an opportunity for your spirit to emerge victorious and to experience the glory of God. Troubles are inherent, but you must act from the position of courage, just like I did. “In the world you will have trouble but take courage for I have conquered the world.”

Follow my life. My own life is the ultimate example of coming back after severe setbacks. I came back to demonstrate the triumph of my spirit and I say to you that the same spirit is in you that is in me. Every time you fail, it is like dying to be born again. Have I not said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again”?

Related » Becoming super resilient — Learn how to emerge stronger from any crisis

Stay present; discard your worries

Why is it so difficult to be courageous?

Jesus Christ: Because you tend to live in the future, worrying about troubles that don’t exist today. This mind-set, of always worrying about the future, weakens you. If you invest all your energies in the present moment, you will find that you have the courage to deal with all your problems.

As you live in the present moment, you will be able to enjoy your life, including the challenges and the setbacks. Each day brings new challenges and new opportunities. View your difficulties as if they were serving a purpose. And remember, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Doubt cripples; cultivate faith

Some challenges look insurmountable. As humans we feel limited by our capacities.

Jesus Christ: As humans you are the blessed ones. How can you be limited in your capacities when you have God residing in you? Remember, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do…” So whatever I did, you can do too. That’s because God resides in you just as He lives in me. Once you realize this, then you will have the power to conquer every possible challenge.

You can access this force anytime you wish. But beware—you can do so only with an absence of doubt. If you have faith, no task will be impossible to you. I have said, “Even with faith as tiny as a mustard seed, you will be able to move mountains.”

Related » What’s The Point of Struggle?

Realize that the kingdom of God is within

Getting rid of doubts seems impossible especially when everything seems completely hopeless. In such a scenario, pray tell us how can we have total faith?

Jesus Christ: Faith is not possible if you use your mind. You have to transcend your mind and become like children for they are the truest reflection of God. For, “Unless you get transformed and become like children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” When I say be like children, I mean you must remain innocent and pure in heart and retain a spirit of resilience. Because of their pure hearts, children lack the ability to doubt. This is why they never give up. Have you seen a child who tries to walk on his feet the first time? He walks a few steps and falls. He may cry temporarily but soon enough he’s back at his attempts to walk. And he doesn’t relent till he achieves his goal. So, be like children and learn to accept a setback in stride. In time, you will begin to walk again.

And this Kingdom of Heaven I refer to is not a place you must find. It’s a realization that happens in you. Just remember an eternal truth, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” If you remember just this much, you will know that there is nothing to conquer except yourself. Then all setbacks in life will seem like opportunities in disguise—because they are.

I am always walking beside you

Thank you for this enlightening interview Master; we are truly blessed with your presence and your guidance. Before you end this divine dialogue, can you leave us with one expression, one thought that will remain with us, and remind us of your teachings?

Jesus Christ: If only you knew that I walk beside you, at all times, would you fear anything? So remember, “I am with you always, until the very end of time.”

Note to readers

You, too, can have an interview with Jesus Christ or any other divine being you have faith in— Krishna, Muhammad, Zarathustra, Guru Nanak, YHWH. Just relax deeply, put forth a question and wait for the answer from your innermost voice.

This interview originally appeared in the June 2009 issue of Complete Wellbeing magazine.