Unlike my methodical husband, I enjoy exploring unknown roads. Some streets simply look inviting, and my curiosity gets the best of me. I follow a “hunch” rather than a map. Sometimes I arrive at my desired destination, and other times I must backtrack and end up following the traditional route.
Although it may look as if I’m meandering aimlessly, I’m not. I’m goal-oriented. But I consider each of these mini-excursions a fun learning experience, as I discover previously unknown back roads or shortcuts.
In case you’re thinking this might turn into an “all roads lead to heaven” message, don’t worry! The Bible emphatically states that there is only one way to God–through Jesus. Scripture makes this clear:
John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (NIV)
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Nevertheless, people in the Gospels used various methods to get to Jesus. He was the goal! And Jesus received them regardless of how they reached Him.
The woman with the issue of blood strained through a crowd to touch the edge of His garment (Luke 8:43-48). Zacchaeus climbed a tree (Luke 19:1-10). Many simply yelled His name as He walked down the street.
Perhaps the most unusual story comes from Mark 2. The friends of a very sick man knew his only answer was to see Jesus and they used an unconventional method to help him.
Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:4-5
Each of these people reached their common goal of capturing Jesus’s attention. He didn’t berate them for not following a more traditional route. Instead He admired those who, in faith, took risks to reach Him.
And Jesus compassionately met their requests without regard to the circumstances, recognizing they each had a need. He granted their individual desires with love, forgiveness, and healing.
He’ll do the same for anyone who seeks Him today, knowing that we all need Him. He’s the same loving Savior now as He was then (Hebrews 13:8). Never fear approaching Jesus. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 
