"Up to now you have made no request in my name: do so, and it will be answered, so that your hearts may be full of joy.”— John 16:24 When most people think of Jesus, the dominant image often revolves around sacrifice, suffering, and the burden of sin. This traditional Christian narrative paints Jesus primarily as the one who takes on human guilt and pain to redeem us — a heavy, negative image that can subconsciously shape how we experience spirituality and ourselves. The Common Christian View: Sacrifice and Sin The emphasis on Jesus’ crucifixion and atonement can create mental pictures of pain, loss, and “sin” as something shameful and dark. While these themes are powerful, they sometimes fix the mind on struggle, guilt, and the need to atone or suffer for forgiveness. This can limit the believer’s sense of joy, freedom, and creative power. John the Baptist: The Threshold of Limited Imagination Just before Jesus begins his ministry of abundant healing and joyful manifestation , ...