The Wheel Illustration (Part 1)

While in college many years ago, I learned about Dawson Trotman’s Wheel Illustration, which he created in the 1930s. It has become an important tool in the Navigators Ministry. It’s a simple framework for understanding some basic aspects of the Christian life. This is helpful for new believers who want some initial guidance about what it means to follow Jesus. And a helpful reminder for the spiritually mature who continually build upon the biblical basics.

The Wheel Illustration begins with the hub of the wheel at the center. And this hub represents Jesus. Jesus should be the center of our lives. This coincides with Pastor Brian's sermon at our graduation service last Sunday. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The centrality that Jesus places upon Himself is staggering. But what about the Father and the Spirit? Aren’t they part of the Trinity? Yes. And while they operate powerfully in our lives, it should be noted that Scripture reveals an asymmetric emphasis on Jesus. Scripture teaches a Christ-centeredness. In fact, Jesus declares that all of Scripture points to Himself (Luke 24:27, 44). In God’s plans of redemption, Jesus is the object of our faith. We trust in Him. And as we walk with Him, we fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

So the Wheel Illustration reminds us of the centrality of Jesus. He is our Lord and Savior. According to the gospel, He is the object of faith in whom we trust. Therefore, let us deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus, for He is the way and the truth and the life. Amen!