This past weekend I preached on Jesus as part of my series called SOLID! I had wanted to post some thoughts earlier but life is sort of different with a 9 year old running through your house or simply being around. It seems like sometimes a never-ending buzz saw has visited. Yesterday Jo took him a 1/2 price book store (he loves to read), to lunch, then brought him to the Y where I was working out. While I finished he went to the gym and shot around some basketball then I joined him for about an hour. He beat me at two games of H-O-R-S-E. My excuse is the balky knee and bulky brace I wore. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 🙂
I thought I would just “whet your whistle” with some thoughts about who Jesus is, which I think is especially relevant as we steamroll toward Resurrection Sunday. Here goes:
- According to Jesus He is the “I Am.” The gospel of John includes seven “I AM” statements made by Jesus.
- According to Matthew Jesus is “the Christ.” Check out Matthew 16: 13-19 (especially verse 16). Matthew’s primary audience was Jewish so he spent the bulk of his gospel presenting Jesus as Messiah.
- According to Mark Jesus is “the Son of God.” He states that in 1:1 and spend the book declaring it to be true. Son of God refers to special intimacy with God, His Father.
- According to Luke Jesus is “the Servant of the Lord.” In both of Luke’s writings (Luke and Acts) he portrays Jesus as pouring out His life for others.
- According to John Jesus is “the Word.” He declares that in verse 1 and his book focuses on that truth.
- According to Paul Jesus is “Lord.” I became ultra aware during my study of Saul’s reaction on the road to Damascus when he was confronted by Jesus. His question? “Who are you Lord?” Phil.2 states that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus has many names and is seen in many different ways in the Scripture. The question will not be what does everyone else think. The question will be “who do you think He is?” Your answer?
Not just the way, not just truth but life itself… that’s my King!
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Totally agree Jay.
I think he was a rather radical rabbi upset with the Roman control of the Jews. While almost nothing was written contemporaneously he became a legend . As such there were stories based on myth and old tales. As they were mostly written by his fans they no doubt were skewed to present a larger than life figure. The Church of
Rome then expanded upon the legend to create a business model that still thrives today with many various offshoots each trying to capture a piece of the pie.
That’s who I think he was.
And, of course, i disagree vehemently (but lovingly).
I know that you don’t disagree that that is who I think he was. You just think he was something else. And of course I would be interested in any evidence to contradict what I think. I am open minded about it.
Though I can’t argue that the documented accounts were mostly written after Jesus’ ascension… I would argue that those that chose to follow Jesus grew.
I would argue that those who faced persecution during the early church would have definitely had little to personally gain by following Jesus’ example.
They must have believed what they had experienced was real as it would take a number of fools to follow someone in whom you did not trust.
I can’t argue with the manipulation and deceit that occurred throughout history and even in the present day with those who claim to be Christ followers, but do so for personal gain.
There will always be those that try to manipulate for personal gain…
Please don’t discount Jesus, His purpose or His ideals based on those who impersonate.
Jesus is my Savior!
Blessings, Bill!
That’s a good one Martha.
Well, I just don’t think I know who He is, I know who He is. He is God in the Flesh, His only Son who willingly came to earth to die for the sins of the world. Jay said it well.
Love the assurance Betty.
I stand with Peter and proclaim, “You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!” And that statement, that belief, that Truth has changed everything in my life, both now and forever!!
GOD BLESS!
I take that same stand Sharon.
He is the Alpha and Omega!
True
And this you wrote and it made me smile –>’a never-ending buzz saw has visited.’
Sometimes I get this … times 6!
Joy comes in all shapes and sizes, doesn’t it, Bill.
Because He is risen indeed …
Times 6? WOW!!! I’d be ready for the funny farm. 🙂 Definitely agree with you on the shapes and sizes comment.
He is the Christ; the Messiah sent from the Father to be sacrificed as the only perfect sacrifice to atone for all sin permanently for all who believe and He sits at the right hand of God and will come again one day to redeem His own and judge.
Great analogy of your grandson… I really thought he’s have to hit double digits in years before he beat you at horse…
By the way, I’ll be finding out about this new part of life that you referred to around June tenth of this year.
Thanks Floyd. I agree totally of Him being the Messiah. Without Him we have and are nothing. Congrats on that new venture. You will find out how absolutely stunning it is. 🙂