Sometimes I have to ask myself the same question we will answer this Sunday. Who is Jesus? More importantly, who is Jesus to me? I know I run the risk of creating a postmodern Christ by asking this question, but the reality is that I must be able to answer this question for myself before I can explain Him to someone else.
As we spoke this evening and I retorted that it was several years after my conversion experience before I really saw Jesus as God. It may come as a surprise to many, but we are not inbred with all biblical understanding when we are born again. Understanding takes time for each human. Furthermore, we all learn at different rates of speed. So don't take for granted our students are where we are spiritually. As a matter of fact, don't take for granted where you are spiritually. I have found when I gain understanding there is so much more to understand being opened before me.
But let's get back to the primary question, Who is Jesus? The easy answer is that He is God. And many religions would agree with my statement. Certainly the Hindus would have no trouble with this statement. As a matter of fact, any religion who accepts man is a god would have no trouble with my statement. The difference between what I believe about Jesus and what other religions believe about Jesus is His uniqueness. He is unique among all persons who have walked this earth. He claimed to be the only path to God. How audacious a statement this would be if it were not true. Only a man who is not in full control of his mind could make such a statement and believe it was true. That, or he was lying to his followers. Either He is who he says he is, or He is a liar, or He is a lunatic. Now, before you proclaim me a genius for stating this argument, let me tell you it was CS Lewis who first articulated this line of reasoning. The fact is Jesus must fall into one of these three categories. Which leads us to a scary thought: What if He is who He claimed to be?
If He is God in human flesh then we are faced with a problem - What do we do with Him? This in my mind will be the pivotal question on Sunday. Be ready to help guide a discussion on this level. Begin answering this question for yourself, then you will be able to help others answer the question.
Blessings,
Chuck
2 comments:
I know for me it is difficult to understand how the statement "Jesus is God" can be disputed until I remember that not everyone grew up in a home where this was taught. Some were raised in homes where god is money, possesions, sex, achievement or any other of a number of things the world seeks.
It is important that we understand our faith. From where it comes, why we have it, in what it is based, not just, "I believe because of faith." Understanding "who is Jesus" is foundational to my faith.
In reading the material for this Sunday, I notice Gumbel does not mention The Resurrection with "Why Jesus Had To Die". This would be important since that theology is imperative to our faith.
Aug.27,2007
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