Who Is This Jesus, Anyway?

We are entering this important season of the year when many merchants selling everything from greeting cards to expensive cognac, capitalize on the popularity of the historical person Jesus of Nazareth. The great story and many powerful songs about the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus have captured the hearts of men, women and children for many centuries. But -- How is it possible that someone born in such an insignificant town, and in such an insignificant country of the world, could draw so much attention and even devoted affection?

People of faith follow Jesus as the long awaited Messiah to the people of Israel, and Christ, Savior and Lord to all people of the world. When we think about Jesus, we come to understand that He is so much more than we can express with our tongue or pen. We want to sing King of Kings, Lord of Lords with the great Handel's chorus about our wonderful Savior and Friend!

The Bible reveals everything we need to know about Jesus in order to have faith, so that we can inherit the eternal home Jesus is preparing for the faithful. What did Jesus say about himself?

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." (John 11:25 NIV) Jesus spoke this to a disciple named Martha who was distressed over the death of their friend Lazarus. We can visit our local cemetery and think about loved ones or acquaintances that have already died. Rather than weep for them, we can have positive assurance that they will live again if they were people who lived with faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is resurrection and life! Believe it and receive it. As far as I know, this powerful statement by Christ about Himself has never been spoken by another person. Who would invent such a statement unless it was absolutely true?

Jesus is the gate and the way to eternal paradise. "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:9a NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way," (John 14:6a NIV)

Jesus is here speaking about himself in the allegory of the shepherd. In that part of the world shepherds go in front of the sheep and lead them to their pasture or inside the gate of safety. When we think about the comforting words of the 23rd Psalm, we have a picture of Jesus as the great shepherd of our souls leading us through this world of darkness and treachery to our eternal paradise where we will never die.

Jesus is King, and deserves to be honored as King by all people of the world! "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37 NIV) When Jesus spoke about His kingdom while on trial before Pilate, this caused Pilate to quiz Jesus strongly with an incredulous voice. As if to say, I am king, how can you say you are a king! Jesus was always careful to explain that he did not come to establish an earthly kingdom in competition to Caesar. Jesus repeatedly speaks about the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven. We who are following Christ as Lord understand that He is our King in the heavenly and spiritual sense, and at the same time the great lawgiver for all mankind. Jesus is King to those who accept him. He rules over those who voluntarily seek to be his subjects.

Jesus is truth. Jesus answered "I am .. the truth..." (John 14:6b NIV) This is one of the most awesome statements made by Jesus! When we consider all the wonders of our created material world, we know that we could never say we know all truth. Who could make such a statement except the Creator? Only God knows everything that is hidden inside the tiny world of molecules, or the black dark matter that scientists now say makes up 95% of our universe. Only the one who is absolutely the source of all truth can make such a claim about himself. Did you ever hear of Plato, Aristotle, Mohammed, or any other make such a statement? Is this an arrogant statement by Christ? Not at all, it is simply an answer to those seeking the truth. To those who are truly seeking to know the truth, they deserve to know where the truth is located. Jesus is making it known that he is equal to God, and therefore is the prime source of true answers to the most important questions for mankind.

If it were possible to invent a new little "blue pill" that would make a person live forever, we know it would quickly be the best selling item in the world, and would cause wars over possession of such a product. When Jesus makes these claims about Himself to us, it is for our benefit. We can look to Christ Jesus and find the answers to the greatest question me of all the ages. If a man dies – will he live again? Jesus makes it plainly know to us that when we die we can truly live again by having faith in Him today.

Jesus is Master and Lord. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am." (John 13:13 NIV) The humble and loving attitude of our great and holy Teacher is shown throughout the Gospels. We willingly follow this great Teacher because we see the perfect nature of a sinless life. We know that this great and yet humble teacher has true advice for us whether we are raising children, running a business, or operating a farm. Follow Jesus today in every aspect of your life and you will also have the hope of eternal paradise. Only a honest and humble spirit will yield to another human being as Lord. Humble yourself today and receive Jesus as Lord of your life and Shepherd of your soul. You will never regret the day you decided to follow Jesus.

If you have never accepted the amazing salvation that is offered to you by the gift of God's love, then why not make that choice today. Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by confessing that faith, repenting of your sins, and obeying the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ which meets at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Please write to me with any questions or comments at P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or dgbinkley@aol.com. Or you may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.