The Real Jesus

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

"Who do men say that I am?" - Jesus
(Matthew 16:13)

In the time of Jesus' earthly ministry there were diverse opinions about who Jesus was. Some thought he was a reincarnation of John the Baptist or one of the prophets like Elijah or Jeremiah. If there was confusion then about who Jesus was, how much more today after the passing of so many years.

Many religious groups feel compelled to fit Jesus of Nazareth somewhere into their scheme of things. Jesus is a historical figure that is hard for religious philosophers to ignore, however much they may wish to. While Christians acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, muslims claim he is but a prophet of Allah since "Allah has no son". Westerners involved in Hinduism many times see Jesus as perhaps another guru of sorts - an enlightened being. Some New agers see him as a teacher of New Age doctrines. I remember someone showing me "The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ" which she was urged to read by her "spirit guide". Even Scientologists fit Jesus into their picture. One of them explained to me that Jesus was about two thirds the way up their chart showing levels of psychic development. Jesus, while not totally ignored, is fit conveniently into existing belief systems. The gospel accounts of his life are only referred to when they happen to agree with whatever religious philosophy is being pushed.

Within Christendom, there are wide variations in terms of the understanding of who Jesus is. If you take a look at the artistic depictions of Jesus in Orthodox churches, for example, you will find either a baby with a halo in the arms of the all-important Mary, or else a picture of a very stern looking man, glaring disapprovingly at sinners below. You don't see qualities like joy or love in that face as it glares down at you. Presumably these images helped to foster the notion that Jesus is unapproachable, and that it was far better and wiser to come to him indirectly via the priest, the saints or by Mary herself.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the popular conception of a "milk-and-water" Jesus. This Jesus is so "loving" and sweet that he would never judge anybody. He is all forgiving and never would say anything tough. This Jesus doesn't ask too much from anybody and is there to provide sweet comforting religious notions to those who have been traumatised by the ravages of life.

Liberal scholars involved in "The Jesus Seminar" have worked hard to cast doubt on as much of the gospel accounts as they possibly can. In fact, to get into one of these meetings you have to state at least one gospel passage the authenticity of which you doubt or disbelieve. So if you ever have the need to get into one of these meetings, I suggest you come armed with a passage from the so-called "Gospel of Thomas" - one of their favourites - which you may declare that you both doubt and disbelieve.

No one is more pleased than the devil himself when people fail to perceive who Jesus is. Satan has certainly worked hard in the religious world to throw people off the track regarding the true nature, character and purpose of Jesus Christ.

Who Does the Bible reveal Jesus to be?

The Scriptures give quite a different picture of who Christ is. Notice I say, "who Christ is", not "who Christ was". Some conservative evangelicals can give you a biblical picture of who Christ was, but then go on to explain that he no longer does what He used to do or responds to people who come to Him in the same way. The Bible however declares that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The way He reveals himself to people may be different, but who He is and what He does for people has not changed. The only thing which he no longer needs to do is to die for our sins and rise again. This happened just once and it happened "once for all" according to the writer of the Book of Hebrews. Jesus doesn't get re-sacrificed in the mass. The real Jesus is not some kind of cracker - never has been and never will be. Please see my article "The Sacramental View of Salvation" for further details on this very important topic.

Its my conviction that the Scriptures give an accurate, up-to-date picture of Jesus Christ. Only in the Book of Revelation however do we get a more complete picture of the glorious, resurrected Christ who has now conquered death and rules and reigns with the Father. Yet the gospels reveal the attitude of Jesus towards people of all kinds, towards sin, towards sickness, demons and death.

I believe Christians would do well to focus more time and thought on meditating on the character and the promises of Jesus than many other things which presently occupy our time. The more we are centred on Christ and the more we exalt Him through our lives and our communication, the better things will be.

A Summary of my theology of Who Jesus Is

Revelations of Christ that I see in the Scriptures

Jesus is authoritative. When Jesus spoke, he w

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