I have hear a lot of different explanations about who Jesus was. A majority of the people that I get the chance to discuss this matter with agree that Jesus was a real person. In fact, so many people believe that this person exsisted time was split in two by him, B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Ano Domini Latin: The Year of the Lord)
So most would conclude from historical records, and personal testimony that Jesus was a real person, not like Santa or the Easter Bunny. Then who was he? Some religions such as Islam believe he was a prophet, in other words one who is sent by God. Many scholars and intellects conclude he was a good person with good teachings. But who does Jesus say that he is?
For the answer to that question I find myself in the Gospel of John. In this book of the New Testament Jesus makes some pretty bold statements about himself.
I am the Bread of Life (6:35)
I am the Light of the World (8:12)
I am the Good Shepard (10:11)
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved (10:9)
I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (14:6)
I am the true vine (15:1)
As Josh McDowell so brilliantly entitles the second chapter of his book "More Than a Carpenter," Jesus was either a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord. In other words Jesus was who he said he was, God, or he was crazy.
On a personal note, anyone who knows me, knows that I am not one for lofty arguments, or logical debates that explain people into converting to Christianity. Concluding who Jesus is, and accepting him as Lord and Savior, is something that has to happen supernaturally in your heart. I could never explain you into that, someone would just come along and explain you out of it. So don't take my word for it, look into it for yourself, seek out who God is.
Amazon.com: More Than a Carpenter: Books: Josh McDowell
Amazon.com: Mere Christianity: Books: C. S. Lewis
Friday, January 11, 2008
Jesus: Good Man, Prohet, God?
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6 comments:
On the other hand, if you look in Matthew, Mark and Luke, which were written much earlier than John, you don't find Jesus making those kinds of statements. I find it hard to be sure that those passages reflect who Jesus said he was rather than who John said Jesus was.
Vinny,
Thanks for the comment. I can see that you are very intelligent and thoughtful from your comment, and your blog.
Two Things:
There is an encounter that Jesus has with Peter, in which Peter is asked who he thinks Jesus is. Peter reveals his feelings, stating that he is the Christ (Matthew 16, Mark 8, and Luke 9) Now I know that this is not Jesus stating this, however he affirms the answer.
I also closed my Blog by stating that it's not up to logic or an argument to 'convert' people. I believe that God is real, and his Spirit is real, so I trust in Him to do this. If God were explainable that would be a natural phenomenon. I believe God to be a supernatural being.
Chris
PS Thank goodness it is not up to me, because that would never work.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke don't report Jesus making the kind of statements that would force the Lord, Lunatic, or Liar choice. If you find yourself in those books, you could easily conclude that it is reasonable to think of him as a "good man" or "prophet."
Vinny,
I appreciate your interest in my Blog. Actually you are the only one that has commented on it since I have be trying to write in it more often.
Here is what I know, I was once a very different person, until I had an encounter with God, and since that point my life has been changed.
To respond to your statement, I wasn't writing about the three other Gospels. I was writing about John, which is one of the four accounts of Jesus in the Bible.
I am not sure what you are looking for here. We obviously have conflicting world views, and disagree on the validity of the Bible. I am not sure there is anything I could write to make you agree with me, and quite frankly, I am OK with that.
Much Love,
Chris
@Vinny - Regardless what book in Bible you quote from... the matter is at what level do you uphold the authority of the Bible?
If you don't believe the Bible is infallible, then sure, you can pick and choose at will... but if you believe the Bible is infallible, then it doesn't matter what book you pull from because it's all talking about the same Person.
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