About 2,000 years ago a Jewish carpenter named Jesus lived in an obscure village in Palestine. How did this man become the most well-known figure in human history? Since he walked the earth there has been controversy about his identity. He has been called a good man, a wise teacher, a miracle worker, a rule-giver, a rebel, a glutton and a drunk. Warriors and pacifists both look to him for inspiration. Why such diversity in the opinions about this man? Who is he really?
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will not hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (Jn 6.35) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8.12) “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life in all its fullness.” (Jn 10.9) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10.11) “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me…” (Jn 11.25-26a) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14.6) Finally, Jesus turns to each of us and says, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16.15)
An excerpt from Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae (first century A.D.): “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister” (Col 1.15-23).
Have you got him figured out? We’d like to share more with you about how Jesus rescues from the punishment of sin, fulfills the deepest desires of the human heart, removes guilt and shame, gives power to change, and creates a community of people who experience his grace, power, and love through turning from their own way and trusting in him. Want to know more?
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Video Credit: North American Mission Board