By David Faust
An old copy of Life magazine featured an artist’s rendition of Jesus’ face on the cover along with this question in all caps: WHO WAS HE? The subtitle said, “Solving the Mystery of Jesus and Why It Matters Today.”
The magazine seemed like an appropriate illustration for my sermon on the Sunday before Christmas, so I showed it to the congregation as I began my message.
What Others Say About Him
Why does a Jewish carpenter who walked the earth 2,000 years ago continue to stir so much conversation? Even unbelievers find Jesus difficult to ignore.
The Life magazine article quoted a variety of scholars and theologians, some of whom made odd, misinformed assertions about Jesus. Despite indisputable evidence, atheist Jon Murray acidly stated, “There was no such person in the history of the world as Jesus Christ. There was no historical, living, breathing, sentient human being by that name. Ever. [The Bible] is a fictional, nonhistorical narrative. The myth is good for business.” An English professor from Dartmouth claimed, “I don’t think we know who Jesus was,” and dismissed the four Gospels, insisting they “were written for political purposes—to convert people.”
By contrast, I believe the testimony of a first-century physician with a strong track record of historical accuracy. According to Dr. Luke, when Jesus asked what others thought about him, the disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life” (Luke 9:18-19). Unsatisfied with the crowd’s opinions, Jesus sought his friends’ point-of-view. “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” (v. 20). Our answer to that question not only says something about Jesus; it shapes our own identity and destiny.
What He Says About Us
Encounters with Jesus change people. He turns guilty sinners into growing saints. He calls former enemies to be his friends, apprentices, and coworkers. He invites us to be brothers and sisters—coheirs in God’s household.
The devil changes people, too—but for the worse. Satan fans the flames of division, trying to convince people that the Bible can’t be trusted, creation and salvation are myths, and ethical principles are constantly shifting and relative.
In the first century, uncrossable social barriers and longstanding bitterness separated Jews from Gentiles, uncivilized barbarians from cultured philosophers. Christ stepped into this torn-apart world and tore down “the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14-18). We find our true identity—and our unity—in him (see Galatians 3:26-28).
What Will We Say About Him?
We must keep talking about Jesus because the world still desperately needs him.
Isaiah called Jesus Christ the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). God the Father proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). Simon Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The apostle Paul’s skepticism and antipathy melted away once he was convinced Jesus “was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).
Walking onstage to begin my Christmas sermon, I realized the copy of Life magazine I held in my hand answered its own question. The cover asked, “Who Was He?” The answer will always be, “He is the way, the truth, and the LIFE!”
Personal Challenge:
Discuss the following questions with a trusted friend or with your small group: What do we really believe about Jesus Christ? How can we keep Christ central in our minds—not only during the Christmas season, but all year round?
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