In Luke 9, we read about a time that Jesus had gone off to pray - away from the crowds - with only his disciples around him. He asked his companions: "Who do the people say that I am?" All of the answers indicated that the people basically believed he was a reincarnation of a prophet who had died: John the Baptist, Elijah, or another ancient prophet.
Then Jesus asked them: "Who do you say that I am?" This was essentially his way of indicating that the crowds had it wrong - and that he expected his disciples to get it right. And Peter did... He said to Jesus: "You are the Christ (the Messiah) of God."
While Luke leaves it at that - and does not make any further comments - I believe that this question is still applicable to today - that we are still faced with that same question: Who do we say that Jesus is? Do we believe some in the world - who claim that he was merely a Good Teacher? Do we believe others who say that he was Misguided? Do we believe that he is simply a Figment of Ancient Imagination - possibly based on a real person - but not who the gospels present him to be? Each of these - and more - are reactions to Jesus that exist in our world.
But who do we say that he is? Who do you say that he is?
During this Advent season, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, it's a good time to ask ourselves again: Who do we say that Jesus is - and what are we going to do about it?
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2 comments:
Jesus said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). For those who may wish to ponder the implications of your question, I would suggest that we not overlook the profound ramification of what Jesus meant. I say this because I believe many people try to separate the love of Jesus Christ (as largely expressed in the NT - excepting the book of Revelation) from the wrath, or judgment of Almighty God (as largely expressed in the OT). This generalized categorization of these two Testaments is, of course, not intended to be an absolute. It is simply that I believe many view the old covenant of Mosaic law as not much more than a strict system of obedience, or lack thereof, and punishment. Conversely, they tend to view the new covenant of Grace to be filled with such a great amount of love that little or no obedience is required. The responsibility for this latter belief can probably be laid upon those churches that now preach an allegory which liberalizes the Truth to pacify those who want to think themselves “religious” without the necessity of repentance and a change of lifestyle.
The fact of the matter is, given my understanding of the Bible, that God is both. And since He and His Son are One, logic dictates that the Son is also a Lord of both love and judgment. “For the Father [judges] no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father” (John 5:22-23). Jesus also said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). And Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:10, as believers, “...we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Non-believers, of course, will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 21:11-15). I will note here, for those who may not understand the difference, that neither the Judgment Seat of Christ nor the Great White Throne Judgment is to determine one’s eternal destiny. Our individual, eternal destination is determined is this life by our individual decisions and actions. Upon our death, our fate is sealed. Our judgment, depending upon which we appear before, is solely for the purpose of determining either rewards (Judgment Seat of Christ) or punishments (Great White Throne).
As we enter this joyous season, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us not forget that the infant we portray as a small, helpless babe as since grown, suffered, died, and now sits at the right hand of God. And, as Paul tells us, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11). “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). At which judgment we are to give such an account is entirely up to each of us. “Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7).
Rob - thanks for your comments. I agree that the judgement of God is present in both the Old and New Testaments - just as the Love and Grace of God appear in both as well.
I also fully agree that picturing Jesus simply as a baby in a manger will not adequately portray him.
Thanks again.
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