Who is Jesus?
Answering this question is quite possibly the most important thing that we will ever do. Everything, in this life and the next, depends on how we respond to this question.
It would seem that most people have a particular view or interpretation of who Jesus is. Some see Him as just a good role model I or a great teacher. Still others see Jesus as a mystic or a political revolutionary or a social activist.
The main source of reliable information about who Jesus is and why he came to earth is found in the Bible and, more specifically, in a collection of books that are known as the Gospels. The Gospels tell us, very clearly, that Jesus was not just a man but was in fact God in human form.
Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God who came to earth and lived his life as a sinless man. In dying on a cross, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all of humanity. Not only do the Gospels tell us about Jesus’ life and death, they also tell us about an event that changed everything for all time. That was the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
His resurrection from the grave after three days was a clear demonstration of His power and victory over sin, death and hell. Jesus appeared to His followers after His Resurrection from the grave and entrusted them with a mission to go into the entire world with the Good News of what He had accomplished for all of humanity. Jesus then ascended into Heaven and the world now waits for His return to the earth as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
Our Response to Jesus
One thing that is very clear from the Gospels, the New Testament and throughout history, is that knowledge and acceptance of Jesus is the ultimate life changing experience. Jesus even told us that He came we might “have life, and have it to the full” (John10:10).
To gain this abundant life we have to first recognise our sinfulness and our separation from God. We have to come to God seeking forgiveness for the things that we have done, said and thought – things that have separated us from Him.
We then need to make the decision to become fully committed followers of Jesus who live in such a way that it is evident that He is our Lord and Saviour.
Most people find it difficult to admit to God that they have sinned. But when we come to that point, we can seek God’s forgiveness and begin to live a life that is completely transformed. Those who come to this place will tell you that they find and sense the power of God at work in their lives and are never the same again.
Imagine, a life full of hope and meaning – a life full of purpose and direction – a life characterised by a authentic relationship with Jesus. This is the life that can be yours through Jesus.