“Who is Jesus?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in human history. The name Jesus has inspired more books, songs, and works of art than any other person throughout history. This question goes beyond mere curiosity; it has profound implications for our lives and eternity. Many people refer to Jesus Christ as a great moral teacher or a good person whose life serves as an example for others. While these statements hold some truth, Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the unique Son of God, the Messiah, fully God and man, the Savior of the world, who came to take away the sins of the world and was raised from the dead.
To truly understand who Jesus is, we must first recognize the context of His existence, which begins with God’s creation of the world and humanity.
God’s Creation
In the beginning, God the Father created the heavens and the earth, including humanity. The Bible tells us that we were made in God’s image, designed to live in a loving relationship with Him.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
The Problem: Our Rebellion
However, we have all turned away from God; we do not give Him the honor He deserves and often choose to live life on our own terms. The Word of God describes this as sin. Our sin separates us from our Creator and distorts the perfect world He made.
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way” (Isaiah 53:6)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
The Consequences of Sin
Sin cannot be removed by good deeds. Our rebellion against God leads to brokenness in our lives and in our relationships with others. This brokenness results in suffering and ultimately brings about death, a painful reality that entered the world because of humanity’s rebellion.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
God’s Solution: Jesus Christ
To demonstrate His love, God provided a way for reconciliation. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. The birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament and marked the beginning of His mission as the Christ —the one chosen by God to save humanity from sin. Throughout His life, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God and called people to turn away from their sins. As the historical Jesus, He lived a perfect and sinless life, fulfilling all that was required by God’s law.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
The Sacrifice of Jesus
The most extraordinary moment in history occurred when Jesus willingly gave Himself up to die on the cross for our sins. This act, known as the crucifixion of Jesus, represents the ultimate sacrifice, where Jesus, the Son of God, took upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our rebellion against God. His death demonstrates God’s love and fulfills the prophecies regarding the Messiah who bears the sins of many.
Through His crucifixion, Jesus provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. By taking our place and suffering for our transgressions, He made it possible for us to receive forgiveness and new life. This sacrifice is central to the Christian faith, highlighting the depth of God’s grace and mercy towards us.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
The Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day after Jesus’ death, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. His resurrection is proof that He is indeed the Son of God and offers hope for eternal life to all who place their faith in Him.
Additionally, before His ascension into heaven, Jesus promised that He would return one day. This promise gives believers hope and expectation for the future when He will come back to fulfill God’s plan for humanity and establish His kingdom of God. The ministry of Jesus on earth was focused on revealing this kingdom and inviting people into a relationship with God.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
“He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” (Luke 24:46)
Our Response: The Importance of Who Jesus Is
Now, each of us faces a choice regarding who Jesus Christ is for our lives:
- Rejecting Him: We can continue in our rebellion against God, living life on our own terms. This path leads to ultimate separation from Him.
- Accepting Him: Alternatively, we can choose to follow Jesus. By acknowledging our sin and placing our faith in Jesus Christ acknowledging Him as our Savior and King, we can receive forgiveness and new life.
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18)
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
The Invitation
God invites us into a relationship with Jesus. If you desire to turn back to God and start living according to His ways, you can do so by:
- Talking to God: Pray and confess your need for His forgiveness. You might say:
‘Dear God, I know I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for me and for raising Him from the dead to give me new life. I invite Him into my life as my Savior and Lord. Amen.‘ - Submitting to Jesus: Decide to live under the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. Jesus will give you the Holy Spirit to help you live according to Him.
- Trusting in Him: Rely on Jesus’ sacrifice as the basis for your forgiveness and new life.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”” (John 11:25-26)
Consider Jesus
Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure; He is the King of Kings who invites you into a transformative relationship with Him. The question remains: Who do you say that Jesus is? Your response to Him will determine your path forward. We encourage you to explore this further—read the Gospels, which contain eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus, engage with a community of believers, or reach out for support.
By making this decision, you can experience the joy of a transformed life with Jesus at its center.
