Who is Jesus?

We know he lived, he died, he bled, he got angry, he was a teacher, he cried, he probably laughed, he got sad, he ate, he prayed, he was a son to an earthly mother and father, he was a brother to earthly brothers and sisters.

In my early life he was someone whom I was afraid of because my parents told me that if I wasn’t a good boy He would get mad at me and not love me anymore. Even though he would get mad at me…..still I thought who was this Jesus person?

As I became older He was again someone who was distant from me….the concept of a Savior just wasn’t in my thinking. I use to tell people I believe in Abraham Lincoln because I’ve seen pictures of him, I’ve seen pictures of Douglas Macarthur too so I know he’s real….show me a “real” picture of Jesus and I will believe in him too.

In my adult years after getting married and having children Jesus and God were there in the back of my mind. Oh I believed, but I was not a partaker of religion….I was generally a two time a year church goers…..Christmas and Easter.

For 25 years or so I wander aimlessly in the world. I was an angry, unhappy, sad, lonely man who was bound for hell. I didn’t care about anyone outside my family. If you didn’t think and believe the way I did then get out of my face!!!

I didn’t want anyone in my life that was different from me. My circle of friends consistent of two other families…..but they were just like me and I trusted them.

At age 47 God found me….he found me and slapped me around real good….God and I had a come to Jesus meeting. That was my beginning of asking “Who is Jesus”.

Many people know who Jesus is, but so many don't really know Him. It's like when a person has a favorite actor: you may worship the ground he walks on, you may be his biggest fan but you don't have the kind of relationship with him that would allow you to walk up to his front door and be invited inside. Why? Because he doesn't know you and you don't know Him! In the same way Jesus has many fans, people around the world celebrate His birthday once a year, many regularly visit buildings that have been erected in His honor, they tell stories about Him, some may even pray to Him when they get in trouble but they don't have a relationship with Him - they simply don't know Him.

God has made a way for you to know Him. He has made a way for you to have fellowship with Him and through Jesus His Son. The fact is that two-thousand years ago Jesus came to pay the price for your sin. Think about it: How many sins had you committed two-thousand years ago when Jesus died? None. And yet God placed all of your sins on Jesus at the cross. Every sin you would ever commit, every curse word, every lustful thought, every dirty joke, every time you became angry or walked in anything less than perfect love Jesus came and paid the price for these and every other kind of sin.
Who is Jesus - Eastern and other religions?

Hindu beliefs in Jesus vary from those who consider him to have been just a normal man, or even purely a fable, to those who believe that he was an avatar of God. A large number of Hindus consider Jesus to have been a wise guru or yogi, some even suggesting that he spent his "lost years" learning various Hindu beliefs in India. The Hindutva historian P.N. Oak has even claimed that Jesus was in fact Krishna, and that Christianity originated as a form of his worship. Many in the Surat Shabd Yoga tradition regard Jesus as a Satguru. Mahatma Gandhi considered Jesus one of his main teachers and inspirations for Nonviolent Resistance. He loved that thought of Christ, it was Christians he didn’t like.

Although Buddhism in general attributes no spiritual significance to Jesus, some Buddhists believe that Jesus may have been a Bodhisattva, one who has dedicated his or her future to the happiness of all beings. Some Buddhists also interpret Jesus through Zen Buddhism, sometimes basing their perspective on the Gospel of Thomas as piece of apocrypha.

The Bahá'í Faith considers Jesus to be one of many "Manifestations" (or prophets) of God, with both human and divine stations.

The Ebionites as sect of Jews who believed that Jesus was a great prophet and the Messiah, but not divine. They rejected the Epistles of Paul, and asserted that Jesus did not consider the Biblical laws to be void, but instead wanted followers to abide by them, except for animal sacrifices, for which they believe he proclaimed an end. The Ebionites claimed the leadership of Saint James the Just, often referred to as the brother of Jesus, but no historical connection between James and the sect has been proven.

The New Age movement entertains a wide variety of views on Jesus, with some representatives (such as A Course in Miracles) going so far as to trance-channel him. Many recognize him as a "great teacher" (or "Ascended Master") similar to Buddha, and teach that Christhood is something that all may attain. At the same time, many New Age teachings, such as reincarnation, appear to reflect a certain discomfort with traditional Christianity. Numerous New Age subgroups claim Jesus as a supporter, often incorporating contrasts with or protests against the Christian mainstream. Thus, for example, Theosophy and its offshoots have Jesus studying esotericism in the Himalayas or Egypt during his "lost years".

Many Humanists, Atheists and Agnostics, while rejecting the concept of God, and therefore of the divinity of Christ, nevertheless respect and admire the humanity of Christ's teachings and have empathy with the moral principles articulated in (for example) the Sermon on the mount.

Muslims believe that he was a Prophet. They say that he was a great and holy man and a great teacher of God. Mormons believe that Jesus is just another created being. He was created by God up in Heaven before God sent him down to Earth. He is the brother of Satan. Jehovah Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ was Michael the Archangel in the flesh. He is not God in the flesh. Bible believing Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the unique Son of God and God in the flesh. They say that He died on the Cross for their sins as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. They believe that He rose again from the grave on the third day and is their Savior.

I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that all religions except for Christianity are wrong. I know, that sounds intolerant, insensitive, arrogant, and politically incorrect. But it's the truth. Jesus Christ was and still is the Son of God. He was God in the flesh. He is part of the Trinity, which is One God in Three Persons. Trinity, one of the most misunderstood doctrines of all time. If Jesus wasn't God in the flesh, if He wasn't perfect and holy as He claimed, then we are ALL still in BIG TROUBLE. The Message of Christianity, of the Bible, says that you must turn from your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. It really is that simple. You may say, "So, you're telling me that I'm going to go to Hell if I don't believe in Jesus?!" That is kind of what I am saying. And YES, Hell IS a place of eternal fire and torment where people will spend ALL eternity. It is not a place of the dead. It is not a place of soul sleep. And it is not a place where the wicked will ultimately be destroyed someday. It is a place of eternal, conscious punishment forever. But not believing in Jesus is only the secondary reason why you'll go to Hell.

In the Book of Mark, the apostle Mark really stresses the importance of Jesus’ identity at least 7 times. In this message today I am going to point out four of them: For example:
When Jesus was in Capernaum on the Sabbath in a synagogue and man became possessed by an evil spirit and Jesus commanded that the evil spirit leave the man; the evil spirit left the man with a shriek. Then in Chapter 1 verse 27 it says: The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." These people were wondering who is this Jesus”?

In chapter 2 verse 7 Jesus is again in Capernaum and a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus through the roof. Because of their faith Jesus healed the man by saying “Son, your sins are forgiven”.
There were some teachers of the law and they were thinking to themselves: “Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew their thoughts….but these teachers were wondering who is this Jesus.

A third instance of Mark’s versus concerning Jesus’ identity takes place on the way to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. In Mark 8:27-29. This is the time when Peter makes his confession of Christ.
Jesus asked: "Who do people say I am?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "You are the Christ.

In the chapter the apostles finally understand Jesus’ identity, but they are sworn to secrecy.
he final time Mark writes about “Who is Jesus” takes place in Chapter 14:61 where Jesus is before the Sanhedrin and was being questioned, but Jesus refused to answer the high priest. The high priest Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
“I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"

This is amazing. How dull the priests were. Here Jesus tells them exactly who He is and they fail miserably in understanding that God was there in their presence.
As believers in Christ we know who Jesus is. Jesus is fully man, fully God. He loves us…..enough to die for us and redeem us. Who is Jesus? He paid the price for our sins.
There might be some of you thinking “why should we care if Jesus returns.”
There is a profound and sobering truth, and yet our world largely ignores or scorns it. Tragically, many Christians even overlook it or pay it little heed. Preoccupied with the incessant demands of daily living, they seldom think about the angels’ promise after Jesus’ ascension: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Instead of relegating Christ’s return to a forgotten corner of our minds and only dusting it off occasionally when we happen to think of it, the Bible urges us to keep its truth before us every day. Let Jesus’ command burn itself deeply into your mind and soul: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).

This has been the hope of Christians throughout the ages—especially during times of persecution or stress. As Christians in the first century faced the brutal oppression of pagan Rome, the Apostle John fervently prayed, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). In the midst of the plagues and conflicts of the Middle Ages, Christians cried out repeatedly for Christ’s return just as we cry out today.
And there is only one name under Heaven given among men by which we can be saved: His name is Jesus. Jesus said, "I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE and NO MAN can come to the Father BUT BY ME." It's true and if you don't believe it then you are calling Jesus a liar.

Muhammad can't save you, Buddha can't save you, Gandhi can't save you, Mormonism can't save you, Jehovah False-Witness’s can't save you, Hinduism can't save you and Un-Christian Scientology can't save you. The only one who can save you is JESUS CHRIST. You see, every other religion is a works-based religion. And as we have already established, your "good works" can't save you. No matter how many good works you do, they won't make up for the times you have broken God's Law. Imagine there was a man who committed murder here on Earth and didn't get caught until ten years later. During those ten years that he hadn’t been caught yet, he did all kinds of good things and made a change for the better. Should he escape punishment for the murder he committed because of his good works and change in life? Of course not! He needs to be punished for his crimes. The good deeds that he has done will not help him escape the punishment he deserves. And we are no different. If you are honest with yourself, you will be willing to admit that you have broken God's Law many times (just like me).

If you are like me, you have probably broken God's Law more times than you can count! And because we have broken His Law, we deserve to be punished by Him. But because of God's Great Love for us, He sent Jesus. God's Law requires that either we be punished for our sins or a perfect, sinless person shed His Blood instead. Jesus is the only one who has or ever will qualify for that! Jesus shed His blood on the Cross for you and me. Jesus did his part by shedding His perfect blood. Your part is to Repent of your sins and Trust in Him. BUT, you MUST Trust in the right Jesus! Otherwise you haven't Truly Repented! Are you trusting in the Jesus of the Bible? If not, then you are still in your sins! You are STILL GUILTY of IDOLATRY! Repent of ALL your sins and Trust in the RIGHT Jesus today and God will save you. He will grant you eternal life, not because you earned it, deserve it or because you are a good person, but because He wants to give you eternal life as a free gift. The Bible says that God will make you Born Again. He will give you a New Heart and New Desires. Do it today!

When we replace the word "sheep" for Christian, we see a true love story of the Tender Shepherd and His sheep... Just as sheep need constant care and watching, our Shepherd is forever with us. Just as sheep are easily spooked and run away, we also do the same thing when confronted with a problem or dilemma. Just as sheep will hear their shepherd's voice and come back to him, we hear our Shepherd's voice and return to be ministered to and loved. When we are hurt too badly to come to the shepherd, the Shepherd comes to us and carries us back in the safety of His arms.

Through the interesting and unique working of our minds, we often find ourselves in places we cannot easily get out of, so the Shepherd finds us and rescues us and brings us back to the fold. Just as sheep take for granted the care and concern their shepherd has for them, we too take for granted that Christ is forever within our sight and has only our best interests at heart. The Shepherd feeds and waters us through His Word. Even while we are busy or asleep - the Tender Shepherd is forever standing watch over us to keep us safe and be within reach should we call to Him. When the enemy comes as a roaring lion or a bear ready to devour us - it is the Shepherd who came to our defense and has laid down His life for His sheep and that loving Shepherd will return for us.

In 1 John 5:11-13 we are told that if we have the son in our life we can KNOW that we have eternal life. Jesus is the only way for us to live an abundant life here on earth, or receive eternal life in fellowship with God. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins so that we could be sinless in the eyes of God. If we do not receive the free gift of eternal life by experiencing the forgiveness achieved by Jesus, then we will receive the punishment we so justly deserve. Jesus must become the Lord of our lives. Imagine your life as an automobile—Jesus must be behind the wheel of your life. If you have not repented and if he has not forgiven your sins, been invited into your life and involved in a personal relationship with you, there is little purpose in your life. You can change your life at this very moment. Admit your sin, repent of it before God. Believe in the atonement of Jesus on the cross and receive the gift of eternal life which Jesus died to freely give you. Invite Jesus into your life to live through you and thank him for doing so….and know who Jesus is!   

SovereignGrace.Org