Who Do You Say I Am?

A while back I led a small group discussion for new believers at church. It was perfect for me, since mostly our conversation was about questions. I’m good at questions, as long as I don’t have to know the answers.

I recently received an invitation to repeat the process. Looking back at some of the materials from previous sessions, one file title caught my eye: WHO IS JESUS?

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15) I imagine this question was the subject of many long, late-night discussions.

It’s really THE question, isn’t it? What’s your answer?

I suspect many folks call themselves “Christians” without ever confronting this most central issue. If you’re going to follow Jesus, at some point I think you have to decide for yourself: WHO IS JESUS?

As I read through my notes I thought about my ongoing discussion with my atheist friend. As I struggle with What Can I Say? regarding evidence and God, I realize Jesus’ identity is the core issue.

We often say the bible is God’s word. Obviously I agree, but…

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1,14)

Of course we read and study scripture, but The Word, The Truth, doesn’t exist in words. As the person of Jesus, God spoke truth into human history as something beyond mere words and ideas.

Jesus didn’t just say, “I teach the truth” or “I do the truth.” He proclaimed, “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

Want to know God’s Word? Apparently, you need to know Jesus. He’s the truth. And that’ll never make scientific sense. I can’t prove it.

I believe my finite mind understands a tiny portion of what will eventually be revealed. I don’t know how that works. I don’t need to know.