Jesus
Who is Jesus?
Almost everyone agrees He lived. The question is who He was.
A real man in history
Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee, crucified in Jerusalem around AD 30. Christian, Jewish and Roman writers all mention Him.
- He forgave sinsHis critics asked, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7)
- He said "I AM"God's own name, used of Himself (John 8:58). His listeners picked up stones.
- He accepted worshipThomas called Him "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
- He predicted His deathAnd said He would rise after three days (Mark 8:31).
What He claimed
Jesus didn't speak like a teacher pointing to God. He spoke as if He were God.
- LiarHe knew His claims were false.
- LunaticHe believed them, and was wrong.
- LordHe is who He said.
Three options
C.S. Lewis pointed out in Mere Christianity (1952) that a man who said these things would not be a good moral teacher if they were false. His life and teaching don't look like a liar's or a madman's.
From twelve to billions
His movement started with a handful of frightened followers. Today about one in three people on earth call themselves Christians.
Jesus didn't leave the option of calling Him only a good teacher. Either He is Lord, or He can't be trusted at all.
Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.