An engaging Christian song writer asks; “Which Jesus Do You Serve?” This question has roots going back over two thousand years when Jesus Himself asked the question of His disciples while on a field trip in the region of Caesarea Philippi..
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:13-15
Caesarea Philippi, which may have resembled a modern day food court of diverse spiritual cuisine, was only a preview of what the religious world would look like today. Of course, there has always existed a potpourri of religious choices in the world, and there is no shortage of religions to ponder over today. In our world of ever increasing choices, we not only find ourselves with an ever growing number of spiritual ideals to choose from, but an even greater number of choices to make once we’ve made a choice. Have you ever found yourself in your car ordering a hamburger from a device strategically located, or should I say isolated far from a friendly face who could explain, without constant interruption, all of the many choices we must make before our hamburger order can be accepted? Would it not be nice if we could just simply order a non-denominational hamburger?
The disciples were unclear just who their Rabbi was, until Simon Peter chimed in with the correct answer, which was supernaturally given to him from Father God Himself! I sometimes wonder if the answer was there for all of the disciples to claim, but possibly they were inclined to remain silent for fear of rejection or ridicule! That is of course until Peter, a master of speaking up, correctly identified Jesus as the Christ! The Son of the Living God! Man! How I wish I could have been a fly on the wall at that incredible event!
Down through the centuries, mankind has struggled with the question of who Jesus was/is, and why should those who are searching for spiritual peace choose Him. Clearly there are religions enough to go around, so how does one have peace within himself, let alone to be at peace with the universe? How does anyone know that they’ve made the right choice? Or does every choice lead to the same place, a sort of funneling of belief systems that all empty out into a place where everyone’s idea of “Heaven” can be experienced and eternally enjoyed? If this is the case, how do we reconcile the conflict that exists among world religions? How does mankind deal with the obvious conflict that exists regarding every religion’s view of Jesus? How could Jesus be a great moral teacher, a great man, or a prophet if His own words fly in the face of those who claim Him as only a figure, albeit a necessary figure in any given religion? Is the solution to this white elephant to close our eyes to the fact that He is even there? Or have our eyes been irrevocably opened to the reality that Jesus is there and that He will not go away!
In a world that has wholeheartedly embraced relativism, truth does not matter. However, Jesus, the great moral teacher, the great man, the prophet, the one who must be recognized on some level as a necessary figure found in various world religions, as one who just won’t go away! How is it then that Jesus makes claims that shake other religious groups at the very foundation of their belief? Statements like…
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ, see Revelation 19:13), and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7
For me, it is not difficult to conclude that Jesus is exactly who He says He is. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!
God speaks to me through pain as well as pleasure. He speaks out loudly, in a rather quite voice! In my pain He teaches me of His immeasurable love! In pleasure He delights with me, just as He delights in me! While I do not always understand His ways, He knows mine! To know God’s love in my pain, is to say that I have discovered the very heart of God. I can feel the presence of His heart, although I do not deserve such a blessing as this!
