Session 8: Who Was Jesus - Really?

Welcome back, everyone. Today we've reached probably the most important question in this entire series: Who was Jesus—really? Almost everyone has heard of Jesus, but for a moment, forget churches, denominations, religious arguments, and even Christians you've met who may not have represented Him very well. Let's focus on the person Himself. Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Jesus was a real historical person who lived about 2,000 years ago. But knowing He existed doesn't tell us who He really was, and that's where things get interesting.

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Jesus taught about love, forgiveness, mercy, humility, and the Kingdom of God, but He wasn't simply telling people how to become better human beings. Jesus made extraordinary claims about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” — John 14:6. Think about that. He didn't simply say, “I'll show you a way.” He said, “I am the way.” He forgave sins, spoke with the authority of God, performed miracles, and claimed a unique relationship with God the Father. That's why it's difficult to reduce Jesus to simply a nice teacher who told everyone to love each other.

Then something happened that should have ended the entire movement. Jesus was arrested, beaten, crucified, and killed. His followers scattered, and their leader was dead. Normally, that should have been the end of the story. But instead, Christianity began spreading throughout the ancient world. Why? Because Jesus' followers began making an incredible claim: Jesus had risen from the dead. They said they had seen Him alive, and that belief became the center of Christianity.

Christianity ultimately stands or falls on Jesus. It's not primarily about rules or belonging to a church. At its center is a person and one enormous question. Jesus actually asked His followers, “Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15. And eventually, that's the question every one of us has to answer. Not who your parents say Jesus is, not what someone online says, and not even what I'm telling you. Who do YOU say Jesus is?

So here's your challenge today. Read a chapter from one of the Gospels and pay attention only to Jesus. What does He say? What does He do? How does He treat people? And what does He claim about Himself? Then say one simple prayer: “Jesus, if You really are who You say You are, help me know You.” Because if Jesus was simply another teacher, we can learn from Him and move on. But if Jesus really is who He claimed to be, He may be the most important person you will ever discover. Next time, we're going to make this much more personal and ask: Why would Jesus care about me?