In what ways can we discern truth amidst conflicting reports about Jesus today? Setting the Scene: Herod’s Confusion (Luke 9:7) “Now Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was happening, and he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had risen from the dead”. Conflicting Voices Then and Now • In Herod’s day: “John has risen,” “Elijah has appeared,” “One of the ancient prophets has come back” (Luke 9:8). • Today: “Jesus was only a teacher,” “He was a political rebel,” “He never rose from the dead,” “He is just one of many paths.” • The same question echoes: Who is the real Jesus, and how do we know? Four Anchors for Recognizing the Real Jesus 1. Scripture—our supreme, trustworthy standard • “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Jesus affirmed every jot and tittle (Matthew 5:17-18). 2. Eyewitness testimony of the apostles • “We did not follow cleverly devised myths…we were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). • Their accounts agree, are historically rooted, and were sealed with their blood. 3. The fruit test • “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20). • True teaching produces repentance, love, holiness; counterfeits produce confusion and sin. 4. The Spirit’s inner witness • “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • The Spirit never contradicts the written Word He inspired. Practical Steps for Today • Immerse yourself daily in the Gospels—start with Luke; read slowly, ask what the text plainly says. • Compare every claim about Jesus with the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). • Trace prophecies fulfilled in Christ (e.g., Isaiah 53; Psalm 22) to see the divine blueprint. • Listen to teachers who open the Bible verse-by-verse; note whether their lives reflect Titus 2:7-8 integrity. • Guard against “new revelations” that add to or subtract from Scripture (Galatians 1:8; Revelation 22:18-19). • Join a fellowship that confesses Jesus as Lord, risen bodily from the dead (Romans 10:9), and practices mutual accountability. • Pray for discernment; the Father delights to reveal the Son (Matthew 16:17). Promises for the Truth-Seeker • “If you remain in My word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). • “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). • “The sacred Scriptures…are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Hold to these anchors, and the noise of conflicting reports fades; the clear, living portrait of Jesus in Scripture stands unshaken. |
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