How can we discern true identity of Jesus in today's world? Setting the Scene “‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’” (Matthew 16:14) Many voices in first-century Israel offered opinions about Jesus, just as many voices speak today. Scripture presents Him clearly, and its accuracy invites confident trust. False Labels Then—and Now • John the Baptist: a moral reformer only • Elijah: a miracle-worker or political deliverer • Jeremiah: a sorrowful social critic • One of the prophets: a generic spiritual teacher Contemporary culture echoes these ideas, calling Jesus merely an activist, healer, philosopher, or inspirational myth. None match the literal record of His person and work. Scripture’s Clear Witness • Matthew 16:16—“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” • John 1:1—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” • Colossians 1:19—“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.” • Hebrews 13:8—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” These verses affirm His deity, messiahship, and unchanging nature. They form the unshakable foundation for discerning His identity. Four Daily Practices for Discernment 1. Immerse in the Gospels • Read them repeatedly, noting every claim Jesus makes about Himself. • Observe fulfilled prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 53; Psalm 22) that He embodies. 2. Compare every modern description with the whole counsel of Scripture • Acts 17:11 commends Bereans for examining “the Scriptures daily”. • Accept nothing that contradicts the plain text. 3. Embrace the testimony of the Holy Spirit • John 15:26—“He will testify about Me.” • The Spirit never speaks contrary to the written Word He inspired. 4. Look for the fruit that aligns with His character • Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit produced when He is rightly known. • Claims about Jesus that encourage sin or diminish holiness expose counterfeits. Guardrails Against Today’s Distortions • Historical-critical skepticism—answered by the resurrection’s eyewitness evidence (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). • Pluralistic reduction—countered by Jesus’ exclusive claim in John 14:6. • Therapeutic rebranding—challenged by His call to repentance in Luke 13:3. Living in the Light of His True Identity • Worship Him as Lord, not merely admire Him as example. • Obey His commands, trusting His authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18-20). • Proclaim Him boldly, confident that the gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Holding fast to the literal, inspired Scriptures keeps His identity clear, unaltered, and gloriously compelling in every generation. |
    |