IN SEARCH OF THE REAL JESUS

Supposing you never heard of Jesus and you found a New Testament. 
Suppose you read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for the first time. 

• What would you think of Jesus?

• What kind of person do you think you discover?

He spent three years preaching in Israel. Everywhere he went, his words had a dramatic impact, winning love and trust from some and provoking murderous hatred from religious leaders.

He spoke words of wisdom which are admired by people of all faiths.

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 

• For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV) 

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you... Matthew 7:12 (NIV)  

Jesus did not put great value on religious hierarchies, status or position. 

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 

And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Mt 23:8-9 (NIV)

He Himself was the most powerful preacher in his generation but he never sought a position for himself.

Jesus saw that they were ready to take him by force and make him their king, 

so he went higher into the mountains alone. John 6:15 (TLB) 

Jesus taught and practised humility and modesty.

(Jesus) called a little child and had him stand among them.

• And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

• Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV)

The life of Jesus also demonstrated humility.

• He was born in a stable surrounded by farm animals. 

• He worked as a village carpenter until he was 30.

• He preached in public places and on hillsides and he was never ordained by the religious authorities.

• He provoked persecution by religious leaders because he was openly friendly with social outcasts, corrupt tax collectors and women of bad reputation.

WHAT DID THIS HUMBLE PREACHER SAY ABOUT HIMSELF?

Now the story becomes really strange.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

• for I am gentle and humble in heart, 
• and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) 

• Jesus is a humble man who says he is humble. This is strange.

• Jesus is also a humble man who claims to be able to give peace to everyone who trusts him. This is really a bold claim.

What else did Jesus say?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV) 

• He claims to be divine. He claims that no one can come to God except through him.

How can a man be humble and say he is humble?How can a man be humble and say he is divine?

Then he goes further.

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. John 5:21 (NIV) 

• He claims to be the Son of God who has unlimited power to give life to human beings. 

Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, John 5:22 (NIV) 

• He says he is the divine judge of all mankind.

Later he said something which made the Jews want to kill him because he was claiming to be the eternal God.

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" John 8:58 (NIV)

• Either Jesus was a madman, a fraud or else he was who he said he was, GOD.

• He cannot be just a great teacher.

Knowing God for Yourself.. No Second Hand Faith

In the Old Testament, God led His people by giving directions to prophets, priests and kings.
God often spoke in direct supernatural ways to these ordained leaders, and the people were expected to follow these directions.

When Jesus released the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, everything changed.

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 NIV

Christianity is either supernatural or it's nothing. We are called to be fruitful and multiply.

There is a Christianity that does not welcome supernatural revelations, healings and the active presence of God doing surprising stuff.

The Reformation achieved some good things in its time. Salvation through faith in Jesus was preached. The Bible was translated and restored to the people.

But the Reformation was very incomplete. God is the god of miracles. 

Faith in a God who only did miracles 2000 years ago will not impact the world today.

When Christianity is truly alive and healthy, every believer hears the voice of God and every believer follows Jesus directly and personally.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; Jn 10:27 NASB95

In the Old Testament, the people of God only heard the voice of God indirectly, through the Bible and the words of the prophets who spoke for God. We still read the Bible and it is God speaking through His perfect revealed word.

But how do you know what God is saying to you now?

The Bible says different things to different people in different passages. Is God telling you to rest in His love or to radically change your life?

•     Is God telling you to hide His truth in your heart, or to tell everyone what you believe?

•     Is God telling you to marry or to stay single?

•     Is God telling you to preach in Africa or stay at home?

•     Is God telling you to work in a job or to be a missionary who trusts Him to provide?

Bible reading alone will not answer these questions. Many people resolve this difficulty by putting themselves under the direction of a priest, pastor or spiritual adviser. This is putting a man in the place of God. 

It is Old Testament thinking, but it is common in the church. It is like the old-fashioned Roman Catholic system, where the priests told the believers what the Bible says and what they should do. I hope you don't think I am against Catholics. Many Catholics love Jesus and listen to the Holy Spirit.

What is God saying to you now?

There is nothing wrong with seeking wise counsel and teaching but this must not be a substitute for growing up in faith yourself. A Christian who is spiritually healthy is able to receive direct personal communication from God Himself.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NASB95

‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Rev 3:20 NASB95

In the New Testament, every believer is invited to hear the voice of God and to share with others what he hears.   

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 NIV

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor 14:1 NASB95