“Is there a REAL Jesus?”

Lent Morning Meditation

“Everyone just needs to believe in the real Jesus.”

Have you ever heard that before?

So what does that mean, the “real” Jesus? Who’s definition of Real are we using?

Nine out of ten Americans (not Christians, Americans) believe in the “real person” of Jesus. The fact that a guy named Jesus of Nazareth walked around on the earth some two thousand plus years ago.

Six out of ten say they have made some personal commitment to Jesus at some point throughout their lives.

“Jesus” may be one of the most recognized names on the planet. But, with recognition comes understanding, misunderstanding, and questions.

Is it ok to have questions about Jesus?

It depends on who you ask.

If it is the “good Christian” question of, “How can I know more about Jesus?” then the masses would tell you, “YES! Ask away! Anything you want to know, we are here to tell you!”

But what if the questions are different? What if they are questions from individuals who don’t buy the whole “virgin birth” thing?

Or, even yet, “You want me to believe that a physical body popped up out of a grave and was never seen in its ‘dead state’ again?”

“He (being Jesus) never did anything wrong? He never had a bad thought or emotion? He was ‘sinless?’”

When the questions begin with skeptical thoughts, many Christians have their hair stand on end.

“Who are we to question God/Jesus?”

A short time after the Romans killed Jesus, a man by the name of Saul (who later became Paul) was persecuting the early followers of The Way (the name of the followers of Jesus). He was traveling to Damascus when a light from heaven struck him to the ground. As that happened, he heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?”

Because Paul was a Jew and knew the voice of God, he replied, “Who are you, Lord?”

The voice replied, “I am Jesus. Who are you persecuting?” (You can read more about this in Acts 9:3-5).

Because of that interaction, Saul became a believer in just a split second. He developed a personal relationship with Jesus.

Isn’t it interesting? Saul/Paul never had to say the “Sinner’s Prayer.” He had no clue what the Apostle’s Creed was. Instead, he developed a relationship – a natural, organic, ongoing relationship with Jesus at that very moment. (The dead and resurrected Jesus).

This relationship started with the question, “Who are you?”

When we ask someone, “Who are you?” we open the door to developing a genuine relationship. We open doors for partnership, friendship, and maybe, just maybe . . . love.

There is a difference between knowing the “right” creedal definitions of Jesus and knowing Jesus. I hope you’ll journey with me on asking the question,

“Who are you, Jesus?”

And it is then finding the answers. Your answers. In those answers, you will find true life.