How to See Life in 321 - a Guide to John's GospelSample

What views of Jesus have you encountered in life?

The question of Jesus’ identity is perhaps the most contested issue in history! And the debates have not only been theological. They have had huge ramifications politically and socially. The two largest religions on earth (accounting for about half the world’s population) fall on either side of the question: Who is Jesus? Christians say he’s the Son of God. Muslims say he’s a Prophet of Allah. But that divide is just one of countless divides in the world. The question of Jesus actually brings conflict. And you can understand why.

Showing up in the middle of history, we have a man who claims to be the deepest reality. He says he has come from above, he was there in the beginning, and he will wrap it all up at the end. Ordinarily, we dismiss such people as madmen or liars. That was how CS Lewis, author of the Narnia books, put it. Because of his extraordinary claims to divinity, we’re forced to think one of three things:

Perhaps he’s lying to himself, in which case he’s completely deluded. If I claimed to be the Son of God, you would not think “Interesting teaching”, you’d think “Psychotic episode!” Or, you’d think…

Perhaps he’s lying to the world, in which case he’s a charlatan. If I knew I wasn’t the Son of God but wanted the world to think I was, then I’m a cult leader and once again, you should not listen to me. But…

Perhaps he’s telling the truth, which is the only option left. If he’s not lying to himself or to others, then he’s right — he is the Son of God. And that’s the option that Christians go for.

From my point of view, it’s the only credible option, actually. I just can’t think of Jesus as deluded — the rest of his teaching has shaped civilisations. I can’t think of him as a charlatan — the rest of his life pulsates with self-giving love. But then I’m left with thinking he’s telling the truth. He is the Son of God.

Now, this exercise is not about twisting your arm with logic until you yelp, Fine, I give in, he’s the Son of God. I happen to think it’s the greatest news in the world that Jesus is what God is in life. As you read John 7 and see people wrestle with the question of Jesus’ identity, ask yourself: Whose assessment of Jesus makes the best sense of Jesus? And Whose assessment of Jesus makes the best sense of life?