The True Identity of Jesus: Lord, Lunatic, Liar, or Legend?
Introduction
Today, we embark on a journey to explore one of the most pivotal questions in history: Who is Jesus? C.S. Lewis, in his classic work "Mere Christianity," famously presented us with four possibilities. Jesus could be a lunatic, a liar, a legend, or He is indeed Lord. Let's delve into these possibilities and discover the truth about Jesus Christ.
Point 1: Jesus as a Lunatic
Mark 3:21 (NLT): "When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. 'He’s out of his mind,' they said."
Those closest to Him initially misunderstood His mission and identity. Jesus’ own family thought He was out of His mind at one point. This reaction isn’t entirely surprising. Imagine someone in your family claiming to be the Son of God. It’s a radical claim, one that, if false, would indeed suggest lunacy.
But, the consistency, wisdom, and truth of His teachings, along with His miracles, provide strong evidence against the idea that Jesus was insane.
Even the crowds questioned Jesus' sanity - John 10:20-21 (NLT): “Some said, 'He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?' Others said, 'This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?'”
This highlights the division among the people about Jesus’ identity but points to His miraculous works as evidence against the claim of lunacy.
Imagine a man on the street proclaiming that he is Napoleon or a famous historical figure. We would naturally think he has lost touch with reality. If Jesus was not who He claimed to be, He would fit into this category.
Think of modern-day people who have claimed divinity or performed miracles without proof. They often fall into disgrace or their claims are debunked. Jesus, however, consistently demonstrated His power and authority, which silenced critics and proved His sanity and divinity.
"Either Jesus is the Son of God, or He is a madman or worse. But His being just a great teacher? He hasn’t left that open to us. He didn’t intend to." - C.S. Lewis
Charles Colson once remarked, "The real power of Christ is not seen in His followers losing their minds, but in their lives being transformed with a renewed mind."
Point 2: Jesus as a Liar
John 8:44-45 (NLT): "For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!"
Jesus contrasts His truth-telling with the devil’s lies. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently taught truth and fulfilled prophecies. His moral teachings, sacrificial love, and fulfillment of prophecy undermine the idea that He could be a liar.
John 8:58-59 (NLT): "Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!' At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple."
In declaring "I AM," Jesus unequivocally identified Himself with Yahweh, the God of Israel. If Jesus knew He was not God and made this claim, He was deliberately deceiving people, making Him a liar of the highest order.
John 14:6 (NLT): “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”
In John 14:6, Jesus makes a profound and exclusive claim about His identity and role in salvation. Let's break this down phrase by phrase to uncover its depth and significance.
1. "I am the way"
Jesus declares Himself as the singular path to God. This statement underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the only means by which humanity can approach the Father. It echoes His earlier teachings where He emphasizes that He is the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-9). In a world filled with various philosophies and religions, Jesus' claim stands out starkly. He is not a way among many; He is the only way.
2. "The truth"
Jesus embodies truth. He is the full revelation of God's truth, contrasting with the falsehoods and partial truths that permeate the world. This is not just about doctrinal truth but encompasses the ultimate reality of God’s nature and His plan for humanity.
3. "The life"
Jesus is the source of both spiritual and eternal life. This life is not merely biological existence but abundant, eternal life that begins the moment one believes in Him. This life is characterized by a relationship with God, made possible through Jesus.
4. "No one can come to the Father except through me"
This is a powerful assertion of Jesus' unique mediating role between God and humanity. It underscores that there is no alternative route to a relationship with the Father except through Jesus. This exclusivity is crucial to the Christian faith.
Matthew 26:63-64 (NLT): "Then the high priest said to him, 'I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.' Jesus replied, 'You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.'"
Here, Jesus confirms His identity under oath, which would be an outrageous lie if untrue.
Think of con artists who deceive others for personal gain. If Jesus was lying, His deception would be far worse, leading people spiritually astray and offering false hope.
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell." - C.S. Lewis
Point 3: Jesus as a Legend
2 Peter 1:16 (NLT): "For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendour with our own eyes."
The apostles vehemently denied that the accounts of Jesus were myths or legends. They insisted on their eyewitness testimony of His life, death, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (NLT): "Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died."
Paul emphasizes the numerous eyewitnesses to the resurrection, countering any idea that Jesus’ story was a legend.
Legends often develop over centuries, embellishing the truth with myths. The Gospels were written within the lifetimes of those who knew Jesus personally, providing a solid historical foundation.
"The historicity of Christ is as axiomatic for an unbiased historian as the historicity of Julius Caesar." - F. F. Bruce
Point 4: Jesus as Lord
John 20:28-29 (NLT): "'My Lord and my God!' Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'"
Thomas, often known as “Doubting Thomas,” had the opportunity to physically touch Jesus after His resurrection. His proclamation, “My Lord and my God,” is a clear declaration of Jesus’ divine nature. This acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord signifies the recognition of His authority and divinity - Thomas' declaration acknowledges Jesus as both Lord and God. Jesus accepted this worship, reinforcing His divine identity and authority.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT): "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
This passage affirms the universal recognition of Jesus’ lordship.
Consider the transformation of the disciples from fearful followers to bold proclaimers of Jesus’ resurrection. This radical change underscores their belief in Jesus as Lord.
Consider the story of the apostle Paul. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him. Paul’s radical transformation and his subsequent declaration of Jesus as Lord testify to the life-changing power of recognizing Jesus’ true identity.
"Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or He is Lord. You have to make a choice. But the evidence is so strong, so compelling, that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be." - Charles Colson
Application:
As we reflect on these possibilities, we must confront the reality of who Jesus is.
Billy Graham: "Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or He was who He said He was. You must decide."
If He is a lunatic, liar, or legend, then He is unworthy of our devotion.
But if He is Lord, then He deserves our entire lives.
C.S. Lewis: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice."
Understanding Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life should compel us to live differently. It means committing ourselves wholly to Him, knowing that our access to God is through Christ alone. We must share this truth with others, recognising that many seek God but do not know the way.
Consider your own relationship with Jesus. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour?
Are you living a life that reflects His lordship?
Call to Action:
Reflect on your own life and consider if you are truly living in the way, the truth, and the life that Jesus offers. Commit to deeper discipleship and to sharing His message with those around you.
Today, I urge you to reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. If you have never made that commitment, now is the time. Trust in Him, follow His teachings, and let His truth transform your life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus is not a lunatic, liar, or legend. He is the risen Lord.
By anchoring ourselves in the truth of Jesus’ identity, we can navigate life with confidence and purpose, knowing that He is the way to eternal life with the Father.
Let us live our lives in a way that honours Him, sharing His love and truth with the world.
May we all grow in our relationship with Jesus, continually transformed by His truth. Amen.
