The True Identity Of Jesus: Lord, Lunatic, Liar, Or Legend? Series

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.