Who Do You Say That I Am?

He was a “Illegitimate” child of peasants instead of child of imperial birth. Don’t think for a second that people did not know the rumors that swirled around the young couple from Nazareth. Jesus grew up having to deal with whispers and cruel looks from those who thought he was a product of a sinful situation. Everyone knew that Mary couldn’t be a virgin. How could such a kid be Israel’s King? Unless the prophesies of Isaiah that said the Messiah wold be born of a virgin were true. (Isaiah 7:14)

He was a Suffering Servant instead of a Sovereign King who would overthrow Rome. Most Jews could not handle the thought of the Messiah being massacred. But as students of the Scriptures, they should have known the prophetic words of Isaiah about the suffering Messiah. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

He was a Teacher who loved sinners instead of a rabbi who loved traditions. Jesus was so different from the other religious figures of His time. The religious leaders cared more for God’s rules than God’s heart. They were heartless rule keepers who thought their actions secured their right standing with God. Those who did not adhere to all their rules were deemed “sinners” and worthy of their judgement.

Jesus constantly broke the rules by cavorting with sinners. He ate with tax-collectors. He hung out with the riff-raff. He prayed with prostitutes. He was the strangest rabbi people had ever met. And the “sinners” loved Him. They flocked to Him. Jesus understood that lost people matter to God. The Pharisees could not believe that the Messiah would sit in the company of sinners, especially Gentiles. But didn’t they remember that Isaiah wrote the Messiah would minister to all the nations? (Isaiah 42:1)

They missed the point and many of them missed their chance. They were close, but close doesn’t count.

Once, while playing golf, I hit one of the most amazing shots I’ve ever hit. I crushed the ball off the tee and it disappeared over the hill. I walked up and peered over the rise. My ball was on the green about three feet from the hole. It’s important to understand that I am not a very good golfer. I did a little gig as my friend Karl stood beside me. He allowed me to enjoy myself and then said, “That’s an amazing shot. But that green is seventeen. We are currently playing hole one. That green is way over there.” I was so close but on a different green.

Jesus is My Home Boy?

In our culture there is great misunderstanding of who Jesus is, although according to a recent Gallup poll 82% of Americans report they are Christians. If you type the words “Jesus Christ” into Google you get fifty-five million hits! You can find everything from evangelistic sites to sites to buy Jesus dolls that quote Scripture.

Some people wear t-shirts proclaiming Jesus to be their “home boy.” Others consider Jesus little more than a first century illusionist like Chriss Angel. His name is used as a curse word often in today’s movies. Interestingly, Jesus shows up in a lot of popular music.

Kid Rock, the hip hop/rocker/bad boy, just released his new CD entitled “Rock and Roll Jesus.” Listen to these engaging lyrics: