SINCE THE
NONNA’S kNOWledge
ONE PERSON HAS
Who is Jesus, Really?
HAD THIS MUCH
BEGINNING OF TIME, NOT
INFLUENCE ON B Y C A R O LY N J O Y
H
ow would you describe Jesus? Not physically–as in, with brown hair and dark skin–but WHO is Jesus? What has Jesus done, and what is He going to do? Time Magazine1 names Jesus as the most significant figure in history. In their article entitled, “Who’s Biggest? The 100 Most Significant Figures in History”, Jesus tops the list, followed by Napoleon, Muhammed, and William Shakespeare. In Matthew 16:13-16, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (ESV). The Bible describes Jesus as the Son of God. And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 ESV). The Bible also describes Jesus as the mediator between God and man. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5 ESV). Revelation 4:8 describes Jesus as, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (ESV). From a worldview, there is no doubt or debate that Jesus walked this earth and was a real person. He was not a mythical figure from a movie or book. Everyone—even non-believers—agrees that Jesus was extremely influential.
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THE WORLD.
However, who is this man who is still discussed, and in some cultures and religions revered, over 2000 years after He walked the earth? Since the beginning of time, not one person has had this much influence on the world. Ponder this, believers and non-believers: Why, on December 25th, does the whole earth stop to celebrate Jesus’ birth? The world has named this day Christmas, an English term meaning Mass on Christ’s day. Not only do people celebrate this day, they prepare for it months in advance, shopping for presents, planning parties, and creating fabulous foods and decorations. Why? In addition, every year around springtime, the entire world celebrates, or at least is aware of, Easter, which is a remembrance of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of this same man. On Easter, many people go to church, purchase new outfits, visit family and friends, and eat lots of candy. Why? Both days are world-renowned holidays where employees get paid leave, stores close, the stock market stops, people travel, and many spend the day with family and friends. Why? From a Biblical view, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus is called the Savior. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV). He is also known as the Redeemer. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth (Job 19:25 ESV).
